The Laois Association Dublin has paid tribute following the sad passing of their secretary Michael Butler.
Abbeyleix man Michael died in St Vincent’s Hospital after a short illness in his ninetieth year on Monday January 10.
Predeceased by his sisters Patricia and Mary, Michael is the beloved husband of 60 years of Maura (née Duffy) and loving father of Caitriona, Nuala, Eithne and Maura.
Gerry Thompson, Chairman of Laois Association Dublin, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Mr Butler.
He said: “Ninety year old Michael had lived a long and full life that took him from Abbeyleix to Goatstown in south Dublin with many personal and professional landmarks along the way.
“In life’s journey Michael achieved much, from obtaining scholarships to both Ballyfin College and UCD, to winning an underage provincial medal with Laois hurlers, being part of the formation of the new Kilmacud Crokes GAA Club and learning German.
“Michael studied engineering in UCD initially, later he undertook his studies in Irish and History and qualified in accounting. However the majority of his working career was spent in Teagasc.
“As a student Michael had a keen interest in politics and in time joined Fianna Fail where he held several roles including Director of Elections in his Dublin constituency. He also served on the party’s national executive.
“His love of GAA and Laois teams was a lifelong one, he attended games wherever they were held and passed this passion onto his family.
“He was also a committed Kilmacud Crokes man and savoured their recent Leinster Football Championship win despite his failing health. As a mark of his generosity of spirit it is no surprise that Michael also served on the board of Gorta.
“In was through his membership and his service to The Laois Association Dublin that we came to know him.
“A contradiction in terms maybe but it is true to say that Michael as the quietest man in the room could have the greatest presence.
“He was diligent and dedicated in his role as secretary, his approach was a plain and simple one, one of the pen and paper, and we looked on in envy at his immaculate handwriting.
“He served the Association for many years and had made many friends in his time with us. The Association meant a lot to him as did his Laois background.
“Michael was active in his role as secretary up to the time that the Association were forced to suspend activities due to the pandemic.
“Even after that he was a constant source of help and advice to his fellow officers .
“A chapter closed in the Association’s history with Michael’s passing, we are saddened by his passing and grateful for the years we have had with him as an officer and a friend
Michael’s funeral Mass took place in Dundrum on Friday last, the messages of condolence from so many different people and groups summed up the esteem in which he was held.
“He will be greatly missed by all in our Association. To his wife Maura, daughters Caitriona, Nuala, Eithne and Maura, his granddaughter Caoimhe and his brother Dick we extend our sincere condolences.”
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