The late Michael Cahill There was widespread sadness at the passing of Michael Cahill, Deerpark, Gort, one of the constant followers of the Gort hurling teams at their matches at all levels and President of the Gort Hurling Club at the time of his death. The county senior hurling championship game between Gort and Sarsfields was postponed as a mark of respect. Born into a farming family in 1915, Michael Cahill (affectionately known as "The Chief") went into farming at the age of 17 and was to experience, during his long life, the successive changes in farming methods and implements. Music and fishing were dear to him but it was hurling that was his greatest interest. During his teenage years and in his twenties, he was deeply involved with Kiltartan's teams. In those times, Kiltartan had two junior teams, "Eire go Brath" and "St Coleman's". On two separate occasions, both of the teams contested a county championship final. He went on to play hurling with Gort teams. In 1934 he was a substitute on the Gort side that defeated Tynagh by 4-4 to 3-1. in the county senior championship played in Renmore, Galway refereed by Stephen Jordan, of Athenry. When his own playing days were over, Michael Cahill took up with Anthony Diskin, passing on the skills of hurling to the local youngsters. They were to achieve many honours for the club. His contribution to the club over the years were manifest in the constant support of its teams. Together with another great friend, Joe Peter Hehir, he was a faithful follower of generations of hurling teams from Gort. Both men were great characters. Michael Cahill became President of the club, succeeding the late Joe Pete in that position in 2006. Members of the Gort Hurling Club provided a Guard of Honour on both days of his funeral. The Gort Flag and colours draped his coffin during the removal to St Coleman's Church at the obsequies. Gort Mixed Choir sang at the Requiem Mass. Very Rev Michael Kelly PP, officiated at the Requiem Mass, assisted by Very Rev Martin Downey, PP, St Joseph's, Galway and Rev Fr Peter Joyce, CC Gort. The burial took place at Rakerin Cemetery. Michael Cahill is survived by his wife Teresa; daughters, Mary (UK), Anne (UK), Dympna (Germany), Attracta (Galway) and Sheila (USA); sons, Michael (Deerpark, Gort), Pat (Leitrim), John (Kilcolgan), Kieran (Craughwell), and Martin (Tullamore); by his sister Molly (Gort); sons in law, daughters in law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren and a large circle of friends. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 18 May 2007 Tweet

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