Military honours for a dedicated Tipperary soldier and a respected family man

The death occurred on March 11th, 2026 of Noel Hanley, Ballydavid, Bansha, Co. Tipperary, and formerly of the Irish Army in Kilkenny and Clonmel. A respected family man, proud  Tipperary native, and dedicated soldier, his passing has been deeply felt across his community and beyond.

Noel Hanley gave over three decades of loyal service to the Irish Defence Forces, enlisting on October 12th, 1977. He served with distinction in the 30th Infantry Battalion in Kilkenny and later in the 12th Infantry Battalion in Clonmel, completing 31 years of committed service to his country.

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His military career shaped the discipline, fairness, and quiet strength that defined his life. It was also part of a proud family tradition, as all of the Hanley brothers served in the Irish Army, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to duty and country.

I write not only in tribute but in personal remembrance, as Noel was my first cousin. His late mother, Maureen (Quinn), was my father’s sister, and like many families in the area, our connections are woven through shared history, kinship, and community ties. Noel reflected those values throughout his life in the way he supported family, neighbours, and friends alike.

At his funeral, fitting honours were paid to a man who had given so much in service. His coffin was draped in the Irish tricolour, a mark of respect for his long and distinguished military career, while the colours of Galtee Rovers/St. Pecaun’s reflected his deep involvement and pride in his local club. Members of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association rendered military honours on the death of their former colleague, concluding with the poignant sounding of the “Last Post,” a moment that brought a profound stillness and dignity to the final farewell.

Beyond his military life, Noel was, above all, a devoted father. He raised his family with care, strength, and a deep sense of responsibility. As his son Noely movingly recalled in his eulogy, Noel showed his love “through his actions,” creating a home that was structured yet full of warmth, humour, and understanding. He valued honesty, hard work, and respect, principles he instilled in his children by example.

A proud Bansha man, Noel’s love of sport was legendary. Whether following Tipperary, supporting local teams such as Galtee Rovers and Bansha Celtic, or sharing his passion for Manchester United, sport was a constant source of enjoyment and connection. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his voice was often heard before he was seen at matches.

He was also a man of simple habits and quiet gestures—none more remembered than his fondness for a cup of tea, gently signalled by the familiar tap of his mug on the kitchen table. Such small moments now stand as lasting memories of a life lived with consistency, kindness, and humility.

Noel Hanley will be remembered as a loyal soldier, a proud son of Tipperary, and, most importantly, a loving father and family man. His legacy lives on in the values he passed on and in the many lives he touched.

As was so beautifully expressed during his farewell, though he has left this world, “his spirit will live on in all of us, and we all have memories of him in our hearts.”

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Noel was predeceased by his parents Richard and Maureen, his brothers Michael, Larry and Paul, and his sisters Mary and Nancy. We take this opportunity to extend our condolences to his sons Noely and Keith, daughters Susan, Laura and Carol, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Martin, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Noel's Months Mind Mass will be offered on Sunday April 12th at 10:30am, in the Church of the Annunciation, Bansha.
May Noel rest in peace.