The death of the late Michael Kidney caused widespread grief not only in Tullamore and Offaly but throughout the country and as far afield as the U.K. recently Michael, who was affectionately known as Mick to one and all, was aged only 27 years of age when he passed to his heavenly reward at Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore. He had suffered a third cardiac arrest in the days leading up to his death and had coped with a severe heart ailment since his birth. Son of Michael and Bridget Kidney and brother of Stephen, Clara Road, Mick has borne his condition with fortitude and unfailing courage throughout his life. He had received loving care in a host of hospitals including Portiuncula, Ballinasloe, where he was born, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Birmingham Hospital in the U.K., the Mater Hospital Dublin and Tullamore Hospital. He suffered his first cardiac arrest in November 2005 and made a great recovery. The second arrest took place in June of this year during a football clash between Offaly and Westmeath and as a result, he had an internal defibrillator fitted. Since then Mick had been in high spirits and enjoyed good health but in recent weeks had begun to show signs of physical weakness. On Tuesday night last week he suffered a third cardiac arrest at his home and was brought to Tullamore Hospital where he passed away. Mick was known throughout the length and breadth of Ireland for his love of GAA. He first came to national prominence when he was Offaly's special guest at t5he All-Ireland banquet in the wake of the hurlers victory over Limerick in 1994. He had become great friends with GAA personalities, including Michael Lyster of the Sunday Game, who attended his Funeral Mass in Tullamore. Mr Lyster also attended Mick's 18th birthday party in the Moorhill House while Marty Morrissey was M.C. at his 21st birthday function in the Bridge House which was attended by over 700 people. Mick was also a big follower of Liverpool and met the players and trainers on a trip to Ansfield. He also had a great love of music and was a great follower of Tullamore and Clara Musical Societies who formed a Guard Of Honour at Clonminch Cemetery where they sang 'You'l Never Walk Alone.' Fittingly, they were accompanied by the 'Best Foot Forward', a popular local band which Ger Kidney, an uncle of Mick's, is a key member. Mick also thoroughly enjoyed the Fleadh Cheoil and The Phoenix Festival in recent years and had been a valued member of the festival committee for some time. Thousands of mourners attended his removal and Funeral Mass in the Church of the Assumption while many others visited the family home to convey their grief. These included nurses and doctors who had cared for Mick during his life as well as patients who had stayed in hospital with him. It was obvious that he had touched a huge amount of people during his 27 years on earth. Deepest sympathy is extended to his parents Michael and Bridgie, brother Stephen, grandparents Joe and Nan, godson Sean, uncles and aunts, nieces, nephews, neighbours and a large circle of friends to whom the deepest sympathy is extended. May he rest in peace. Midland Tribune 08/11/08 Tweet

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