The late Michael McDonnell The community were saddened when the news filtered through of the passing of Michael McDonnell, Old Road, Carrigatoher, after an illness borne with steadfast bravery and dignity. Michael was a hard working dairy farmer who kept standards at a premium level. He had a love for his land and livestock. He was chairman of the local branch of I.F.A until the recent A.G.M when ill health was his reason for standing down. He took a great interest in sport and took particular interest in hurling, camogie, gaelic football, horse racing, coursing, greyhound racing. A hurler of note, Michael donned the Burgess jersey from the 1950s to the early '70s. A very versatile player, he held the pivitol centre back position for many a day and also played at wing-back, midfield and occasionally appeared in the forward line. Michael won North Intermediate championship medals in 1959, '63, '64, '69 and 1970. He played centre back on Burgess team that brought the first county title to the parish, when his side defeated Arravale Rovers in the 1964 county junior hurling final at a rain soaked Thurles pitch. A north u-21 hurling medal in 1959, the inaugural year of the competition is a prized possession for the Carrigatoher character. In fact in 1959 Michael played at minor, u-21 and intermediate grades for Burgess and senior hurling for the combination team Duharra (Burgess and Portroe). When Michael retired from the game he turned his attention to team management and was a valued selector when Burgess won the 1976 county junior title. It also must be stated that Michael donned the county jersey at intermediate level and was a shrewd observer of the game. Michael liked the occasional visit to a race meeting, Thurles or Limerick Greyhound Stadiums and Clonmel was a must for the coursing festival. Above anything else, Michael was devoted to his family and his faith and we shall not see his likes again. Sympathy is extended to his wife Angela, sons James and Kevin, brothers Hughie and J.P., sisters Anne, Maureen, Rita and Sheila, daughter-in-law Majella, nieces, nephews, relatives and large circle of friends. Courtesy of the Tipperary Star 25 February 2006 Tweet

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