The Late Micky Reddington

At the end of the summer of 2010, I had the pleasure of filming the opening of the new dressing rooms in the fair Green, dedicated and named after the man who had championed the campaign to have this area preserved for the leisure pursuits of the people of the parish. That man was Micky Reddington. In failing health at the time, Micky turned out for the occasion, and in fact it was his last outing from his house in Knockatee where he died last week. Mickey was a man of the people, a powerful believer in doing the right thing, a magnificent family man who along with his wife Rita reared twelve children.

At his funeral Mass on Monday, his son Padraic paid a beautiful tribute to his father. Born in 1924 in Castlefarm, he married Rita in 1954 and they had 56 wonderful years together. In the home place, football was always a topic, and the Reddingtons were steeped in it. His father Martin, who played 20 years with Dunmore had captained the MacHales in 1906, his son Marty had same honour 75 years later. One of the proudest moments was when his grandson Damien scored the winning goal for Galway in the 2007 All Ireland Minor final with just a couple of minutes to go real "Roy of the rovers" stuff! Micky played with Dunmore in his youth, and in 1945 became a founder member of Naomh Ciaran G.A.A club. But no one ever called them that. They were quickly known far and wide as the Carrantry Slashers, and Micky was their Secretary for three years. He also was a keen sprinter, winning several 100 yard races in his youth. He followed all sports and as a member of the Fairgreen trust, he ensured that the area in the middle of the town would be preserved for posterity for sport and leisure. He was held in high regard by all the clubs, Gaelic, soccer, rugby, and they all turned out for a huge guard of honour at his funeral. As Padraic said, "But that was Micky, he was all inclusive."

Years back, I remember my own father making his way out to knockatee each day, and giving a helping hand at walking the greyhounds. For Micky was also passionate about the dogs, and travelled the country to race meetings, from Dunmore Park in Belfast to the national coursing meeting in Clounanna. Along with the farming, Micky opened a butcher shop in Dunmore and it was not just a business, it was a meeting place for so many people. In business, honour meant a lot to him, his handshake on a fair day was a contract. He was also a founder member of the Dunmore Credit Union, an organisation that was very close to his heart.

Above all, Micky was a family man, he loved his children, grand children, and above all he mixed well with people of all ages. He was, as he often said himself, "Auld Stock" a phrase which meant an awful lot to him.
Sincere sympathy to Micky's wife Rita, and their children Marty, Catherine (RIP), Ann, Michael, Mary, Padraic, Claire, Tommy, Olive, Rita, and Brendan

Courtesy of the Tuam herald 11/11/10 Tweet

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