Tullamore mourns passing of one of life's true gentlemen

It is with much sadness that Tullamore is learning about the passing of Mick Gunning of Knockowen Road.

Mr Gunning was highly respected and known for his gentle good humour. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Catherine. Both were heavily involved in Tullamore Musical Society who gave this tribute

''It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that we bid farewell to our dear friend and cherished member, Mick Gunning who passed away after over 60 remarkable years of unwavering dedication to our musical society. We extend our deepest sympathies to all of the Gunning family at this very sad time.

Mick’s contribution to the life and spirit of our society is immeasurable. Having first joined the society in our 1961 production of Cinderella, the Gunning name has been synonymous with TMS ever since. Following in his footsteps Mick’s son Brian joined the society in 1979 and has been an active member ever since.

For generations of audiences, Mick and his late wife Catherine were the warm, familiar faces who welcomed them to each performance. From showing people to their seats to selling raffle tickets at the interval, from late-night tidying to early arrival preparations, Mick carried out every task with humility, care, and an unwavering dedication to the society he loved.

His commitment was not flashy or loud, but it was deeply felt. He understood that the magic of a performance doesn’t begin on stage, it begins at the door, in the simple act of making people feel at home. In this, Mick was a master, culminating in 2001 winning the A.I.M.S. award as Front of House manager.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You made every performance shine a little brighter.

Mick will be sadly missed and always remembered by his loving daughters Maureen and Catherine, sons Brian, Mick and John, son in law Tom, daughters in law Michelle, Marie and Áine, grandchildren Peter, Áine, Aisling, Kate, Hugh, Eimear, Sarah, Daniel, Michael, Ali and Iarla, sisters Carmel, Maureen, Anna and Rosie (Deceased), brother John, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and his many friends.

Mr Gunning will repose at his home on Wednesday from 4pm until Rosary that night at 8pm. Removal on Thursday morning at 9.40am to the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore, arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am. Burial after Mass in St. Colmcille's Cemetery, Durrow.

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