Thousands of mourners attended the removal and funeral Mass of Tipperary GAA Board treasurer Michael 'Spike' Nolan on Thursday evening and Friday morning last. Sporting, political and cultural figures from throughout Tipperary and further afield joined with mourners from all walks of life to pay their respects to a man whose tireless work on behalf of his beloved GAA proved an inspiration to so many. 'Spike', as he was affectionately known, passed away in the company of his family at Annabeg, Ballycommon, in the early afternoon of Tuesday of last week and great sadness was occasioned in GAA circles throughout the country as news of his passing filtered through. Testament to his overwhelming popularity were the crowds upon crowds of mourners who filtered through the doors of Ryan's Funeral Home on Thursday. Clubs from throughout the division also provided a guard of honour the length of William Street in Nenagh as Michael's cortege made its way towards Carrig Church and his beloved Ballycommon on Thursday evening. Again on Friday morning a huge number of mourners descended upon Carrig Church for Michael's Funeral Mass with moving tributes paid to a man whose work within the realms of the GAA remains unsurpassed. Following Mass, the funeral cortege made its way to Monsea Cemetery before Michael was laid to rest following a moving graveside oration delivered by Philip Ryan, son of the late GAA President and great friend of Michael's, Seamus O'Riain. A native of Cullenwaine Moneygall, Michael was a true 'gael' in every sense of the word and gave a lifetime of dedicatcd service to the GAA. His playing career stretched over five decades beginning with a defeat in a National School final with Dunkerrin N.S. in 1959 and stretching through to 1991 when he came on a substitute to help his side to win the ESB All-lreland Final in Athlone and during that short appearance he managed to set up his nephew, Adrian Hogan for the vital winning score. In between, Michael represented Tipperary at all grades in both hurling and football and won Munster and All-lreland under 21 Hurling medals with the Premier County in 1967. At club level, Michael also helped his native Moneygall to win the club's back to back county senior hurling titlcs in 1975 and 1976. Michael also became an accomplished referee when his playing days ended and he was chosen to referee the North Tipperary Senior Hurling Final of 1984 and the North Tipperary Senior Football Finals of 1985 and 1986. In recent times, he became known as one of the most efficient administrators in the GAA, serving as County Board Treasurer from 1988 to 1991 and from 2000 to current day. He also served as Treasurer of the North Tipperary Divisional Board from 1985 to 1988 and from the 1991 to 2000 At club level, Michael was involved for many years with the Moneygall club, serving on the Development committee during the construction of their sports complex in the mid 1970's. Michael transferred to Kildangan in the early 1980's and threw himself energetically into the clubs activities serving at numerous levels in the club including a stint as Club Chairman from 1997 to 1999. In December 2007, he was honoured with a Special Merit Award by the Munster Council in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Gaelic Athletic Association. A carpenter by trade, Michael combined working with the ESB for 30 years with his passion for the GAA. Tributes to Michael were posted throughout GAA websites in recognition of his service to the GAA, man of which acknowledged his unsurpassed dedication to both his family and the GAA. The Tipperary GAA Board has also extended their "heartfelt condolences" to the Nolan family following the passing of one of the greatest ever servants to the GAA in the Premier County . Michael is survived by his wife Margaret, sons Michael, Enda and Martin, daughters Brid (Tucker), Yvonne (Slevin) and Lorraine; brothers Tom and Mary, sisters Teresa and Mary, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren Adrian, Lauren, Jack, Darragh and Leah, extended family and a large circle of friends. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Tipperary Star 24 May 2008 Tweet

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