Michael Gleeson former Postmaster at Thurles Post Office, who died on 07/09/13 aged 82, was born in The Abbey, Templemore on the 28.03/1931, only son of John Gleeson, (Ballyboy, Upperchurch) and Margaret Ryan (Borrisbeg, Templemore). His early years were spent, along with his four sisters, on the family farm in The Abbey, Templemore.
He was educated at Templemore CBS. He qualified as a trainee Post Office Clerk and at the age of 16 left home for Sligo where he was posted for six months, after which he transferred to Thurles Post Office where he remained for the rest of his 49 year career. It was there that he met his wife, Frances Walsh (Fethard), who was employed as a Telephonist at the Post Office.
Together they set up home in Sean Treacy Avenue, Thurles where they raised their family of four girls and six boys. During his early years in Thurles, Michael was involved in the local theatre and sports clubs. Being a fit young man he was actively involved in sport, playing hurling with Thurles Kickhams, rugby and even a bit of soccer.
His most enduring interest, however, was the FCA of which he was a member for 40 years. He rose to the rank of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant and made many lifelong friends there. Most of all though, Michael was a family man and his main aim in life was to provide for his wife and children, imparting to them his belief the importance of learning and self reliance. He was a very keen Irish speaker and many of his everyday conversations were peppered with Irish.
His own love of learning continued after his retirement from the Post Office when he successfully completed a 3 year degree in Theology in St. Patrick's College, Thurles. He was a tremendous man for dates and figures, with a razor sharp memory he was much sought after by table quiz teams.
He was also a great man to trace family connections and relate old stories and events. His subtle sense of humour and his ability to mimic others in a rather understated way, made him a very entertaining man, particularly in the company of fellow Guinness drinkers.
He never lost touch with his native Templemore and in later years was delighted to be able to catch up with old school friends and acquaintances at events organised by the Templemore Day-care Centre.
The death of his son Michael at a young age and of his wife in more recent times, took its toll but he was resilient and carried on. He remained independent until the end but accepted his need for assistance when the time came.
To this end he joined the Golden Years Day-Care Centre in Thurles and was very fond of the staff there and of the carers from Home Instead Senior Care who assisted him in his own home as his health deteriorated.
He was very vocal in his appreciation of the care and support he received from his children and professional carers that enabled him to remain in his own home until the end.
He is survived by 9 nine children, 17 grandchildren and two sisters.

Tipperary Star, 5th December 2013 Tweet

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