Tributes paid after 'unexpected and sudden passing' of popular Tipperary man
Michael Hickey was a very well-known and highly respected member of the community
There was great regret and sadness in Thurles and wider afield last week following news of the unexpected and sudden passing of local man Michael Hickey (pictured right), Ard Mhuire, Thurles.
Michael was a very well-known and highly respected member of the community who gave of his time and talents freely and without second thought, especially to the Cathedral Choir of which he was a long-time member.
Indeed, only hours before he departed this life for the next, Michael was singing with the choir at the St Patrick’s Day Mass – nobody could have anticipated at that time that the next occasion the choir would perform, would be for his funeral Mass.
Michael had the honour of singing for Pope John Paul II with the choir – an achievement of which he was so proud.
He also gave of his time freely to the Funeral Choir in the Cathedral of the Assumption.
Michael’s passing sent shock waves throughout Thurles.
This kind-hearted, smiling, fun-loving son of Loughtagalla and the Cathedral Town was very proud of his roots and didn’t depart too far from his place of up-bringing.
He loved Thurles and worked in a number of places in the butcher trade including in Blake’s and Dew Valley Meats – he worked as a Shop Steward with SIPTU also, always striving for better conditions for employees.
He was gifted with his hands and could turn his hand to any job which needed attention – painting being a speciality.
He didn’t confine his talents to his own home either and was often found helping friends and neighbours with hammer, brush, screwdriver or drill at the ready.
An avid Man United fan, Michael was also a very tidy soccer player and when he retired from playing, he took to the whistle, refereeing in the North Tipperary and District League for many years.
He also ran a number of marathons and kept himself in very good condition right to the very end.
Michael was also a very prominent member of Thurles Musical Society and played a number of big roles down through the years.
He featured in more than twenty productions with the Society and was an accomplished dancer as well as being a very sweet tenor.
A self-thought guitar player who was a member of the Free Expression band back in the day, Michael and his devoted wife Phyllis shared the great joy of their three children Michelle, Sharon and Leon.
They dedicated their lives to their children and delighted in their grandchildren Molly, Darragh, Art and Oscar when they arrived to add great joy to their lives.
Hundreds called to the family home in Ard Mhuire, visited Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home and attended Requiem Mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption.
Thurles Musical Society dedicated the opening night of Big Fish to their late member and friend. Thurles is at a loss this week, but it is in the Hickey household that Michael will be missed most.
Michael was laid to rest in St Patrick’s Cemetery - a stone’s throw from his home in Ard Mhuire. His beautiful singing voice might be silenced now, but the impact and contribution he made to life in his native town is not forgotten.
May he rest peacefully in his heavenly home.