The late Michael Lawlor Sad news from Clonaslee with the death of Michael Lawlor, former Chairman of Laois Hurling Board and a great supporter of the county. Michael served as Hurling Chairman for fifteen years - one more than the equally legendary Denis Phelan. Indeed, a one-liner doing the rounds in the hurling area at the peak of Michael's powers was that when Nelson Mandela got our of jail his first remark was "Is Michael Lawlor still chairman of Laois Hurling Board". He was a great character. He made Hurling Convention an entertaining, and thought provoking occasion. He chaired the Board at a time when the Hurling Board had real power - they were not a committee but had say in competitions and appointments. He chaired a meeting, in hurling parlance, like a wily full back. He'd scan the hall from the stage in Mountrath, and when any one set off on a solo run he could stop them in their tracks before they got in to the danger area with a simple flick. He had a great turn of phase. During the Nineties, at a Laois County Board meeting in the prefab, pre-O'Moore Park development, the clubs gathered to discuss a crisis which had just broke. As the then chairman Tom Hassett explained the situation, the club's demanded a witch hunt. Michael's interjection was succinct - "I think we have a carrier pigeon." Enough said. Michael was a firm believer in ground hurling. He dressed immaculately for all occasions, and on mid-week evenings it was no surprise to see Michael, at the end of the minor game, stroll up the middle of the field with a rain mac over his arm and announce how good the game was, and if the losers concentrated on first time hurling they would have had a better chance. Present vice-chairman Brian Allen served as Secretary of the Hurling Board with Michael Lawlor longer than anyone else. He remembered a meeting of the executive prior to convention when he proposed a restructuring of the leagues. The Chairman said it would be impossible to run, but they decided to put it before the clubs - let them decide. In those days, he had to hand-write the note, and find the only photocopier available to him in Leinster Council to send out the notice of the leagues. The leagues were well received by delegates, Michael turned to brian and said "Didn't I tell you they would go down well". Michael made sure you put his Chairman's address in the paper in a right and proper fashion - he gave me the script and rang on Monday to make sure I would get the right message out. Michael's last outing was 2006 county final, driving the car up the back of the stand and supporting his native Tinnahinch as they came so close in the final. He was a solid GAA man, a gentleman to deal with. He was never aggressive or smart. He was pleasant company, a supporter of birth hurling and football, taking particular delight in Laois minor success. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him, but the many memories he left will make sure that Michael Lawlor will always be in our thoughts. Courtesy of the Leinster Express 09 May 2007 Tweet

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