This article is from page 11 of the 2012-08-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
WARM tributes have been paid to the two fishermen from Quilty who died in tragic circumstances at sea last week.
Michael Galvin (64) and Noel Dickinson, who was in his late 20s, were near neighbours.
Last week, friends and neighbours recalled two men who were popular in their local community.
Speaking last week before both men were laid to rest, Martin Lynch, Chairman of the local Kilmurry Ibrickane GAA club, said the community was still struggling to come to terms with the double tragedy.
He said, “The bigger community are only trying to be there for both fami- lies. It was just horrendous to see two hearses brought into Seaview Park and to see those two men brought into their houses and only one house between them. Even being there you can’t put words on it. I would only hope that people would be strong enough for both families. We have to think about Noel Dickinson’s partner who is expecting a child. Hopefully the local community will be able to be there for her.”
Mr Lynch added, “I can see already that people are coming out in droves to help out with traffic control in the area and around the village. People are just trying to help out with whatever is trying to be done.”
Both men were also remembered for their involvement in local sport.
Mr Lynch said, “Michael Galvin was so involved in the GAA – he was a total supporter and player. He would’ve mentored a lot of teams at underage down the years. Noel Dickinson was a dedicated follower of all teams.”
A fisherman and former tradesman, Mr Galvin played for and coached teams with Kilmurry Ibrickane.
“He was larger than life. He was so spirited. He was so humorous, witty and, no matter how bad a situation seemed to be, he seemed to find the positive out of it. On the lead up to the All Ireland final, he gave great support to the team.
“He goes back further than that. For under 14 and under 16 teams, when we needed transport, he was the man who pulled up with his long station wagon and brought people to games. It goes beyond words to describe what kind of a clubman he was. His heart was always with Kilmurry Ibrickane.”
Mr Galvin was also known for his passionate support of his local football team. Mr Lynch said, “He played at all levels. When the chips were down, Michael was definitely the man to rally the troops. The bigger the challenge, the higher Michael rose to meet it.”
Mr Lynch added, “He really came into his own in opposition territory, be that in the terrace or an opposition pub. He never left anyone in any doubt about where his loyalties lay. He was well known for his passionate way of supporting the club and team.”