Time spent in his company was joyous
The recent death of Mick Dooley brought deep sadness to Kilkenny, both in the city and in the county. A popular gregarious man, Mick was a committed community activist, integral to many projects that enhanced our society’s fabric. He was a true stalwart and helped make Kilkenny, through his unstinting endeavours, a better place for all of us.
Born and raised in the idyllic surrounds of Ballasalla in Johnswell, Mick Dooley’s formative years were spent within the warm embrace of his loving family and within the heart of this caring community. These twin pillars of stability left indelible marks of kindness, understanding and empathy. The same fundamental attributes remained central throughout his life. He was one of eight children and early struggles during the harsh and demanding 1940s and 1950s imbued him with resilience and self sufficiency. Necessity enabled the development of manual skills to a dexterous extent. As he grew and developed these abilities, this proficiency helped to sustain him and these gifts were utilised, altruistically, to benefit family, neighbours and friends.
To the fore
Mick was to the fore in 1969 when Fr Tom Murphy was the driving force that invigorated the Eastern Environs, leading to the formation of O’Loughlin’s GAA club (later O’Loughlin Gaels). This venture, considered by many at the time as foolhardy, united diverse sections of St John’s Parish and brought cohesion to a fractured Gaelic fraternity. Minor hurling success in 1972 was followed by a Junior football title in 1974 and by a much cherished Junior hurling title in 1975.
This inaugural adult hurling triumph proved the catalyst for the delivery of sporting riches. Mick Dooley counted as prominent in both Junior victories. He was particularly effective as the inspirational hurling captain. His determination and tenacity encouraged teammates as they battled to ultimate glory.
Mick Dooley remained loyal to the club. His playing career’s conclusion saw him become an enthusiastic supporter, a dedicated volunteer and a committed fundraiser. He was unanimously elected President of O’Loughlin Gaels, acknowledging his fidelity and commitment, and he still held this position at the time of his passing.
In the wider community Mick consistently acted as a compassionate, resourceful and efficient volunteer, working tirelessly for many charitable causes. He had a particular affinity with the Samaritans and willingly helped the local branch. Always available, he ensured that all assigned duties were accomplished diligently and efficiently. Mick often undertook, voluntarily, menial and unglamorous tasks that allowed the organisation to grow and to prosper.
Kilkenny City owes Mick Dooley an enormous debt of gratitude. His foresight in collaborating with his good friend Margaret Lanigan in initiating the Eastern Environs Defibrillator Project makes our community a safer place to live. With his input and with the support of a diverse committee, this project saw five life-saving defibrillators erected at various locations across the Eastern Environs.
Of particular satisfaction to Mick was the fact that O’Loughlin Gaels took part in the project by upgrading their defibrillator and by initiating a training programme for their club members. Validating the project, in its first year, one of these defibrillators helped save the life of a local man.
Mayoral award
The project received, recognising this visionary concept’s importance, a Kilkenny People Person of the Year Award. Further commendation came when Mick Dooley, representing the defibrillator group, received a Mayoral Award from Cllr Andrew McGuinness. Mick’s legacy of care will resonate across the years as these community defibrillators continue to protect lives.
For many years, Mick was a popular employee at Smithwick’s Brewery. A senior supervisor, he earned admiration and respect as an honest and dedicated worker. Mick led by example and his genuine concern for his colleagues ensured that working relationships were invariably calm, cordial and considerate. He had the ability, when required, to deliver apt and telling phrases that could lighten tense situations and help alleviate moribund work negotiations. For Mick, the Brewery years were an enjoyable experience and the friendships made grew to be solid and long lasting.
As we contemplate, with that true sadness, the passing of our friend, we are filled with desperate loneliness and despair. Yet our sadness is nothing compared to the experience of his loving wife, Brigid. Theirs was a deep and lasting love. They were partners, friends and soulmates, embracing life and traversing obstacle-strewn pathways with confidence and faith. Equally, we remember Nichola, Justin and Dawn, his beloved children, of whom their father always spoke with deep affection. His adored grandchildren Jade, Darcy, Harry and Seb brought immense joy and embellished his life. They filled his days with laughter, energy and a sense of purpose. Indeed, he claimed they were his greatest treasures.
A natural
Mick Dooley was blessed with an ebullient and effervescent personality. Daily interactions served to confirm these attributes. He loved to talk and had a fund of extremely funny stories. Anyone that knew him will attest that he would regale, with only the slightest encouragement, gathered assemblies with a multitude of hilarious anecdotes. Time spent in his company was a joyous cornucopia of delight. His quick wit, clever asides and smiling presence helped to raise drooping spirits and brought sunshine to dark and dismal days.
The years of friendship passed much too quickly. Regular youthful frivolities, full of fun and laughter, were gradually replaced by more considered concerns. Divergent lives and separate interests meant that interactions became less frequent. Retirement reignited collaborations and these renewed meetings were memorable, replete with outrageous stories and uncontrollable laughter. And now it is laughter’s recall that sustains us.
Mick showed, throughout his final illness, remarkable bravery and resilience, inspiring everyone around him with his courage and positivity. Despite the challenges of long illness, he remained committed to family and friends.
In the company of those he loved, Mick Dooley left this world the same way as he lived his life, with composure and with dignity.
Guard of honour
His funeral cortege was an emotional and heart breaking experience. Mick was accompanied on this final journey by members of O’Loughlin Gaels, who formed a respectful and dignified guard of honour. This tribute confirmed Mick’s status within the GAA community and acknowledged the values inherent within O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club.
Mick Dooley’s impact far exceeds his chosen and specific roles. He was a really kind person, a good neighbour and a true friend. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, through his kindly endeavours and through the memory of the community he respected and cherished
Kilkenny is a sadder and lonelier place without Mick Dooley. But his native place is left a far better one for his lifetime of committed involvement.
Tá leaba i measc na naomh tuilte go maith aige.
Frank Cody
