*Michael Hynes. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
A FUNDRAISER in memory of the late Michael Hynes takes place in Whitegate this Sunday.
On the second anniversary of Michael’s death, Whitegate GAA club will host two hurling matches, the four teams involved, Whitegate, Clare, Scariff Community College and the University of Limerick were all represented with distinction by Mikey during his promising hurling career.
With his native Whitegate, Mikey was the freetaker for the side’s senior team, his absence has been keenly felt with the club since dropping down to intermediate. He captained Scariff Community College to All-Ireland C glory in 2018 and was joint captain for UL in 2022 when they tasted All-Ireland success in 2022, he was named man of the match in the college’s final win. Hynes played from Clare from U13 to minor level.
Hurlers from across the country will travel to Whitegate for the games with many of his UL teammates based in different parts of Ireland.
There will be an open draw to determine the pairings for the two games, the first commences at 4pm and the second at 5pm. Refreshments will be served after the matches in the clubhouse. His anniversary mass takes place on Sunday morning in Whitegate at 11am.
An online donation link is live with over €2,000 raised for Limerick Suicide Watch, all funds raised on the day will also go towards the volunteer group who patrol the River Shannon at night in Limerick City to identify and provide support to those in distress and who may be contemplating suicide. They also visit schools, colleges and local communities to promote positive mental health and encourage conversation around mental health and suicide.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Michael’s father Declan expressed his hope that there would be a strong turnout on Sunday for the matches. He acknowledged Clare GAA Chairman Kieran Keating, Sean McNamara of Scariff Community College, Alan Murphy of UL, Tommy Guilfoyle and Fiachra Donnellan for their assistance in organising the teams.
Cathy Kelleher who is involved in the backroom team of the Clare U20 hurlers is an active volunteer with Limerick Suicide Watch, her contribution was highlighted by Declan.
“We want to remember Michael, hurling was his life, we are grateful to all the people who have supported us over the last two years and we’re thankful to all the people that will come out and help us out on Sunday,” Declan added. “We wanted to remember Michael in all the different jerseys he got to play in and that was it really”.
Within the handball alley, Mikey also tasted success winning All-Irelands on strong Clare teams from U14 where his teammates included Mark Rodgers, Gary Cooney, Cian Minogue and Sean Murphy.
Declan noted, “The two greatest things in his life were hurling and handball, he also won two All-Irelands playing handball”.
Mikey’s sister Katie is currently based in Australia, while she will not be in Whitegate this weekend, Declan said she will be kept updated by his wife Annette and daughters Alison and Corinna with plenty of videos.
He confirmed that the for the third year, a Darkness into Light event will be held in Whitegate on May 11th.
Clare U20 hurling manager, Terence Fahy who was Mikey’s manager when he played senior hurling for Whitegate told The Clare Echo, “It will be a lovely way to remember a special fella who had a big impact on our club and on all our lives, it is lovely to see Mikey being remembered for this great cause”.
