The late Michael Hanly On Thursday night, 8th February 2007, a cloud of sadness, sorrow and regret descended on Drumkeerin and over a very wide area as the news spread that Michael (Mick) Hanly had died in Sligo General Hospital. It was widely known for some months that Mick's health was causing concern. However, there was great desire and optimism that this very popular and most respected member of our community would overcome his illness and would soon be back among his family and community that he so loved and cherished. Alas, this was not to be. God's ways are not our ways and he called Mick to his eternal home so his family and this community were plunged into sadness and mourning. Indeed grief and sadness extended all over Ireland for Michael Hanly' simple, calm and kind and magnetic personality had touched the hearts of so many people with whom Mick encountered in his role as National President of the Teacher's Union of Ireland 1988/1989. Michael Hanly arrived in Drumkeerin in April 1966 to take up a teaching post in the Vocational School. Immediately Mick won the hearts of everyone, fellow teachers, students, the wider community. Everyone, on meeting Mick, were drawn to him by his warm, simple and friendly disposition. They felt at ease with him and he would chat with them about coping ridges, struggling a cow, mowing a field or lying sideways deep in the Argina Mines. It is not that Mick ever worked in any of those occupations, but he soon learned as all opened their hearts to him about their daily lives. Mick fell in love with Drumkeerin and in 1968 he married Bernie and brought to our community an equally loveable personality. Soon they and our community were blessed with their two sons, Michael and Shane and their daughter Sinead, their 'little treasure' who sadly died in 1999. Mick had a great way with students. They loved him. He had no favourites. When he had to discipline, he had a happy knack of doing so with a tinge of humour, which invariably had the student going away both bemused and repentive. Mick taught in Lough Allen College until he retired in 1998. From the early 1970's he was Vice Principal. He was always concerned for the welfare of students and teachers. So he became actively involved with the Teacher's Union of Ireland, desiring to fight for better working conditions and pay for teachers, and much needed improved educational facilities for students. He soon rose to the position of Chairperson of the Co. Leitrim Branch. From there he went on the National Executive. Mick was never ambitious to seek the limelight, the exalted positions. However, his warm personality, his sincerity and quiet determination won over the hearts of the general membership throughout Ireland. So he was first elected to Vice President before rising to President in 1988. It was a proud day for Mick, family, our community and Lough Allen College when on 16th May 1988 Mick was one of the principal guests in his role as President of the Teacher's Union of Ireland, when Education Minister Mary O'Rourke cut the tape to officially open the new school, Lough Allen College, Drumkeerin. Mick became involved in many community activities. His great love and passion was GAA. He will be forever remembered for his role as chairman of the Club he successfully negotiated and completed the purchasing of the grounds for the development of Paric Naomh Brid. Having been an outstanding young hurler with St Flannan's Ennis, his club Clarecastle and County Clare, Mick brought that love to Leitrim and he was for a time Chairman of the County Leitrim Hurling Board. Mick loved his adopted Drumkeerin but he never forgot his beloved homeplace Clarecastle. He followed their misfortunes and fortunes. He was a happy and proud man in Croke Park when Clare won their All-Irelands. Above all things Mick loved his very dear and loving wife Bernie and his sons Michael and Shane and his 'little treasurer' as he would say, Sinead. They were always foremost in Mick's heart. They have lost a very dear husband, father and grandfather. His brother John has lost a great brother. We in the community are sad because of our loss, but ours is but a drop in the ocean compared to the inestimable loss to Bernie, Michael, Shane, brother John, daughters in law, Sonia and Louise, granddaughter Amber Dee, his relatives, neighbours and friends and teaching colleagues to whom we extend sincere sympathy. Leaba i measc na Naomh dha anam dhilis. Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris. Courtesy of The Leitrim Observer 16 February 2007 Tweet

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