Roscrea mourns loss of popular local publican and GAA stalwart

ROSCREA and the sporting community of Tipperary and surrounding areas were deeply saddened at the death of local publican and passionate GAA man, Mickey Phelan.

Mr. Phelan  established Phelan's Market House, located on Roscrea's Market Square, in 1981, which soon became a landmark of Tipperary GAA and the epicentre of local activity  for the establishment of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Roscrea's Junior Chamber and many more.

“It is with a profound sense of sadness that we learned on Monday that our Club President, Mickey Phelan, had passed to his eternal reward”, Roscrea Hurling Club said. 

Mr. Phelan has been synonymous with Roscrea Hurling throughout his life, contributing significantly both on and off the field and achieving a lot for his beloved local Club. 

Mickey Phelan RIP

Of his many achievements perhaps his greatest, and the one he took most pride in, was captaining Roscrea to their first ever county minor title defeating Thurles Sarsfields in 1958 - where he played a pivotal role in the final, raising three green flags. 

Shortly after this historic victory, Mickey moved to Dublin to work, but remained active in the GAA in the capital. 

He returned to Roscrea as a publican in 1981 and immediately immersed himself in Roscrea Hurling Club and soon became Club Secretary, going on to serve over 20 years in that position. 

He also served as a mentor and selector with numerous teams at all levels and served as a selector with Tipperary juniors in the 1980’s. 

“Mickey worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Club selling the weekly lotto tickets and promoting the Tipp GAA draw. He was ever present at Roscrea games and loved nothing better than to welcome home a victorious team to The Market House”, Roscrea Hurling Club said. 

“We have lost a great character and outstanding servant. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife Marie, son Paul, daughter Colette, grandchildren Amy, Conor & Jean and all his relatives and friends. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. I measc na nGael go mairfidh sé”, the Club said.

Formerly of 3 Church View, Convent Hill and The Market House Pub, Main Street, Roscrea, Mr. Phelan died peacefully at Nenagh General Hospital on Sunday, September 24th.

Mr. Phelan was pre-deceased by his son Colm, daughter-in-law Fiona, brother Jim, sisters Ann, Margaret and Angela.

Deeply regretted by his loving wife Marie, son Paul, daughter Colette, grandchildren Amy, Conor and Jean, son-in-law Pat, sisters Mary Bernie, Josie and Pauline, brothers Joe and Paddy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, good neighbours and large circle of friends.