Hennessy, Mickey
July 04, 2009Staunch hurling man and stalwart of Pallasgreen GAA club
MANY people were saddened by the passing of Michael (Mickey) Hennessy of Glasha Talann, Doon and Formerly of Knocknacorriga, Cappamore and Pallasgreen who died on the longest day of the year, Sunday June 21.
Mickey passed away at the Limerick Regional Hospital following a long illness which he bore with great strength and dignity. Living in Glasha Talann Doon, Michael Hennessy was a native of Pallasgreen and a proud GAA Man. His passion for hurling saw him in great rivalry with his friends in Doon and Cappamore.
Growing up in the town- land of Ballvoneen under the hill of Knockgrean, Michael Hennessy's youth coincided with Pallasgreen's most successful years. He was influenced in his youth by his neighbour the late great Paddy O'Brien who introduced him to the GAA. Affectioately known as Mickey, he was ever-present at all Pallasgreen's training sessions from the forties right up to the seventies. This of course included Paddy Maher's legendary sessions when Mickey's flash lamp was often the only source of light. These sessions took place behind the Brook Hall and later in Dillon's Field. In the intervening years he would get involved in the club committee and in preparing the field at Godfrey Estate for its official opening in 1976. He served as vice chairman under Pat Cronin when the new dressing.
Mickey Hennessy was a familiar presence as a steward at GAA matches throughout the county rooms were built in centenary year, 1984 a feat accomplished in just three months with a joint voluntary effort by the GAA and Community Council.
He was a familiar face as a steward at gates throughout the division. His contribtion to the GAA few can equal. Mickey may have been small in stature but he had a big heart.
After marrying Cap pamore lady Elizabeth Mortell, his first residence was at Bishops house in Garranemore, Pallasgreen where ironically the famous Pallasgreen battle cry "Tog out Mrs Bishop cause there wake in the backs" originated. His employment with Limerick County Council as a roads ganger saw him carrying out his duties in a diligent manner, maintaining the byways of East Limerick and he gladly gave his time to help out members of the public.
After an accident some years back travelling to work, Mickey's health was never 100 per cent and later in years it would finally come against him, reducing his mobility. In recent years he enjoyed nothing more than to sit down with a cup of tea to watch a match on television or have a chat about Pallasgreen, Cappamore, Doon and Limerick hurling.
Mickey was well loved by everyone who knew him. He was elected by the club members to the honourable position of joint president in 1999 and was deeply proud. He main- tains that the best years for Pallasgreen were in 1958 and 1968 and Eddie Stokes was the player he admired most. An unassuming and dedicated clubman, he always kept a keen interest in the progress of the club. Although living in Glasha Talann, Doon, he was true character and one of its best loved residents, but was always quick to point out that his loyalties remained in his native Pallasgreen. With his own health failing, Mickey had to contend with Lizzie who had a major operation not so long ago. Her scare had everyone very concerned. But her fantastic and quick recovery was sending out a message that someone else needed more attention than she did, and she was back at Mickey's side iin a very short space of time. Mickey's health deteriorated over the past few months and he had frequently been in and out of hospital before succumb- ing to his illness.
His contribution to Pallasgreen GAA was not for- gotten as he was honoured on December 5 last by Cumann Na Sean-Ghael (Old Time Gaels of East Limerick) in the Millen- nium Centre, Caherconlish for his lifelong service tl| the GAA, an occasion oi| which he was immensely proud.
The large numbers who gathered for the removal and mass reflected the esteem which he was held in the community and beyond.
His funeral on a warm- summers evening was from Whites funeral home in Doon where his coffin was shouldered by members of Pallasgreen GAA Club to Doon Parish | Church. Requiem mass was celebrated by Fr Ryan, PP Doon assisted by Fr Browne, Cappamore, Fr Holloway, Pallasgreen, Fr Liam Ryan, Cappamore, Fr Byrnes,Pallasgreen and Fr Ryan, Doon. During his homily, Fr Ryan paid trib- ute to Mickey for faith and the fact that, despite his poor health, he attended mass regularly. Also he said that Mickey had two loves in his life - his wife Lizzie and Pallasgreen? GAA Club. Following requiem mass, members of Pallasgreen GAA Club escorted the hearse with a guard of honour to his final resting place in St Fintans Cemetery, Doon.
To his wife Lizzie, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, brothers in law, sis- ters in law, relatives, and many friends our sincere sympathy. May he Rest in Peace. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam
Michael Hennessy; born April 11/1941, died June 21st 2009
Gerard O'Connell.
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader Tweet
