Much cherished Clara GAA official and founder of Offaly Centre for Independent Living passes away

THE death has taken place of a former Clara and Offaly GAA official, Michael Nestor. The deceased gave vast service to Clara GAA and was also elected as an officer of the Offaly GAA County Board but unfortunately a life changing accident meant that his role at county level was brief.

Michael Nestor was elected as assistant secretary of the County Board in 1991. In that role, he was secretary of the then county Fixtures and Disciplinary Committee and had made a very favourable early impression with his ability to do this onerous job when a serious motor bike accident at work with Bord na Mona left him confined to a wheelchair.

He didn't continue on with the County Board after that and he was a big loss to the county but he went on to serve very well in other roles.

After his accident, he had to display great fortitude and strength of character to rebuild his life. As he went through this, he then decided to serve others. He was instrumental in the Offaly Centre for Independent for years and this provided a great service for people with physical or sensory disability in Offaly and Laois.

Michael Nestor set this up in n1996 along with his then occupational therapist, Maura Morgan. One of 27 Centres for Independent Living across Ireland, they aim to help people with disabilities to live a full and free life, making their own choices and fulfilling their potential in whatever way they can – they also provide a personal assistance service to those who require it.

He did a great body of work for people in Offaly and Laois in this whole area and also led by example as he tried to live a full life following his very unfortunate accident.

He remained a keen GAA supporter and prior to his accident, he had made a terrific contribution as a player and adminstrator.

As a young man, he played football and hurling with Clara, winning Bord na Scoil medals in 1955 and 1956, an U-17 Hurling medal in 1958. He played senior hurling for the north Offaly divisional side in the late 1960s and also played football and hurling for Goodbody's factory teams – those teams and factory league competitions at that time are part of folklore in Clara.

His greatest contribution to Clara was as an administrator. He served as secretary of the club for almost 20 years, including an unbroken fourteeen year run from 1968 to 1981. It was no co-incidence that some great, pivotal developments took place during his time at the helm. Surpremely efficient, he possessed great drive and in the early 1970s, Clara GAA piurchased the old Star Cinema and turned it to use as a social centre – a building that is still a fine asset to the club.

They also developed their former main playing grounds at Pairc Brid, on the Ballycumber Road, with a stand and dressing rooms constructed along with other impropvements – culminating in an official opening in 1981.

He was club treasurer for a short period after this and was their County Board delegate for several years – his contributions here were sincere and well received.

He is survived by hius wife Nancy, his children Ciarán, Anne Marie, Michael and Teresa, daughter-in-law Denise, son-in-law Chucho, grandchildren Ben, Jamie, Matilda, Maya and Noah, brother John, sister Mary, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.