THE LATE MICK DOLAN WAS ‘ A LARGER THAN LIFE CHARACTER’ WHOSE DEATH HAS LEFT ‘A HUGE VOID’
THE sudden passing of Fermoy and Cork GAA stalwart Mick Dolan has “a left a huge void that can never be filled.”
That’s according to his lifelong friend, acting Fermoy GAA Club PRO Tommy O’Brien, who described the late Mr Dolan as “a larger than life character in every sense.”
Mr Dolan, who was in his early 80’s, passed away unexpectedly at the Cork University Hospital last Monday.
A hugely popular and respected figure both in his native Fermoy and across Cork, Mr Dolan played an immensely influential role within the GAA at both local and county level for many years.
A talented player in his own right, Mr Dolan was a member of the Fermoy junior football team that won the county championship in 1953.
Like many men at the time, Mr Dolan moved to London to find work in the mid 1950’s, where he played for Naoimh Mhuire in Kilburn, winning more accolades.
After returning home to Fermoy, Mr Dolan became immersed in the administration of the local GAA club, serving as chairman and helping to oversee the re-development of Fitzgerald Park during the 1970’s and 80’s.
“Mick was a larger than life character who always took a leading role when it came to matters GAA in Fermoy. He was a steady character who always had a calming influence and had a knack of pouring oil on the most troubled waters,” said Mr O’Brien.
This was an ability that Mr Dolan used with great success during his nine-years of service on the Cork County Board, during which he held the positions of development officer, vice-chair and chairman.
“Mick also served as liaison officer between the board and players, earning the respect of all he dealt with. Wherever he went Mick would know somebody and there were no airs and graces with him. He treated everyone with dignity and respect and people could not help but warm to him for that,” said Mr O’Brien.
“Of course, Mick’s first love was always Fermoy and his passing, coming so soon after that of another great Fermoy GAA man John Fenton, is a huge loss to the town, his family and the many, many people who would have counted him as a friend.”
The current chairman of the Cork County Board, Ger Lane, descried Mr Dolan a “kind and intelligent man who had no enemies.”
“Mick was a grassroots man who really came to the fore in his role as development officer with the board, visiting clubs across the county, helping to oversee developments and securing grants. He had great passion for, and commitment to, the GAA and always did the right things whatever the circumstances,” said Mr Lane. “We will all be poorer for his passing. Mr Dolan’s removal will take place tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm to St Patrick’s Church in Fermoy. Requiem Mass will be at noon on Friday followed by burial at Kilcrumper New Cemetery.