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Connacht Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Michael 'Mick' Grealish - one of our greatest friends and a true giant of rugby in our province.
A former Connacht Rugby President, Mick dedicated his life to the development of our sport at all levels ever since he joined OLBC RFC as an 11-year-old in the early 1950s. In the 60+ years since that day he played, coached and mentored at all levels of the sport.
As a player he captained OLBC to a Junior League and Cup double in 1970/71 - only the second time that was achieved by the club. He also held the unique triple role of both Player/Coach and President for their Junior League win over 1974.
Following the end of his playing career a few years later he remained heavily involved as a coach and administrator, and was coach for their last Junior Cup win in 1986/87. Our deepest sympathies goes to everyone at OLBC RFC who we know will sorely miss Mick as a colleague and friend.
Mick also leaves behind an incredible legacy for his work with Connacht Rugby as a whole. Grealish played for the Connacht Juniors, coached the provinces underage and junior sides, was past Chairman of the former Stadium and Grounds Committee, and held the role of Connacht Rugby President for the 2008/09 season.
He remained a familiar face to everyone at the club, often attending matches or visiting the Sportsground offices up until the first restrictions last year.
CEO of Connacht Rugby Willie Ruane has paid the following tribute:
"Mick defined everything that was good about the people of Connacht. It's hard to fully state the size of the impact he has made on the organisation, whether it be as an active player and coach, or official and administrator. What struck me most about Mick was his humility and his genuine wish to help people - particularly young people - no matter what the ask was. His sad passing will be felt by so many people, which in itself is a testament to what he achieved through his lifetime of volunteerism.
On behalf of everyone at Connacht Rugby I'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mick's family including his wife Maureen, his children Keith, Mickey and Eleanor, his many friends and everyone at OLBC".
A former Connacht Rugby President, Mick dedicated his life to the development of our sport at all levels ever since he joined OLBC RFC as an 11-year-old in the early 1950s. In the 60+ years since that day he played, coached and mentored at all levels of the sport.
As a player he captained OLBC to a Junior League and Cup double in 1970/71 - only the second time that was achieved by the club. He also held the unique triple role of both Player/Coach and President for their Junior League win over 1974.
Following the end of his playing career a few years later he remained heavily involved as a coach and administrator, and was coach for their last Junior Cup win in 1986/87. Our deepest sympathies goes to everyone at OLBC RFC who we know will sorely miss Mick as a colleague and friend.
Mick also leaves behind an incredible legacy for his work with Connacht Rugby as a whole. Grealish played for the Connacht Juniors, coached the provinces underage and junior sides, was past Chairman of the former Stadium and Grounds Committee, and held the role of Connacht Rugby President for the 2008/09 season.
He remained a familiar face to everyone at the club, often attending matches or visiting the Sportsground offices up until the first restrictions last year.
CEO of Connacht Rugby Willie Ruane has paid the following tribute:
"Mick defined everything that was good about the people of Connacht. It's hard to fully state the size of the impact he has made on the organisation, whether it be as an active player and coach, or official and administrator. What struck me most about Mick was his humility and his genuine wish to help people - particularly young people - no matter what the ask was. His sad passing will be felt by so many people, which in itself is a testament to what he achieved through his lifetime of volunteerism.
On behalf of everyone at Connacht Rugby I'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mick's family including his wife Maureen, his children Keith, Mickey and Eleanor, his many friends and everyone at OLBC".
Additional info with thanks to the Connacht Tribune
