SOME people leave this world a better place due to their kindness, drive, sense of community and always putting others before themselves. One such man is Michael (Mike) Mullane who had all the qualities listed above and more. Mr Mullane passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on May 13. His loss has been keenly felt in his homeplace of Foynes and much further afield. He saved lives as a firefighter and station officer in Foynes, and enhanced people’s lives through his lifelong association with St Senan’s GAA. READ MORE: Former Munster Rugby staff member dies following two-year battle with breast cancer The club, in a beautifully penned tribute, said their community has lost not just a man, but the “heartbeat of our club”. “There are men who play the game. There are men who coach, who cheer from the sidelines, who carry flags or line pitches. And then, there are men like Mike Mullane who become the game itself, who pour their heart into the club not for glory or recognition, but because they believe in something deeper: in belonging, in pride of place, in the power of community. “For so many of us, Mike was our very first introduction to the GAA. The first handshake. The first training session. The first words of encouragement. As a coach, he didn’t just teach the skills of the game - he helped shape the person. He guided with a gentle but steady hand, instilling values like teamwork, respect, discipline, and pride in the jersey. With Mike, it was always about more than the scoreline. It was about the people.” The GAA journey for so many in the parish began the same way - waiting at the monument in Shanagolden or outside the school gates in Foynes. They had boots in hand, feeling nervous, hearts full of excitement, and then, like clockwork, around the corner came Mike’s famous blue van. “Packed shoulder to shoulder, nearly a full team crammed inside, we were off—15 or 20 young lads setting out across the county, starting something far bigger than we understood at the time. “On the way home, stories flowed as easily as the laughter. Matches were dissected, debated, relived. That van was more than just transport - it was a rite of passage, a moving classroom of GAA and life itself. “Mike’s incredible collection of club and county memorabilia, match programs, yellowed newspaper clippings carefully preserved, photos full of beaming faces, was more than just nostalgia. It was a testament to a life devoted to the GAA. Every piece told a story, not of glory, but of love. Love for the game, love for his club and county.” Mr Mullane would have enjoyed last weekend's win for the Limerick senior footballers and hurlers. “Mike was more than a mentor. He was a father figure to generations, a storyteller, a rock when things got tough. He celebrated our highs, quietly patched our lows, and carried us forward when we couldn’t find the strength ourselves. “To say he’ll be missed feels too small for a man of his spirit. He leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy. A standard of loyalty, humility, and unshakable commitment. “His fingerprints are on every blade of grass on our GAA field, his spirit in every jersey that will ever be worn. “Tonight, and in many nights to come, the GAA field will feel quieter. But we’ll carry him with us - in every huddle, every roar, every child lacing up their boots for the first time. And we’ll honour him the way he would’ve wanted: by showing up, giving our all, and standing together.” The touching obituary concludes by thanking Mike for everything. “You were, and always will be, the soul of our club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.” READ MORE: Hundreds of tributes pour in for late inspirational University of Limerick professor St Senan’s GAA Club members and firefighters gave guards of honour at his funeral Mass last Friday week. The large congregation in the church and the huge numbers of mourners at his reposal speak volumes of the respect Mr Mullane was held in. There are pages and pages of condolences on RIP.ie that paint a picture of true gentleman, true GAA man and family man Mr Mullane is sadly missed by his beloved wife Mary, his much loved children Kenneth, Kevin, Linda, Conor, Joanne and Andrew. Mr Mullane passed on his love of the GAA to his children and adored grandchildren. Son, Conor played in Munster football championship finals with Limerick under Liam Kearns. Mr Mullane and Mr Kearns will surely have a chat about those halcyon days in the afterlife. May he rest in peace.