Michael Neary of Midwest Radio was one of life’s gentlemen

Many tributes have been paid to former Midwest Radio presenter, Michael Neary, who died at his home in Milltown, Ballinlough, Co Roscommon, on Thursday morning following a long illness bravely borne.

Michael (pictured) was host of the Saturday morning country show on Midwest for several years and had a large and loyal audience around the western counties and over the internet. He also hosted Farming Matters on Wednesday nights between 10 pm and 11 pm, where his love and knowledge of the farming scene and related matters were always to the fore.

He served as one of the main technicians at the station and had an intimate knowledge of the transmission network and the various masts around the county.

Midwest Radio, in a statement expressing condolences to the family, also commented on his expertise with all matters of a technical nature: “Michael was instrumental in bringing many memorable outside broadcasts to listeners. He was the main engineer on Midwest Radio's historic broadcast of Mass from the summit of Croagh Patrick in July 1989 and was responsible for the weekly broadcast of live Masses from various churches around the region for over two decades.

“Due to his incredible technical skills Midwest Radio delivered a range of programmes to listeners by way of live outside broadcasts ranging from sport events, election counts, festivals and protests.

“Michael’s talents were many, but it was his lovely personality and wit that will be best remembered by the many who knew and loved him.”

Unique

HIS neighbour and special friend, Gerry Glennon, said they spoke almost every day down through the years. “It is always said that a person is unique. Michael was unique, but as well as being unique, he was special

“He had so many gifts, and he used those gifts so well. No one could ever say they had a row or a disagreement with Michael Neary. He was one of life’s gentlemen. He was a very private man, but a wonderful man, and he’ll be so sorely missed. But he has left us with a wonderful legacy.”

An ardent Roscommon GAA supporter, he attended matches up and down the country over the years. The local Michael Glaveys GAA Club, were among the many joining in the tributes: “Michael was the man who provided sound and public address systems for matches, club events, fundraising auctions, team homecomings at our pitch and club house. Despite his busy work schedule he was always there well in advance of the event getting set up and one of the last to leave when the event was over after taking down his equipment. At our complex due to the high roof and walls providing sound was hard to achieve for functions or music events. He was a man of many talents and he was always in good form, jovial and with a quick turn of phrase or witty comment.

“Michael left a lasting memory to all in Glaveys who at one stage or another over the years saw his many contributions to the club. He was a passionate Roscommon supporter and was proud of his son Brian’s playing achievements with Glaveys.

“Michael was a gentleman to the core and could definitely be described as one 'sound' man.”

Reposing was at Donnellan's Funeral Home, Ballyhaunis, on Saturday evening. Fr Stephen Farragher was the chief celebrant at the Mass in St Patrick's Church, Granlahan, where he was also joined by Fr Brendan Hoban, co-host of the Faith Alive Sunday morning show on Midwest Radio for many years. Brian Neary, son of Michael, delivered a lovely tribute to his father at the start of the Mass, while Fr Stephen also spoke eloquently about Michael and his role in both the local and Midwest Radio communities. Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery.

Michael, who was predeceased by his father Bob, baby niece Michelle, father-in-law and mother-in-law James and Mary Hickey, Greenwood, Ballyhaunis, will be greatly missed by his wife Pauline and their family, Sharon, Brian and Elaine, their partners Dan, Anne-Marie and Padraig, his mother Josephine, brother John, sister Mary Raftery, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and his many friends, and his lifelong friend and neighbour, Gerry Glennon.