'Sadly and forever missed' - Mayo GAA club pay tribute to friend and committed supporter

Tooreen Hurling Club have paid tribute to one of their founding members, Michael Nolan, following his passing.

The Mayo GAA club posted a statement, saying: 

"It is with heavy hearts that we learned of the sad passing of our dear friend Michael Nolan. Michael was a loyal, committed member and supporter of his beloved Tooreen Hurling Club from the very beginning.

As the last remaining founding member, he was the one constant link to the earliest days of our club.

Michael hurled for Tooreen and Mayo with pride right up until the 1980’s but his commitment was not confined to the playing fields. He also held the role of Treasurer, Co. Board delegate and President, in addition to his role as Treasurer of the Mayo Hurling Board in the early 1960’s.

Michael was also captain of the Mayo team that defeated Monaghan to win the National League Div. 3 final in 1980. Michael was selected as Mayo Hurling Sports Star later in the year.

Founding member Michael Henry, when moving to England in the early 1960’s, gave Michael the responsibility of keeping the club afloat.

This, Michael did with vigour at a time when there were many obstacles to be overcome. We now have a profound sense of what hurling has done for Tooreen. We are deeply indebted to him for his part in making Tooreen Hurling Club what it is today.

Michael attended matches and relished the successes our club has seen down through the years. Always on hand with a recitation, he added his own unique touch to club meetings, AGM’s and functions.

Michael will be sadly and forever missed by all who knew him, and especially by his family and many friends in our club and in Ballyhaunis Golf Club.

Our members send our deepest condolences to his sons John and Pat, and to all his family and large circle of friends at this sad time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."