Michael Waters 1933-2017

Parish mourns passing of a man who gave so much.

It was with deep sadness that the community in Oughterard learned of the death last week of Michael Waters on October 10th 2007.

 Born in Oughterard in 1933 and educated in the National School, Rosscahill and later in St. Mary’s College, Galway, Michael joined An Gárda Síochána in 1954 and was posted initially in Dublin.

He served as Sergeant in Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim and in Killererin, Co. Galway. He was Chairman of Allen Gaels GAA Club in Leitrim and Killererin GAA Club while he was stationed in the respective areas.

In 1984 he returned to Oughterard and was Weight and Measures Inspector for Galway East and later for Galway West. He retired from An Gárda Síochána in 1993.

In Oughterard his impact on the community was immense. In 1985 he was Mayor of the town. From 1984-1986 he was Chairman of Oughterard GAA Club and was manager of the team in 1984 that went from Intermediate to Senior status. He was heavily involved in the development of Oughterard Golf Club. He was treasurer of the Club from 1988/1989 and Captain in 1991. He was the Club’s delegate to the Connacht Branch of the G.U.I. for a number of years and was a member of the Central Council of the G.U.I. for four years. He set up Oughterard Bridge Club – which is now a very vibrant part of the social fabric of the town. He loved fishing on Lough Corrib.

He was constantly looking for ways to better this community.

There is a Benedictine order of nuns not far from Oughterard in Kylemore Abbey. They have a missal which contains a number of reflections. There is a reflection which summarises Michael’s life  – and it is this.

“Those we hold dear never truly leave us, they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives.”

Suaimhneas dó i bhFlaitheas Dé.