The late Michael McCormack The news of passing of Michael McCormack, Ballyegan, Birr in his 78th year in the loving care of the nurses and staff at the General Hospital, Tullamore in January was received with great sadness. Mick was son of the late Willie and Mary McCormack. He attended the National School in Doon and on leaving school he worked the family farm. He met his wife to be, Kathleen McManus of Leitra, Shannonbridge and they were blessed with nine children. He took up residence with his wife in Leitra from where he continued to work both farms and in 1964 he acquired a farm in Balleigan from the Land Commission in exchange for the family farm in Doon. He was a very hard working man and was renowned for the great potatoes he produced which were much sought after. He was a great judge of cattle and farmed diligently and effectively at Ballyegan and Leitra. Mick and Kathleen were very religious and God blessed them by calling their son Ignatius to the priesthood. Mick was a member of the parish council and Board of Management at Coolderry National School. He was also an active member of the Legion of Mary. Mick was a great Community man and was a trustee of Coolderry Hurling Club. He enjoyed gaelic games as a player and spectator. He won a Minor Football title in 1946 with Doon and an Intermediate title in 1949. To mark the success of Doon in 1949 there was reunion of their great victory 50 years after, in which all the past players were the recipients of a beautiful plaque. Mick loved Irish music and his adopted Coolderry, especially their great victories on the hurling field. Mick was a great neighbour and friend. His popularity was borne out by the very large attendance at the removal of his remains to Kilcolman Church, and at his funeral the following day. After Concelebrated Mass by Bishop Willie Walsh, his son Fr Iggy McCormack, and Fr Kieran Blake, he was laid to rest in the local cemetery beside the church he loved so much. Mick was predeceased by his wife Kathleen who passed away in June, 2005 and was also predeceased by his sister Mary. Sincere sympathy is extended to his sons Kieran, Liam, Pat, Noel, Iggy, daughters Mary, Esther, Patricia, Cathy, brother Paddy, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. Courtesy of The Midland Tribune 12 April 2006 Tweet

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