Former GAA footballer and Garda Michael led a full and active life

The recent death occurred at his home of Michael Durcan, late of Cashel, Tubbercurry. Age 67, Michael was a retired member of An Garda Síochana, but up until shortly before his death, Michael was anything but retired. He led a full and active life with his extended family and neighbours, and helping the wider local community. As a teenager back in the 1960s, he was an active member of Curry GAA Club and in 1967 had the honour of being Captain of the Sligo Minor team. After that he was a budding senior player for Curry and Sligo, but injury shortened his playing career, but never dampened his enthusiasm or support for his beloved Curry teams. Indeed, he was a very proud father of his sons Michael and Jeffrey who represented Curry with distinction over the last 20 years. Michael joined the Gardaí in the late 1960s and started his career in South Dublin prior to doing many years on Border Duty during The Troubles. He later served throughout Co Mayo at stations in Cong, Kiltimagh, Ballyvary and Swinford

and was

considered a fine and trusted Community Garda. After retiring, Michael took up farming with a passion and ran a model farm at his home in Cashel where quality sheep and cattle were his trademark. He worked quietly and efficiently helping the wider community of South Sligo, especially the elderly, and fitted many monitors and alarms for the elderly throughout various local schemes. His rapport with the senior citizens during this work gave his clients great peace of mind and his expertise gained as a Community Garda was a source of comfort to all. Michael was a great neighbour to those of Rhue, Cashel and surrounding townlands who knew they could call on him in time of need. He was also a great family man and a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother to all. His remains reposed at his home and at St. Theresa’s Funeral Home in Curry and burial took place in Rhue Cemetery. The numbers who called to extend their sympathies were testimony to a great friend and gentleman. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Ann, sons, Michael and Jeff, daughters, Caroline and Amanda, grandchildren, brother, Canon Sean in Leeds, sisters, Noreen, Una and Geraldine, various in- laws and many friends. May he Rest in Peace.