A tribute by Pat Favier

The death of Michael O'Donoghue (81), Killeen, Clonkeen on Thursday last, brings to an end a remarkable lifetime of community service in Glenflesk parish.

A dairy and sheep farmer, Michael joined the local branch of Muintir na Tire at a young age, later becoming an active member of the ICMSA.

As a representative of the ICMSA, Michael was twice elected to the board of Kerry Co-op. He promoted the establishment of local drama and light entertainment in the early '60s and '70s by helping to launch the Clonkeen Drama Group which subsequently evolved into the 'Tops of the Parish' and 'Tops of the Clubs'.

Michael's unparalleled contribution to community life in Glenflesk was particularly evident in his dedication to the GAA.

Since attending his first All-Ireland final in 1956 when he crossed the field from his home to board the train at Loo Bridge Station, Michael had been an indefatigable supporter of Glenflesk, East Kerry and Kerry teams for eight decades.

As a player, administrator, supporter and mentor Michael embodied all that is best in the GAA. He was the club's first chairman of Bord na nOg and he also served three terms as chairman of the senior board.

His greatest sporting satisfaction occurred in the year 2000 when the Sam Maguire cup was brought to Glenflesk by Seamus Moynihan and John Crowley, and later the same year when Glenflesk won the Millennium Cup.

During his first term as chairman Michael was conscious of the need to provide permanent playing facilities for the youth of the parish.

For many years the club had been dependent on the kindness of local farmers to provide a field for training and playing games.

The last temporary venue was at Murphy's field in Knockanes for which Michael secured the goal posts from his neighbour Jimmy Cronin. He oversaw the purchase and development of suitable grounds at Curreal and he was a proud man when St Agatha's Park was officially opened in 1976.

In a fitting finale, as Michael's remains were lowered to their final resting place in Killaha Graveyard under the shadow of O'Donoghue's Castle on Saturday morning, resounded the strains of 'Glenflesk of You We Are Proud'.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Anne (nee O'Driscoll) and sister Lily. He is sadly missed by this loving family, son Fionnan, daughters Mary, Sinéad, Mairéad and Michelle, daughter-in-law Alison, sons-in-law John and Peter, his grandchildren Alexandra, Buster, Isabelle, Shane, Abby and Luke, brothers Paddy and John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen and Anna, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Condolences to all the O’Donoghue family and may Michael’s soul rest in peace.