Michael Dowling was born in templepeter, Rathoe, Carlow on 24 March 1929. He was the second youngest of seven children born to Michael and Agnes Dowling. His Father Michael was head gardener at Kellistown Cottage. Michael's education was at St Patrick's National School, Rathoe and The Christian Brothers Secondary School, Carlow. He trained as a primary school teacher at St Patrick's College, Drumcondra and held teaching posts in Monaghan, The North Monastery in Cork and Riverchapel National School in County Wexford. He was appointed principal of St Mary's National School, Ballygarrett, Co Wexford in 1961 and served in this role for 33 years until his retirement in 1994. A gifted teacher, he made a huge contribution to the local community. He was one of the founder members and the coaches of the Macamore Athletic Club. He had a life long love of sport, particularly gaelic games. He played football at local level for Fenagh and the Fighting Cocks in Carlow. He played at intercounty level for Monaghan. He coached teams for both Billygarrett National School and Realt na Mara. He was a passionate supporter of both Carlow and Wexford. He became active in the community games movement in the 1970's and served at local, county, provisional and national level for over two decades. He assisted in the running of the county athletic finals and was art and model-making co-ordinator for several years. he was elected county chairman of Wexford Community Games in 1977 and held that position for five to six years before being elected county president. He went on to become Leinster chairman and served in that role for 16 years. At national level, he co-ordinated the art competition. His contribution to National Community games was recognised with the presentation of a national gold medal in 1992. Michael was a man of great faith and he served his local parish n Gorey for several years. On his retirement in 1994, he was presented with the Bene Merenti Medal in St Mary's Church, Ballygarrett. A great family man, Michael married Pat (nee Cunningham) in 1967 and they were married for 41 years. They lived in Gorey. They had four children, Rory, Eithne, Kevin and Fiona and one grandchild, Oisin. He is survived by his sister SR kathleen Dawson, Ballymartin, Carlow and brother Danny Dowling, Templepeter, Rathoe. His sister Nan Jones of Staplestown Road, Carlow has passed away since his death. Michael passed away at Wexford General Hospital after a short illness on 16 November. his funeral ceremonies were celebrated by monsignor Lory Keogh at St Michael's Church, Gorey. Symbols of Michael's life and contribution were presented, including a trowel to symbolise his love o gardening, one of his roll books from Ballygarrett National School, his Father's intercounty Carlow jersey, a Macamore Athletic Club singlet and his community games and Bene Merenti medals. The singing was performed by the children of Ballygarrett national School under the directions of Sorcha Dwyer and Fr Howell. The cortege was lined by guards of honour from the Irish National Teacher Organisation., the children of Ballygarrett National School and the veterans of the Macamore AThletic Club. He is interred in St Michael's cemetery, Gorey. "Solas na bFlaitheas a a anam dilid." The Nationalist, 26/12/08 Tweet

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