Portlaoise GAA have paid tribute to the late Michael ‘Lala’ Greene who passed away last Thursday.
Mr Greene, from the Well Road and St Brigid’s Place in Portlaoise, died peacefully at Portlaoise Hospital following an illness.
Portlaoise GAA club, of which Michael was a proud member, paid tribute to him on Facebook.
They said: “Such sad news to hear of the passing of one of the iconic characters of Portlaoise. Michael Greene, affectionately known by all as Lala sadly died on Thursday after a prolonged illness.
“Our hearts go out to the Greene family and friends who have endured a heartbreaking couple of months with the loss of Tony too.
“Lala was part of the folklore of Portlaoise GAA. The hurling team of the 80s took him under their wing and the craic and the stories will be told forever and passed through the generations.
“Memories of Mickey Bohane taking himself off the pitch and telling Lala to go on in his place, and him on before trainer Tom ‘Nasser’ Lalor or the selectors even knew about it. Panic stations all round but what fun.
“He togged out with that great crew and a couple of county medals were a reward. But the big reward for everyone were the memories.
“He wasn’t a top hurler or athlete but he was an important part of the glue that helped create those magical memories in the early 1980s.
“Lala was a decent, gentle, kindhearted, friendly soul who had time for everyone he met. He had great friends and was a great friend to many.
“We will miss Lala in Portlaoise. Those early morning starts, making his way over to Mossy Brown’s shop, sleeves rollled up even in the depths of winter, no need for a coat..the greeting and time for everyone he met.
“Rest easy Lala…you were one of a kind and you will be remembered fondly for a long long time to come.”
Michael is predeceased by his parents Tony and Annie and his recently deceased brother Tony.
He is sadly missed by his brothers Christopher, Joe and Paul, sisters Mary and Ann-Marie, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, grandnieces, grandnephews, his loving aunt Ellie Foran, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Michael’s Funeral Mass on Monday at 12 noon in SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise https://www.portlaoiseparish.ie/webcam/. Burial immediately afterwards in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise.
