Obituary
Mick Byrne who passed away on 8 September 2021 at the age of 66 was a very popular character in the Hacketstown area who will be sadly missed by all who were privileged to know him. “Big Mick” as he was affectionally known, had a lifelong association with Clonmore and Carlow GAA, having been an outstanding player for over twenty years and latterly a Mentor/Selector with numerous Clonmore teams. He was a very effective Club Chairman for a number of years during which he oversaw the levelling of the pitch at Woodside in 2001, a job that had been started by his predecessor and friend, Mick McGrath. In latter years, Mick worked as a Steward at Netwatch Cullen Park, usually at the Player’s Entrance, where his friendly nature endeared him to players and supporters alike.
Mick started out playing in goal with Clonmore underage teams and it was as a goalkeeper that he played for Carlow Minors in 1973, alongside the great Paddy Quirke. However, it was not long before Mick’s outstanding fielding ability and clever football brain saw him moved outfield, usually lining out at full-forward. He was a fiercely competitive player and would never take a backward step as many an intimidating full-back found out to their cost. He had the ability to score a goal out of nothing and pulled many a game out of the fire for Clonmore. Mick captained the Clonmore Under 21 team that reached the County Final in 1976 and captained the Senior team in 1984. He won three SFL Division Two medals with Clonmore in 1974, 1977 and 1981 and was a scoring forward on the team that won the Intermediate Championship in 1980. Mick received a richly deserved Hall of Fame Award in 2007.
After a long and distinguished playing career, “Big Mick” is remembered with great respect by friend and foe alike, as one of nature’s gentlemen off the field and as a great-hearted player who was uncompromising and fearless on it. Mick always had a cheery word and a ready smile and was popular with young and old. The huge number of people who attended his funeral and the impressive Guard of Honour provided by Clonmore GFC was an indication of the high regard with which he was held in the community.
Having proudly worn the red & green jersey for over 20 years, the number 14 shirt which draped his coffin was a poignant reminder of Mick’s many fine performances at full forward for Clonmore. He left us with many great memories and he will not be forgotten.
To Anne, daughters Marie, Caroline and Lesley Anne, son Stephen, brothers John, Martin and Peter, sisters Margaret, Pauline and Carme, brother-in-law Des and his extended family and friends, Clonmore GFC extends its sincere sympathies on the loss of this great Gael.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Ger Doyle
PRO, Clonmore GFC.
