Tributes paid to popular and much-loved GAA man in Tipperary after his sad passing

Profound sadness descended upon Newcastle on Wednesday morning last when the community learned of the passing of the late Michael (Mickey) Nugent, Clovelly.

Mickey passed away peacefully at St Theresa's Hospital, Clogheen on Tuesday evening surrounded by his loving family.

Predeceased by his wife Nellie, his daughter Anne, brothers, Mattie, Fr Sean, Gus and by his sisters Margie, Nanny, Chrissie and Anne.

Mickey was well-known and highly respected in the area.

A very jovial man with a lovely disposition.

He will be sorely missed not alone by his family but all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was highly involved in the local community through the local GAA in which he was a valued player and member for many years.

In 1999 Mickey filled the role of president of the GAA Club.

A position he held with the highest regard.

Mickey also took part in many Scor competitions, in one was a ballad group with three of his daughters that reached the Scor Munster Final.

Newcastle GAA also paid tribute to Mickey and said: "Michael, or Mickey as he was known to all, started his involvement with the Club in his youth - in 1956 he was on the junior hurling team that reached the South Final.

"In the semi-final against Fethard, The Nationalist reporter on the day wrote that “Mickey Nugent was the surprise packet of the Newcastle side.

"A Mount Melleray college student, he is only 16 years of age but his lightning strikes in the direction of the Fethard goal proved to be the real thorn in the loser’s side.

"From then on he was a regular on Newcastle teams, playing on the 1960 team that won the Club’s second South Junior hurling championship and again in 1971 and 1975, nineteen years after his club debut.

"He was also on the football team in 1960 that won a South Tipp Junior football championship.

"In the late fifties he played on the Pierce McCanns senior hurling team, made up of St Mary's and Newcastle players, reaching a South Senior final in 1959.

"In the 60s, as well as playing with Newcastle, he played senior hurling with Liam Lynches, a combination team between Newcastle & Ballybacon Grange.

"In 1964 he wore the blue & gold of Tipperary, playing on the Tipp intermediate hurling team who were beaten by Galway in the first round of the Munster Championship.

"After his playing years he was involved with teams as selector/coach for many years in adult and juvenile level. He was also a selector with Bord Na nOg for a time.

"In 1978 he was elected Chairman of the club when he led the building of the Club dressing rooms - the Club’s first big project since acquiring the pitch in the 1940s. He served as Club Treasurer from 1987 to 1989.

"In later years he was a constant presence on committees involved in the building of the complex, levelling of the playing field and installation of the car park, and the most recent project, the development of the second field for juveniles.

"Mickey also took part in many Scor competitions in Ballad Group and in novelty acts. He was part of a ballad group, along with three of his daughters that reached a Scor Sinsear Munster final in 1994.

"He was always to the fore in fundraising for the club - at festival times, non-stop draws, and especially the Lotto, where he and his late wife Nellie were always on the go with the lotto tickets.

"In 1999 on the passing of the Club’s first President and founder member Frank Hallinan, Mickey was the Club’s choice to fill the role of President - a position he held with the highest regard, always attending meetings. He also held the position of Club Trustee.

"He was the Club’s representative at County Board Meetings for many years, where he advocated for the small rural clubs and in the last few years railed against the effect on our senior citizens of the introduction of cashless gates at matches.

"Highlights in his life were being present in 1999 when the Club’s Minor hurlers won South and County titles; in 2005 and 2007 when U21 football teams won County honours, and most recently, he was thrilled to be present last year to see the U13 football team winning a County title.

"At the medal presentation night in January of this year, he was honoured by the Club, along with his great friend and clubmate Denis O Grady, with a lifetime achievement award to mark his many, many years of involvement with our Club.

"He was also honoured by the Club in 2014 when he was nominated for, and subsequently received a Sean Gael award from Tipperary County Board. The award was presented by the then GAA President Peter Quinn.

"At the Club’s 50th anniversary celebration in 1982, Mickey first mooted the idea of compiling a Club History book and he was a proud member of the History Book Committee when the book was finally published in 2009, covering 75 years of the Club from 1932 to 2007.

"In his younger years Mickey played badminton and tennis and also participated in Athletics – he was elected to the Committee of the local NACA branch when a club was first formed in the village in 1968.

"Along with his Scor activities, he also participated in Readoiri (the talent competition run by the Pioneer Association) where he won an All Ireland in the ballad group competition with his daughters.

"His most recent sport was golf and he was a member of the Cahir Golf club where he enjoyed many rounds of golf with his golf colleagues.

"He was also a member of the Cahir Active Retirement group, enjoying many outings with them.

"He also loved the game of cards and matches were discussed time and time with his many card playing friends.

"Even from his hospital bed, Mickey was helping the Club, in recent weeks organising the delivery of a golf bag and trolley to hold our new set of sideline flags.

"Mickey your love of and dedication to our Club was plain to see. Your guidance and advice on all club matters will be sorely missed. Our Committee meetings won’t be the same again – as everyone held their breath when it came to AOB because

"Mickey could bring up anything and keep us there half the night!

"A light has gone out in Newcastle GAA field.

"The Irish phrase "Ní bheidh a leithead arís ann" is often overused but in the case of Mickey Nugent we won't see his likes again."

On Saturday, August 19 his remains were removed from his home to Newcastle Church where a guard of honour of GAA members lined up to escort the remains to the local church where requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Toomey assisted by Fr Bobby Power and Fr Garret Desmond. 

Burial took place in adjoining cemetery.   

Sincere sympathies to his daughters Michelle, Annette, Mary and Jacinta, his son Pat, grandchildren, his sisters Mary and Philomena.

His sons-in-law, daughter-in-law extended family and his many friends. 

May his gentle soul rest in peace.