On Wednesday afternoon, a great sadness fell over the village of Glinsk as the news filtered through that our great friend and valued clubman, Michael Tiernan, had passed away suddenly.

Tiernan, as he was affectionately known to those who knew him best, was one of the good guys — a man you could rely on, and a man who took his role in the club and community very seriously. Whenever we needed something done in the club, the words “Ring Tiernan” would soon follow, and he would always show up.

A discussion would be had, instructions would be given out, Tiernan would consider it — and then do it his own way. But the job would always be done, and always with great thought and care.

Tiernan was our groundsman for the last ten years or so, and the quality of our grounds is a testament to the work he put in. He was a great supporter of the team, attending all home and away games. If ever a row broke out, he was never too far away in case the Glinsk lads needed a hand.

He was always at the end of a phone, and just last week, when we closed the car parks for resurfacing and needed someone to make sure all the kids and parents using the cr?che and GAA facilities were safe, the words “Ring Tiernan” were said one final time. Like all the times before, Tiernan showed up at 7am for an 8am start — he needed to weigh the job up before getting going.

Tiernan had a great way with younger people. The kids in the cr?che all knew his name — he always had a smile and a kind word. He was a mighty man for a lift on a night out; it would be fair to say he has brought every male under the age of 50 home to Glinsk at some stage, with the stories and the craic always shared along the way.

We will miss you, Mike. You gave this club and community great service. 

Our deepest condolences to his loving sister Marie, his relations, and his large circle of friends.