The Sean Wall Committee are sad to record the death of our
friend and colleague Mr. Michael J. Noonan. Those of us privileged to work with
Michael over the years saw at first hand his outstanding commitment to the
service of his community. Michael was
Secretary of the main Sean Wall Committee, The Sean Wall Memorial Committee, Sean Wall Restoration Co. Ltd and Bruff
Housing Co. Ltd. Michael was also a most
enthusiastic member of the Bloomsday in Bruff Committee.
The saving and restoration of the Old RIC Barracks and the
beautiful restoration of The Church of Ireland are two fine examples of his legacy to the
community in Bruff. The construction of five housing units at the rear of the
barracks are also a result of his energy and commitment. His work with the Sean
Wall Memorial Committee ensured that due respect was accorded in our community, every Easter, to those who
fought and died in our fight for freedom; likewise an annual ceremony at the
republican plot in Grange.
Michael was one of the original committees members that
established what is now the fine GAA Sports Ground in Bruff. He worked
tirelessly to support the work of
Margaret Shaughnessy at Foynes Flying Boat Museum. He was a director of
Ballyhoura Community Development Co. Ltd and a Director of Carebright Company,
working for care in the community.
Michael had a
longstanding working relationship with his great friend of many years Mr.
Dennis Barrett, Chairman of The Sean Wall Committee. Dennis
said “ Michael was great man, with a
commitment to his community that was unparalled. I have been privileged to be
his friend for many years, to see at close hand his work. I shall miss his
company and friendship with a great sadness”
We who worked closely with him, were very aware of the many
kind and compassionate deeds, performed quietly and privately for those who
sought his help. Until relatively recently we were also in awe of his energy
and determination, to see a project through, to attend all meetings of the
various committees.
Donal Thurlow PRO for the Sean Wall Committee said “Michael
adopted the technology of the mobile phone with enthusiasm, and was an avid
texter! He would ask you to see to a certain task. He would phone the next
day.....to see how you were... and to
check that you had completed the task. If you had not he would follow up your
progress with a relentess energy; you soon learnt that it was easier to see to
Michael’s tasks promptly! It has been a daunting task to cover for Michael in
recent months as Acting Secretary. I have become more aware than ever of the amount
of work he got through. Michael was a compassionate man of great integrity; we
were privileged to have him as a colleague and as a friend."
Donal Thurlow
PRO Sean Wall Committee
