The Late Michael (Mick) Frawley

Lavish tributes have been paid to one of Tipperary's best known GAA personalities Michael (Mick) Frawley was passed to his eternal reward on Sunday last.

News of Mick's death, following illness bravely borne, caused widespread sadness at all levels of the GAA in this country. Mick Frawley was an institution in the history of the GAA who was known all over Ireland, having served the Association in several capacities at provincial and national level. A proud son of Emily parish in West Tipperary, Mick was steeped in the tradition of the GAA from an early age, and gave to the Association distinguished service as a player and administrator. During a long and dedicated administrative career, he served as a Trustee of the GAA, and Chairperson of Munster Council. He also held the posts of Chairpersons of Tipperary County Board, Tipperary Football Board, and West Tipperary Board. He was also a life President of the West Board.

In the early part of his career, Mick served as a delegate from the West Tipperary Division to Tipperary County Board, and in 1968 was elected as a Tipperary delegate to Munster Council. He served as Chairman of the West Board between 1973 and 1976, and in 1978 was elected to a three year term as Chairman of Munster Council. He served as Chairman of Tipperary County Board between 1982 and 1984, and his term of office was crowned by the staging of the All-Ireland hurling final in Semple Stadium in Centenary Year. He also played a leading role in the redevelopment of Semple Stadium around the time. In 1985 Mick achieved the illustrious honour of being elected Trustee of the GAA at national level. He became Chairman of the Tipperary Football Board in 1997, and served in that role until 2004.

On the playing fields, Mick excelled as a footballer, and served as a senior football selector with Tipperary for many years. One of the highlights of his illustrious career was his role as a selector on the team which won the Division 2 South National Football League Final in 1971. In recognition of his contribution of the development and promotion of gaelic games in the province Mick was honoured by Munster Council in 2008, an award that was richly deserved.
Michael Frawley farmed extensively with his family at Lisobyhane near Emly. A popular and highly respected member of the local community he was renowned for his honesty, sincerity, generosity, and kindness to many in need, and his thorough dedication to community life. While a devoted Tipperary hurling fan, Mick spent most his life working tirelessly in the development of football. He was a central figure in all initiatives designed to enhance the profile of football in the county. He loved the game with a passion, and took immense pride in Tipperary's major achievements such as the winning of Munster minor and U21 titles, the All-Ireland junior success, and the senior team's All-Ireland Tommy Murphy Cup victory, and league promotion. Witnessing a victorious Tipp senior football team on the winners podium in Croke Park was a lifelong dream realised for Mick.

Many eloquent tributes have been paid to Michael Frawley by high ranking officials to the GAA. Tipperary GAA Pro Mr Ger Ryan, in a very fitting tribute on behalf of the County Board, stated that "Mick Frawley will be remembered for his extraordinary service to the GAA." Extending sympathy to the Frawley family, Emly GAA Club, and Michael's legion of friends, Ger stated- Tipperary County Board wants to acknowledge the major contribution Michael made to the development of the Association at club, county, provincial and national level. We also sincerely thank his family for their great service to the Association.

A minute's silence was observed at club game throughout County Tipperary on Sunday last as a mark of respect to deceased.
Leading GAA officials at national provincial, and county level were among the hundreds of mourners who attended the funeral ceremonies this week. The remains of deceased were removed from Frazer's Funeral Home in Galbally to St Aibes Church in Emly on Tuesday evening, and following 11.30am Requiem Mass interment took place in adjoining cemetery on Wednesday.

Pre-deceased by his wife Nellie and brother Jim, the late Michael is survived by his daughters Margaret, Mary, Cathriona and Anne, sons Mike and Ger, grandson Jamie, son-in-law Pat, sister Nora, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, niece, relatives and friends to whom heartfelt sympathy is extended.

Courtesy of the Tipperary Star
August 5th 2010 Tweet

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