The death has taken place recently of Michael McGing, Balloor East, Balllintubber, a popular and well-known person in the community. Affectionately known as Micky, he was an integral part of the Ballintubber community. In every rural community there are people whose lives are closely intertwined with the natural world around them. Micky was one of those people. As a young man he worked in England for a period before returning to his native Ballintubber. His long and interesting life was punctuated with lots of memorable experiences. Those experiences were stored carefully in his powerful memory and were often told to captive audiences down through the years. When it came to genealogy, Mickey excelled. People looking for their ancestral roots in the locality found a great source of help when they talked to Micky. Indeed he had a wonderful sense of local history and could easily recall details of events that took place in the local community down through the years.

He was an ardent supporter of Gaelic Football both at club and county level. He enjoyed the occasions when he travelled with his neighbours to Croke Park to watch Mayo senior team play in their quest for All Ireland honours. He enjoyed his daily walks. He embraced every social occasion whether it was during a visit to Ballintubber Abbey or shopping in Corrigans Store, Ballintubber. He looked forward to attending music and dance sessions in the locality. During those sessions he loved to dance an old time waltz or sing a well known song.

Each year he looked forward to the annual day trips in the parish whether it was the Ballyglass day trip, the Killawalla tour or the Ballintubber prioneers outing. Micky was blessed to be living in such a caring community where everyone was so good to him. His neighbours and friends frequently called in to visit him and took him wherever he wanted to go.
When he returned home after a social occasion he enjoyed listening to traditional and cdili music on Mid-West Radio. He also enjoyed going to the ceilis in the locality and it was fitting that accordion music was played as he was laid to rest in Ballintubber Abbey cemetery.
During his journey through life he radiated wonderful friendship to those he met each day. It was fitting that the high esteem in which he was held in his own community and indeed much further afield was reflected as large crowds came to bid farewell to Micky during his funeral from Ballintubber Resource Centre to Ballintubber Abbey where his funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Frank Fahey, Fr Sean O'Toole and Fr Paddy Gilligan. As the funeral approached the Abbey a guard of honour was formed to line the way for Micky's final journey to the Abbey.

His sudden passing from his community has bade farewell to gentleman who made an indelible impression on those he encountered along life's journey.
To his sister, Nora McCabe Manchester, niece, Patricia and nephew Peter, his many other relatives, neighbours and friends we extend our sincerest sympathies. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

- The Mayo News, May 8th 2012 Tweet

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