The untimely death of Michéal Spain at a relatively young age occasioned much sadness in his native Kilcormac and Offaly. Mr Spain (62) had resided in East Croydon, London since the mid 1980's and passed away following a short illness. From a family steeped in the traditions of the GAA it was unsurprising that Mr Spain should devote much of his life to the organisation and the games he loved so well. He played for Kilcormac/Killoughey and served on the Co. Board's fixtures committee in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Football was his first love and he was a passionate Offaly supporter following the fortunes of the county around the country. Deceased was educated in Kilcormac and at the Patrician College, Ballyfin and worked as a rate collector for Offaly Co. Council in the 1970's and 1980's. He married Ann Madden, from a well known Clonminch family, and the happy couple reared five children. Following his emigration to England he worked in the pub trade up to three years ago before taking up a position with the security department of Heathrow Airport. He was a regular visitor to his native Offaly and returned as recently as last August when he was in high spirits during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Tullamore. Many friends travelled from Offaly to London for his funeral and appropriately the 'Offaly Rover' was played as his remains left the church while 'Danny Boy' was sang by his brothers-in-law, the Maddens, as the coffin was lowered to its final resting place. To his wife, Ann, sons, Mark, Trevor and Vincent, daughters, Sarah and Lavinia, mother Nancy, sisters Brid (Tullamore) and Ann (Dublin), brothers Seamus and Tom (Dublin), relatives and his many friends the deepest sympathy is extended. Deceased's Month's Mink Mass will be celebrated in Kilcormac Church this Saturday at 11.00am. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Midland Tribune. November 28, 2007. Tweet

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