The Late Michael Quinlan Snr The death of Michael 'Mikey' as his friends knew him, while expected, left all in shock. On a bright Autumn September morn he left us. His life was one spent to fulfilment. The hard and good times were accepted in his own humble and dignified manner. His memories and tales were told and retold to all who were privileged enough to enjoy and evening in his company. His memory up to very lately was almost perfect, To recall all his stories and wit would take volumes. He was born in 1920, the son of the local blacksmith. We, all his neighbours knew him as 'Mikey from the Bridge'. Had he lived to February 2004 both he and Kathleen would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The birth of all their children was a source of joy to Mickey and Kathleen, but the birth of triplet girls was a particular cause of huge celebration for the couple. Mikey was a lifelong teetotaller! I can still vividly recall accompanying him on a bicycle trip to the ice cream parlour to celebrate the triplets birth. He loved his work on the farm, which he carried out with dedicated enthusiasm. He had an enormous love of horses and was a great judge of a working horse. He was a brilliant ploughman with horses and in more modern times with the tractor. His other passion was the GAA and especially hurling. For over 25 years he served as secretary of the local Killavilla GAA club owes its very existence to Mickey unrelenting work and commitment since its foundation. He was a member of the first Killavilla hurling team to win a Championship (Junior) in 1956. The huge guard of honour comprising old and young at his removal was a deserved tribute to this commitment. He was a life long follower of Offaly teams even in their baron years. Mickey always had a major interest in politics and was a steadfast follower of Fianna Fail through the years. One of his favourite pastimes was dancing. His talent as a waltzer was renowned all over. Mickey also loved a game of cards and was a brilliant 25 player, he will be sorely missed at the hall card sessions. His religion while he never discussed it was always very close to his heart. It is said he rarely missed Sunday mass in his 83 years. He was always to be seen working and supporting the many events and fundraisers both charitable and otherwise held over the years in Killavilla and he will always be remembered as a great neighbour to all of us around the bridge and cross and surrounding area. His love for his family Michael Jnr, Gerard, Declan, Ann, Mary, Nora and his wife Kathleen was profound. He was always proud of his Irish Heritage and loved passionately his native Killavilla and his county Offaly. Mickey, you have left us all with great memories around Killavilla. It was an honour to have shared some of the years of your life with you. We know you are somewhere ploughing a heavenly furrow or taking part in some celestial hurling match! You were a great and true friend to us all. May you waltz lightly Mikey in heavens domain. To Kathleen and family who cared so well for Mikey RIP during his illness our sincere sympathy and prayers. Your neighbourhood friends Sean and Joe. Courtesy of the Midland Tribune 27th September 2003 Tweet

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