The passing of Míceál Greenan on Saturday morning came as a shock to his many friends in Cavan, Ulster and nationwide. Míceál, who had been in failing health for some time, made an outstanding contribution to the GAA in Cavan and Ulster in particular over his lifetime as a player, administrator and referee.
Míceál played his first football with his native Drumalee and he was a leading player when the club won the Cavan intermediate championship and league double in 1969. He got his place on many different county teams in the sixties at a young age – minor, under 21 and senior. He was an outstanding forward usually wearing the number 12 jersey and was noted for his speed, skill and scoring ability. He won Ulster senior championship medals with Cavan in 1967 and 1969 and was on the team that lost the 1968 final.
As an administrator his contribution was also very noteworthy. He was elected secretary of the Drumalee club at 15 years of age and this was his first introduction to administration. He represented his club at county board meetings and he was elected to serve as Cavan Co Board secretary from 1976 to 1981. After he relinquished the role of secretary he was elected as Cavan’s delegate to the Ulster Council – a position he held throughout the 1980s. After a break in the 1990s he was re-elected to the provincial body and he soon moved up the ranks and was elected Vice- President and later President from 2004 – 2006. This was a role he relished. He was also a noted referee taking charge of numerous county finals at all levels in Cavan, various Ulster finals and many major games at national level.
Míceál had strong opinions on the GAA and he espoused those regularly while defending the principles of the association passionately. He was a man who never shied away from hard work and no matter what had to be done in the GAA, Míceál could always be relied on. He had a great sense of humour and could entertain any gathering with his wit and anecdotes often recalling old football matches and the personalities that were involved. His contributions to the GAA at all levels will be long remembered.
The officers of Cavan Co Board GAA offer deepest sympathy to his wife Carmel, his children, Sonia, Cara, Aoife, Michael, Donal, his grandchildren, brother Eamonn, his sister Noreen, extended families and the Drumalee GAA club. He was predeceased by his sister Mary.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
