The Late Joe Nolan News of the death of Joe Nolan of The Station Road on July 23rd 2003 cast a pall of gloom over the entire county. People, close to Joe would have known that he had not enjoyed good health in recent months, yet he continued his every day life and sporting activities. In fact Joe had never come to terms with the tragic death of his son Michael some years ago, yet he continued to be the courteous sports loving person known the length and breadth of the county. In his younger days Joe played hurling with Borris-in-Ossory who were then, the leading club in the county. The highlight of his career when, alongside the Kealys, Christy O'Brien, Peter Redmond, The Kellys and Murt O'Donnell he, helped the red and white regain The O'Keefe Cup defeating Portlaoise by a single point. Later on Joe returned to The Kilcotton end of the Parish and soon became an active member of his adopted club. The rivalry between Kilcoton and Borris-in-Ossory has always been nothing less than intense but Joe always insured that it remained a sporting rivalry. From an early age Joe worked in Donaghmore creamery in the days when farmers brought milk to the creamery by ass and cart, pony and trap or the back of a tractor. Early morning callers would seek out Joe for all the GAA news. After his playing days Joe became a club official and for years was a regular umpire with Johnnie Kirwan or any other referee who sought his assistance and there were many because of his fairness and competence. As club chairman he enjoyed the highs and lows of a small but proud club. He was trilled when, after losing the Intermediate Championship Final to Camross in '83 they returned to win it a year later and added another in the early nineties at the expense of Ballinakill. Last year Joe had mixed feelings when Borris and Kilcotton met in the final. He had once worn the Borris jersey but now his loyalties lay with the Sash. At the final whistle he saw Kilcotton claim another title. He always said as long as it's played in a sporting manner it does not matter who is victorious. In recent years Joe was his clubs County Board delegate and often contributed to debates of matter of importance to the people of the hurling area as he would call them. Joe followed Laois teams through Thick and thin hurling and football. He had intended travelling to the recent Leinster Football final but on the eve of the game felt unwell and decided against it. Joe had retired last year after serving in Donaghmore, later under the Avonmore banner and more recently as Glanbia. His death caused understood grief in the entire Parish and beyond where he was held in high esteem. The attendance at his removal on Friday evening to St Canices Church and burial on Saturday morning saw the Church packed to overflowing. Joe Nolan will be sadly missed by all those priveliged to have made his aquaintance through out his all too short life. His many farming friends, his thousands of sporting friends and of course family friends. They will miss his wit and good humour and sporting knowledge, but Joe will be missed most of all by his loving wife Carmel and son Bob, grandchildren, sisters and a massive circle of friends. May the sod of Borris rest gently on the soul of one of Kilcotton's finest sons, Joe Nolan. Ar dheis de go raibh an ainm. Courtesy of the Leinster Express August 2003 Tweet

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