Roscrea mourn the loss of Mickey Phelan

Roscrea Hurling Club lost one of its greatest servants with the passing of Club President, Mickey Phelan, on Sunday.

Mickey has been synonymous with Roscrea Hurling throughout his life, contributing significantly both on and off the field and achieving a lot.

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. Mickey played a pivotal role in the final, scoring three goals.

Shortly after this historic victory, Mickey moved to Dublin to work, but remained active in the GAA in the capital winning a county senior title with a junior board combination team in 1963.

Returning to Roscrea as a publican in 1981, he immersed himself in Roscrea Hurling Club and soon became club secretary, going on to serve over twenty years in that position. He also served as a mentor and selector with numerous teams at all levels. He 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.

“We have lost a great character and outstanding servant,” said Roscrea Hurling Club in a statement.

Predeceased by his son Colm and daughter-in-law Fiona, Mickey is survived by his wife Marie, son Paul, daughter Colette, grandchildren Amy, Conor & Jean, relatives and friends.

He will repose in his Market House Pub, Main Street, Roscrea this Wednesday from 4.00pm, with removal to St. Cronan's Church, Roscrea for 8.00pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 12 noon followed by burial in the adjoining new cemetery.