The passing of Mick O'Shea will leave a huge void in Seandun GAA and Redmonds GAA club 

When the news filtered through late on Monday that the former Seandun and Redmond’s chairman Michael (Mick) O’Shea had passed away it brought widespread sadness in the GAA fraternity.

Over his lifetime Mick did incredible work for his club and division but in recent years poor health restricted him from doing the tasks he once fulfilled for four decades.

When Mick was chairman of the Seandun division he was firm but fair minded and the respect he showed media and club personnel was always in the interest of the sport.

The present secretary of the Seandun division Eddie Murphy, who was instrumental in encouraging Michael back to the division sent the following tribute.

“The Seandun Division of Ceanntar Na Cathrach are mourning the loss of a great GAA Gael after the announcement of Michael O’ Shea's passing.

“He had a passion for all things in life, and besides his family and beloved Redmond’s GAA club, his endless work for the City Division in Cork was huge.

“Mick, as he was affectionately known by was Chairman and vice chairman of the Seandun Board and gave close to 30 years- service and was an accomplished referee during his time.

“He began his GAA career in the sense that he joined Redmond’s GAA in 1958 and his loyalty was immense and that never waned over the years.

“Michael won an All- Ireland Minor hurling medal with Cork, which he was very proud of and always gave a reminder to his friends and oversaw many changes during his time as a tremendous administrator and it was always a pleasure to meet him in Ballinlough.

“Recently Michael was back in that venue he loved to attend and the officer board were delighted to see him there in attendance. 

“Many stories of Michael will be shared over the coming weeks but for sure he will be known as an outspoken but fair man who gave his all for the GAA in Cork City.

“The greatest loss however will be his family, who always came first and that was equalled by his love for Redmond’s GAA Club.” 

Redmond’s GAA Club was established in 1892 and in a short time Redmond’s became a major force in the GAA.

The southside club swept every obstacle from its path to win the Cork County Championships, the Munster title and the All-Ireland Hurling title in its very first year of existence.

The rise to success continued and Redmond’s went on to represent Cork in the All-Ireland finals, winning the crown on the first attempt, won the Cork County Championships five times and the junior’s set a record winning four county titles in a row between 1897-1900 inclusive. 

Also at that time they became known as The Sporting Reds for playing at many charitable fundraising events.

Redmond's clubhouse was situated at 40, Tower Street for more than four decades players and members alike enjoyed many great night’s at the venue.

At the heart of the parish it is not only known a historical club but also a local amenity.

Michael O’Shea was a man that will be missed by the many who had the pleasure to know him and his forthright views will be missed by his many friends in Seandun division.

To his wife Assumpta, sons, Michael (Jnr), Paul, Aidan and daughter Anne-Marie, we offer our deepest sympathy on the passing of a true gentleman and a great GAA man.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.