Michael O Donnell RIP:
The death of Michael O Donnell Coolcroo, Two Mile Borris has saddened the GAA community of Moycarkey Borris GAA. The sadness also extends to Mike’s former playing colleagues and friends in Fermoy GAA. Growing up as part of a talented and committed cohort of players coached in hurling by his father Neily and by Andy Scannell in football, the team contested four County A Finals. But losing these finals did not deter the determination of centre forward Mike and his teammates and in 1986 they won the club’s first ever Cork Under 21 A Hurling Title. Mike played Harty Cup Hurling for St. Colmans in 1984 and 1985. Some club mates described Mike as Neily’s ‘on field general’ but all agreed that he was a real leader, brave and hardworking. Mike was a regular on the Fermoy Senior team until he went to work in England for several years but on returning home, he regained his place on the team in 1998 and 1999.
A few years later Michael, Sarah and the children set up their home in Coolcroo. Michael encouraged David, Michael, and Patrick to play hurling and football in Moycarkey Borris GAA and Two Mile Borris National School. As a committed team mentor with Eamon Darmody, Vinny Flood,Michael Coffey  and others .Michael helped the development of a new generation of young players. Michael’s wit and innate decency enlivened every training session. But his loyalty to Cork was never in doubt as the Red flag waved proudly at the corner near his Coolcroo home.
Our sincere sympathies to Sarah, David, Michael, Patrick and all the family on the loss of Michael RIP.