Nicholas had lived in Brisbane for nearly 40 years and died in late April on a trip home to Grangegeeth. He was 59 years of age. Nicholas loved gaelic football and while in Australia, he was the president and vice president of the Queensland Gaelic Football Association. He also acted as vice president of the Australasian GAA on differnent occasions over man years. Both local clubs Rathkenny and Mattock Rangers formed a guard of honour at his funeral.