Clara GAA is preparing to say goodbye to its greatest ever servant.

The north Offaly club was plunged into mourning yesterday morning when news broke of the death of Michael (Mick) Sheridan after an illness.

Known as ‘Mr Clara GAA’ by many, Michael gave a lifetime’s service to his beloved club as a player, referee, administrator and Scór enthusiast. He refereed Offaly SFC and SHC finals, and had a remarkable 24-year stint as Clara GAA chairman before stepping down in 2012. Prior to that, he had served 13 years as treasurer and a further two as secretary, having replaced former Taoiseach Brian Cowen in the latter role.

In addition, he was county board treasurer for an 11-year period during the 1980s an early 1990s. He was also heavily involved in Scór and took great satisfaction from the Brosnasiders’ many Leinster and All-Ireland successes in this field down the years. His time as chairman coincided with Clara GAA’s move to new facilities on the Kilbeggan Road just over a decade ago.

In a heartfelt tribute posted on Facebook, Clara GAA said: “It is with great regret and sadness that we hear of the passing of Michael Sheridan. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family earlier today.

“Michael stepped down as Cathaoirleach of Clara GAA club in 2012 after a 24-year spell as chairman. This was his second spell in the chair having previously held the post for a year in 1985.

“In addition to this, he served as treasurer of the Offaly County Board for an 11-year period during the 1980s and early 1990s. He has given a lifetime of service to Gaelic games in Clara and Offaly. Michael brought passion, desire and great dedication and loyalty to his beloved club.

“Michael has a unique record as being the only member of our club to serve in all three senior positions secretary (1983-1984), treasurer (1970-1981) and chairman (1985 and 1989-2013). Durining his tenure we won four senior football titles, two junior football titles and a Leinster junior title, three under 21 football titles, five minor A football titles, four under 16 A football titles, three under 14 A football titles, two under 12 A football titles, an intermediate hurling title and a junior A hurling title along with numerous underage B championships in hurling and numerous adult league football titles to name a few."

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