The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Gentleman with a love of family and of life
MICHAEL McCARRON, of 15 Gurtinard, Listowel, passed away at the age of 79 on September 27. He passed away peacefully in his own home, lovingly cared for by his devoted family.
Michael was born on December 26, 1938 in Derry city to parents James and Margaret McCarron. He was the eldest of nine children with brothers, Séamus, Alfred, Peter, Douglas and sisters Mary, Catherine, Margaret and Jacinta. He spent many happy years in his beloved Derry city where he harnessed his talents in music and cycling.
Michael met Jane (née Mc aid) in Muff, County Donegal, close to where he lived in Culmore, County Derry.
They had six children born in Derry. Work took Michael and his family to Listowel in the early 1970s.
Over the years they had three more children born in Tralee. Michael served as a welder and fitter and spent time in Tarbert Island, Kerry Co-op, Aughinish and Moneypoint. He also travelled with his occupation, working on oil rigs, the gas pipeline in the 1980s and to Egypt and South Africa in his earlier years. He was an accomplished welder and fitter and this talent was reflected in later years when he made intricate fireside ornaments.
Even though Michael was a proud Derry man he fell in love very quickly with Listowel and all it had to offer his family. Most notably, Michael attended All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoils in the early 1970s in Listowel where he met and played with many musicians who were to become lifelong friends.
Indeed, it was his love of traditional Irish music and being an accordion player that most people would know of Michael. Irish traditional music was a huge part of his life. The family home was – and still is to this day – a house which one could hear a wide repertoire of Irish traditional music being played as soon as one entered the hallway. Many a get together was had in the family home of musician friends who spent many happy hours playing and learning new tunes.
Michael’s accolades are many regarding Irish traditional music. He was a member of Comhaltas in Listowel and a member of committees of Fleadh Cheoils held in Listowel over the years. He was a regular at many a session and in later years joined with other musicians and singers performing across the length and breadth of Kerry and West Limerick.
He was a co-founder of the Listowel Marching Band established in 1983. Additionally, Michael played for set dancing competitions, Irish nights, Wren Boy competitions and participated in St Patrick’s Day floats with Clounmacon.
His repertoire was vast on the accordion and this was reflected in his many engagements. He also played the mouth organ and gave a fine rendition of a tune through whistling. Most significantly, he instilled his love of Irish music in his children and his grandchildren. He will also be remembered with fondness for singing songs with his beloved grandchildren who delighted in his company.
His vocal abilities were also prominent during his time with the Listowel Choral group in the early 1980’s. He loved the Irish language, the ‘cúpla focal’ as he would say. He was also a member of Glór na Gael in the 1970’s of which he was a committee member.
Michael was a keen cyclist and a co-founder of the Listowel Cycling Club in the 1980’s. He took part in many cycling races and time trials both in Munster and Ulster in his earlier years. He took part in the Rás Tailteann in 1959, 1960, 1961 & 1962. Fond the memories are of Michael and his family heading off on a Sunday to races and time trials across the country.
Michael was a special person, a gentleman with a gentle nature. He was also a very spiritual and religious person. He looked forward to his monthly visits from the Priest and he recited the rosary daily with his family.
He had a wonderful sense of humour which never fell short in his last days. He was a very caring person and an outstanding father, husband, grandfather, neighbour and friend.
The large crowds at his wake and funeral Mass were a testament to how well known and popular he was. We are all so proud of him. He is deeply and sadly missed by his wife Jane, sons James, John, Michael, Adrian, Kevin, Niall and Declan, daughters Anne Marie and Sinéad, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, siblings, relatives and many friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.