Man killed in football accident to be buried

THE funeral will take place today of a 51-year-old father-of-two, described as a community stalwart, who died in a tragic indoor football accident.

For 10 years, the same group of friends played indoor soccer every Thursday at Whitechurch Community Hall.

However, last Friday, one of the group, Michael Collins, fell against a wall at the community centre, developing a head injury.

He was taken to Cork University Hospital by ambulance but died two days later. Michael’s organs were donated and it’s believed that up to five people may have benefited.

An electrical contractor who lived in Carrig na bhFear, he was described by his friends as someone “devoted to his family” and “who lived life to the full”.

A former chairman of Carrig na bhFear Community Council, he was an active member of the council for 10 years. He also played golf and soccer and went hill-walking regularly.

Michael, who was originally from Dublin Hill, was married to Veronica and they have two children – Michael, 16, and Clare, 18.

Pat Dunlea was Michael’s best friend and he described him as “a diamond”.

“He lived life to the full – tennis, soccer, hill-walking – you name it, Michael did it. He was a great family man, always partaking in activities with his children,” he said.

Mr Dunlea said Michael was also involved in clean-ups in the locality and had developed many projects locally, including outdoor tennis courts, a children’s playground and swimming pool maintenance.

“He touched everyone in the community and was always there to help. He was the kind of man people would turn to. He was loved by all. We will miss him terribly and none more than his family, who will have to deal with life without Michael long after today’s funeral,” said Mr Dunlea.

Michael’s removal from his home to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Carrig na bhFear took place last night. He is due to be buried at Dun Bolg Cemetery after Requiem Mass at noon.