Cooper, Mike
April 06, 2006Thousands of mourners descended on Killarney to say farewell to Mike Cooper who died suddenly, aged 61 years.
His untimely death on a building site close to Deerpark shocked all those who knew him, particularly the GAA community in Kerry who came to know his colourful an warm character over the years.
One of the Dr Croke's most loyal followers, Mike's family are known in GAA circles all over the country.
His five sons have all played pivotal roles in the success of Dr Crokes GAA Club, not least his youngest son Colm 'Gooch' who brought All-Ireland intercounty glory to the Cooper household in Ardshanavooley in 2004.
Born in Clonkeen, Mike immersed himself in Killarney life, not least through his deep invovelment in the Dr Crokes Club and the GAA.
He served as a minor and junior selector with the club and devoted a great part of his time to the development of underage players.
Mike's proudest moments include the Dr Croke's Club All-Ireland victory in 1992 when his two sons Danny and Mark played key roles in that success. And in 2000, his five boys; Danny, Mark, Mike, Vince and Colm all wore the Black and Amber in their memorable county championship victory over An Gaeltacht.
Mike was also involved in politics for many years and was a former chairman of the Killarney Fine Gael Branch.
Tributes flowed for Mike Cooper after his sudden passing. Apart from the family's high GAA profile, Mike himself was remembered as a character and colourful personality in his own right.
His knowledge of GAA was particularly keen and football supporters from all over Ireland regularly returned to Jimmy O'Brien's in Killarney to seek out Mike and reminisce and debate about the great footballers and moments over the past half century.
One close friend described Mike's death as a complete shock; something that marked the loss of one of the great loyal GAA people who rarely missed his club and county in action on the field.
"Mike was a tremendous personality in himself. He was a character of the highest degree who loved to hold banter with all he met."
Dr Crokes PRO John Keogh said Mike Cooper's death marked a sad milestone in the club's history.
"He will be sadly missed. He was an unassuming man who gave a lot of his life to the GAA and somebody who was extremely knowledgeable about football," Mr Keogh said.
He added that there was no prouder father in Ireland than Mike Cooper when in 2004, his youngest son, Colm, tasted All-Ireland victory in the green and gold jersey. Colm was also named 'man of the match' on that occasion.
He is survived by his wife Maureen; sons Danny, Mike, Vince, Mark and Colm; daughters Geraldine and Karen and brother Dan.
Courtesy of The Kerryman
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