The Late Michael Nolan The News of the death of Michael 'Spike' Nolan, Ballycommon Nenagh and Kildangan GAA has stunned the GAA World. Following a long illness, the sad news of the death of the Tipperary County Board Treasurer reached all of North Tipperary and beyond following his passing. Better known as Spike, the former Moneygall club man had spent his whole life involved with the GAA. Hurling, football, refereeing or administration, Spike had done it all. A carpenter by trade, Spike worked for thirty years with the ESB in Ardnacrusha. He is survived by his wife Margaret and six children, Michael, Enda and Martin, daughters, Brid, Yvonne and Lorraine. He is current Treasurer of the Tipperary County Board a position he is serving for his second spell but his activity with the GAA began much earlier as a player with Moneygall. He gave a lifetime of service to the GAA. As a player, Spike's 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-Ireland Final. In between, Spike won Munster and All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling medals with Tipperary in 1967 and represented his county at all grades in both hurling and football. At club level, Spike helped his native Moneygall to win County Senior Hurling titles in 1975 and 1976. Spike became a 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 to 1986. In recent times, Spike made his name as a very efficient administrator, serving as County Board Treasurer form 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 1991 to 2000. At club level, Spike 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. Spike transferred to Kildangan in the early 1980's and threw himself energetically in to the club's activities serving at numerous levels in the club including as Club Chairman from 1997 to 1999. In December 2007, Spike was honoured with a Special Merit Award by the Munster Council in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Gaelic Athletic Association. Courtesy of the Midland Tribune 14th May 2008 Tweet

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