The death has occurred of Noel Ramsbottom from Timahoe, a man known far and wide for his sporting endeavours and involvement with teams.
Noel passed away peacefully in the Midlands Regional Hospital in his 90th year.
He is fondly remembered by generations of people in Laois and further afield, having been involved with a range of teams, predominantly as a ‘right hand man’ to Bobby Miller during his managerial career – and most famously with the great Eire Og team of the 1990s.
Noel’s forte was athletics and he was a prominent runner, bringing that expertise into football training to great effect.
His death is the second Ramsbottom death this year – his brother Sean, the former Laois GAA chairman, passed away in May.
Noel was highly-regarded with those he worked with and also in demand as a ‘masseur’ with teams and athletes, dispensing words of wisdom as well as working his magic on various injuries, aches and pains.
He was involved with the Timahoe teams of the 1960s, culminating in their one and only senior success in 1969.
He later worked alongside the late Bobby Miller with the Laois and Carlow county teams as well as the Athy and Eire Og club teams, with Eire Og coming agonisingly close to All Ireland success in 1993 and 1996 and dominating the Leinster club scene at that time.
Predeceased by his brothers Sean, Fr. Pat, his sister in-law Mary. Sadly missed by his brother Billy, sister in law Brid, nieces, nephews, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Reposing at his brother Billy’s residence (R32EE30) Garryglass, Timahoe on Saturday at 2pm with recital of the Rosary at 8pm.
Removal by Whelehan Funeral Directors on Sunday at 9.45am to arrive at Saint Michael’s Church for 10.30am Requiem Mass. Interment to follow in St Michael’s Cemetery, Timahoe.
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Newly-refurbished Laois Music Centre is officially opened in Portlaoise
