Death of Michael Dooley, Athy (Nationalist, 1967)

Nationalist & Leinster Times 9 June 1967

Mr. M. DOOLEY

The death occurred at Naas Co. Hospital on Sunday of Mr. Michael Dooley, 10 St Michael’s Terrace, Athy, aged 53 years. He was a member of an old and respected local family. He was husband of Mrs. Mary Dooley, formerly a Miss Logan of Dundalk, who before her marriage was attached to the teaching staff at Barrowhouse, N.S. He was father of John, Peadar, Michael, Donald and Jimmy and of Maura, Rosemary and Deirdre.

His father was the late Mr. Michael Dooley, well-known in the National movement and in Sinn Fein and Gaelic League circles, Athy. He was nephew of late Mr. Patrick Dooley, a former chairman of Athy U.D.C. and former T.D.; of Mrs. Joe A. May, Mrs. Gypsy O’Neill (Droichead Nua) and Miss Nora Dooley. He is survived also by sons-in-law, J. Alexander and MI. Whelan; daughters-in-law, Mrs. Peadar Dooley, Mrs. John Dooley, Mrs. MI. Dooley, Mrs. Donald Dooley, Mrs. P. G. Dooley and a large number of relatives.

The deceased was maintenance supervisor at Bord Na Mona, Kilbery for the past 21 years. For 8 years earlier he was attached to the office of public works, Barrow Drainage, Athy, an old I.R.A. member of the Carlow Brigade, he took part in the fight for independence. He was one of the small garrison who took over the local barrack from the British after the signing of the treaty. About 1923 he joined the National Army and served for some time there, retiring with rank of Sergt. Major.

He was most popular with his colleagues of Bord Na Mona and with all who knew him. His death is deeply mourned in the District. The remains were removed on Monday evening to the parish church, Athy and internment took place on Tuesday in St Michael’s Cemetery after Requiem Mass. The coffin was covered with the Tricolour.

Officiating at the obsequies were:- Rev. B. Kelly, C.C.; Very Rev. H. Peel, O.P.; Very Rev. Maurice O’Neil, C.M.,P.P. (Seven Kings, Ilford) (brother-in-law) and Rev. P. O’Sullivan, O.P.