Republican News · Thursday 12 December 2002

Michael O'Shea

Ar an 4ú lá de Mhí na Nollag, thainig slua mór le cheile i gCillín Liath, Ciarraí Thuaidh chun slán a rá le Micheál Ó Sé a fuair bás san Ospidéal Ghinearálta Thrá Lí.

The death took place recently of Michael O'Shea of Droum, Ballymakilla, Dromid in the heart of the South Kerry Gaeltacht. Michael joined the Republican Movement in the 1930s. Due to his organisational ability, he quickly rose in the ranks and was appointed Battallion Staff Officer and served under both Seán O'Shea and Maurice O'Neill. Michael O'Shea was seen as a link between the old movement and that of the present. During the Emergency years, Michael O'Shea's ability and experience ensured that the movement remained intact during that turbulent period.

In the 1950s he devoted his efforts to the political struggle and was instrumental in ensuring the election of Sinn Féin candidate John Joe Rice to Leinster House in 1957 and the subsequent election of John O'Driscoll to Kerry County Council.

Michael was an excellent fundraiser and was instrumental in the creation of many cumainn in the South Kerry area. He was also highly respected in South Kerry farming circles.

The large crowd who attended both his removal and burial was testimony to his popularity and the esteem in which he was held. He is survived by his sisters, Margaret, Sheila and Eileen.

He will be sorely missed and in the words of the Blasket Scribe, Tomás Ó Criomthain, "Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís".

COUNCILLOR RISTEÁRD Ó FUARÁIN