One of the country's best GAA administrators has passed away

Widespread sadness has been expressed at the death of Michael O’Meara from Griffith Avenue, Clonmel.

Mr O’Meara, who died on Sunday at Tipperary University Hospital, was one of the finest GAA administrators in the country.

He spent a large part of his adult life as Secretary of the South Tipperary GAA Board and was President of the board at the time of his passing.

A very keen historian, in 2007 he published the history of South Tipperary GAA from 1907-2007, and more recently a history of Ardfinnan GAA club in 2011.

He also served as the first secretary of the Sean Gael (now Laochra Gael) awards, which honour people over 70 years of age who during their lifetimes gave significant service to the GAA in Tipperary, and he was the recipient of an award in 2013.

He played with Clonmel Commercials in his younger years and for many years was a member of the Clonmel Óg club, with whom his son Vincent played and served as an administrator with great distinction.

Michael O’Meara worked with The Nationalist many years ago and also with South Tipperary County Council.

He had a wide range of sporting interests and had a great love of greyhound racing and horse racing.

Tim Floyd, Secretary of the County Tipperary GAA Board, said "Michael was regarded and respected as a most efficient and approachable administrator during his almost 30 years tenure as South Board Secretary.

"He penned the history of the South Board around their centenary year and his booklet on Bloody Sunday during the Grangemockler 75 years' remembrance became a vital source of reference during the recent centenary commemorations. 

"In his later years he became renowned for his weekly GAA programme Aon Gnó Eile on Tipp FM, and apart from GAA information his selection of music and poetry was a joy to listen to each week."

Predeceased by his sister Lilian, Michael is survived by his wife Nora, son Vincent, daughter Grace, son-in-law Marc, daughter-in-law Helen, grandchildren Osgar, Nóinín and Neansaí, brother Sean, sister Marion, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, relatives and his many friends, to whom sincere sympathy is extended.

He will be reposing at O’Donoghue’s Funeral Home, Kickham Street, Clonmel, this evening, Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm.

His funeral will arrive at Ss Peter and Paul’s Church on Wednesday morning at 11.20am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am, which can be viewed on www.churchservices.tv/clonmelpeterpaul, followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery.

Solas Na bhFlaitheas dá anam dílis.