The late Michael Boland Ballinasloe was in shock at the news of the death of one of its best-known and highly respected citizens, Michael Boland of Tulrush. Although hospitalised for the past two years, the huge congregation at his funeral was testimony to the fact that acts of decency and Christian kindness are never forgotten. Born in 1931 at Maypowder, Creagh, he was the second eldest of a family of seven, born to Patrick and Bridgid (nee Halligan) and Garbally College, he took up employment in Ballinasloe Post Office in 1950, which was then located in Main St. He moved up the promotional ladder and in 1989 became Post Master, a position he held until his retirement in 1996. Anyone who had dealings with Michael at work, whether as a colleague or customer, was struck by his kindness, understanding and determination to carry out his job efficiently. He worked in an era where difficulties were met head-on and he delighted in facing them. The genuine help he extended to customers and colleagues will be long remembered. As a sportsman, Michael played hurling and football for Ballinasloe with distinction, winning several tournament trophies. A fanatical Galway hurling supporter, he travelled to games all over the country, frequently returning disappointed but never disheartened. He also had the honour of lining out at midfield for the Roscommon minor hurlers. Their campaign was brief, but having scored 1-1, Michael finished the year as their top scorer! Roscommon football also benefited from his astute support for many years and had illness not intervened, he would proudly have cheered on the winning All-Ireland minors in Ennis. Indeed over the years, both counties suffered the wry humour of his sideline remarks when matters were not progressing as he would have wished. For years he yearned to play golf and on his retirements found the time and opportunity to indulge in his ambition. Applying his usual passion, his rounds at Ballinasloe Golf Club were both humourous and serious in equal quantity. Golf's main competitor during the summer months was his love of fishing on the River Suck, near his home. His family never quite figured out wether Michael was a Postmaster who happened to be a farmer or vice versa. Regardless, he farmed the family acres with keen foresight and much perspiration, with a keen regard for his environment before such matters came into vogue. An excellent ballroom dancer (in my opinion!) he and his wife Mary, graced many a tea-dance venue in the county and beyond in what was one of his greatest loves. Duty also meant that time and effort were given unselflessly to the Duggan Park Committee, of which he was Chairman, facilitating the smooth access to hundreds of games in Ballinasloe and further afield. Indeed the attendance at his funeral by many Co. Board GAA officials bears testimony to his commitment. A tribute to Michael's herculean work was the Guard of Honour at the removal of his remains to St Micheal's Church, comprising members of the GAA and the Padraig Pearse's Golfing Society. Despite all his varied interests, Michael Boland's loyalty always started with his family. Genuinely interested in everybody's achievements, he was particularly proud of his own family, immediate and extended and was always first to offer help in times of need. Although he will be sorely missed by his wife Mary (nee O'Connell), Breda (Australia), Denise (Lucan), Sean and Olivia (Harold's Cross, Dublin) and Brendan (Athlone), they can rest assured that his immortal soul had acquired its merited resting place in heaven. They can take comfort from the inspirational life he led, his devotion to the sacraments, his unfaltering love of God and the constant kindness to his fellow neighbour. He is also survived by his brothers John (Ballinasloe), Eamon (Galway), sisters Breeda Cahill (Corrandulla) and Nuala Kelly (Tulrush); brother-in-law Jim Cahill; sisters-in-law Nuala, Bernie and Catherine; grandchildren Oscar and Aislinn, as well as many other relatives and friends, all of whom share the loss "of one in a million." Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune 20 October 2006 Tweet

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