McCarthy, Michael
October 17, 2012Michael Anthony McCarthy of Lerrig, Ardfert, Co. Kerry was born on October 17, 1953 and died at the age of 58 on Friday, September 28. Michael was born in the village of Ardfert in October '53 to Christina and James (RIP) McCarthy, he was the eldest of six children and they were raised in Lerrig and Kilmoyley parish. Michael attended Kilmoyley National School and later the Tralee Tech.
He left school at 15 to begin his block-layers apprentice in FAS (ANCO) and worked for many years in the construction industry. In later years enjoyed working as a green keeper in Barrow and Ballyheigue Golf Course. In 1974 he married his wife Joan (nee Quirke) and they set up married life in Kilmoyley and had three children James, Michael and Tina. Michael was at heart very much a family man, his marriage to Joan was a very happy one full of joy, laughter and unity. Anyone that knew them both knew their house was an open house and a very warm welcome was always received. Michael enjoyed nothing more than a gang of children running around the house having fun, people talking, friends telling stores of old times' the odd card game and people enjoying themselves. Unfortunately Joan pre-deceased Michael in 2003 and this was like losing part of himself. Michael took great joy, comfort and solace at this time from his close-knit family, his children, grandchildren, good friends and neighbours.
He travelled around Europe and England with his sons and daughter in later years to, as he would say, 'see a bit of the world.' He met up with old friends and family as much as possible to keep the circle that he and Joan had created in their lives together. Having been raised in a parish such as Kilmoyley sport played a big part in Michael's life. Playing soccer with Lerrig Rovers for many years and proudly wearing the number one in goals for Kilmoyley spanning two decades of the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately his term between the goalposts for Kilmoyley was an unlucky one in terms of county successes. It wasn't until 2001 when his son James captained the Kilmoyley sides that bridged a 30 year gap in county championship success for Kilmoyley that his own disappointment disappeared and was replaced with huge pride in Kilmoyley and James' success. It's very hard to sum up a man such as Michael in a few lines. He was a man of heart, pride, joy and life; he enjoyed the simple things in a life, family, friends, and community. Although life threw him a number of very hard crosses to bear such as losing Joan at a young age and his own illness shortly after, he bore them with dignity and a smile not letting the side down as he himself would say.
This is how it is hoped he will be remembered a man of happiness and dignity to the very end. We hope and pray he and his beloved Joan are together now smiling down and happy to be as one again. Michael is survived by his three children James, Michael and Tina, his mother Christine, his eight grandchildren Timmy, Sarah, Anna, MJ, Brieanna, Seanna, Grace and of the McCarthy and Quirke families. Michael's family would like to send a sincere thank you to Cork University Hospital and Kerry General Hospital for the wonderful care and support they gave Michael for the last number of years. Also a sincere thank you to all who sympathised with the family and attended removal and funeral and all who sent good wished and cards and floral tributes. A special thank you to Kilmoyley GAA Club for their support and wonderful tribute to Michael.
(Text courtesy of The Kerryman 17/10/12) Tweet
