Dr. Mickey left a proud legacy, mourners told at his funeral in Crossmolina

By Tom Shiel

MOURNERS at the funeral of former GAA president Dr. Michael (Mickey) Loftus in Crossmolina this afternoon (Tuesday) were told that he had left a proud legacy as a sportsman, medical doctor and humanitarian.

Dr. Loftus’s only daughter, Orla, joined two of her brothers, Patrick and Michael, in St. Tiernan’s Church in eulogising their father who passed away at the weekend, aged 93.

Orla, a nurse in medical practice, recalled that her dad, a lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (PTAA), had during his long career as a doctor been condemnatory of the abuse of alcohol and the sponsorship of sporting occasions by large alcohol companies.

She spoke of his 'unyielding campaign' on these issues, adding that his stance was informed by his role as a GP and coroner (North Mayo).

“His views and stance were controversial but courageous at the time,” Orla continued. “Ultimately he was proven right.”

Fr. Pat Munnelly, the main celebrant of the funeral Mass, said Dr. Loftus went beyond the call of duty in his life to help people.

He went on to assert that if Irish society today had people of the calibre of Dr. Loftus then our society would be a better place.

Fr. Munnelly also rejected any suggestion that Dr. Loftus had been ‘anti-alcohol’.

“He was not anti-alcohol,” he insisted. He was not anti-anything. He was a man of positivity but he saw the horror and pain caused by alcohol abuse.”

Alluding to the fact that Dr. Loftus was a member of the Mayo senior football panel which last won the All-Ireland, Fr. Munnelly humorously remarked that he is now in a place where he can exert some influence as regards when Mayo will win their long awaited first All-Ireland since 1951.

Symbols of Dr. Loftus’s long and accomplished life brought to the altar included a photo of his marriage to Edie on their wedding day 67 years ago.

Edie did not attend the Mass but watched a live broadcast on church TV.

Other symbols included his stethoscope, his pioneer pin, a football and whistle, symbolising his career as a player and referee, and what was described by one of his sons, Dr. Joe, as his most treasured GAA possession - his 1951 All-Ireland medal.

Larry McCarthy, president of the GAA, attended, as did large numbers of GAA officials past and present from around the country.

Colonel Stephen Howard, aide de camp, represented President Michael D. Higgins. The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin were also represented.

Following Requiem Mass at midday, Dr. Loftus was laid to rest in Crossmolina Cemetery.