The late Michael Feery Mick Feery (Micky) died peacefully, surrounded by his family, in the Regional Hospital, Tullamore, on July 23, 2006, after a relatively short illness. He was Clara's oldest man and the last surviving member of the Biddies. Micky is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Lizzy, and their daughters Roseanna Cushen (Gorey), Liz Sweeney and Ber Kelly (Tullamore), Mary Conway (Clara) and their son Frank. He is also survived by his sister Mary Kate Dalton (Clara). He was a member of the IT & GWU and was instrumental, with a small group of others, in introducing the Union to Goodbody's Jute Mills. Micky was just short of his 89th year when he passed away. He was a fresh, healthy, energetic and well-groomed man whose habit of early rising could be traced back to his days in the Army. He loved the Army life and he loved hurling. It was during those years that he enjoyed his major successes. Based in Waterford he won Army Command Championships from 1942 to 1947, in between he won an All-Ireland (All Army) Championship; Waterford Senior Hurling Championship (both 1944) and was proud to wear the Blue and White of Waterford Senior Hurling Team where he made the Corner Back position his own throughout the 40's. On his return home from the Army (for family reasons) he resumed working in J&LF Goodbody's in the Batching-Room, where he remained up to the early 70's. He played hurling and football with Clara into the 50's and also with Goodbody's Factory Teams. he also played soccer with the Biddies (a venerable old Clara team) of Midland, Town and Factory League status. In the 70's he enjoyed working with Tullamore Builder, Padriag Bracken before moving to the Security Staff of Burlington Industries, from where he retired. Micky was a very simply man, with no value on possessions, he was devoted to his wife and family, he loved Clara and in particular Marian Sq. where they lived peacefully and securely for over 52 years. He drew great pleasure from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and had a unique loving relationship with each one. He loved a chat and a drink in Carey's; there he was treated with great fondness and respect. Micky's funeral from Mary & Tom Conway's from in Erry, was very large and representative. His coffin was simply draped with he Red & While (All Army) and the Blue & White of Waterford. A very respectful Guard of Honour representing the Clara GAA Club accompanied the hearse on its final journey. The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Clara PP Rev Fr Patrick Keary with the lessons and readings being read by the deceased's grandchildren. The funeral mass was sung by Joe & Noreen Rabbitte with the solo from the deceased grandson Derek Feery. Courtesy of The Offaly Express 2/08/2006 Tweet

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