Great night planned in memory of Michael Oliver McIntyre in Kilcar

A great night has been planned to remember the 20th anniversary of the late Michael Oliver McIntyre, a Naomh Columba legend, who was taken far too soon.

The family are holding a special night of celebration in the Blue Haven, Kilcar, on Saturday night after Christmas, December 27, with all proceeds going to Palliative Care, Donegal, an organisation that is close to the hearts of the McIntyre family.

The night will be a night of reminiscing, to make memories, to hear stories and remember the man so many loved and adored; a man who devoted his life to his family, football, farming and fishing.

Michael Oliver McIntyre, in his coaching role with Donegal

There were so many facets to Michael Oliver’s contribution to the sporting world with Naomh Columba, Donegal and St Catherine’s.

From being captain of the first ever championship winning team at Naomh Columba (U-14 in 1965); being captain when they won the league and championship double in 1978 and still being involved when they won their second senior championship in 1990, Michael Oliver (or 'The Grey') as he was affectionately known, has played a huge part in the sporting story of the south west club.

His list of honours includes a Mac Larnon Cup with St Eunan's College in 1968; playing for Donegal at all levels and at the heart of the coming of age of Naomh Columba with Junior League and Championship medals in 1974 and then being to the fore as a senior club from their 1976 league title.

From there he would progress to coaching at intercounty level, as U-21 manager and coach at minor and senior level. The football brain of Michael Oliver was always to the fore; a man before his time in many respects.

As a player, centre half-back was probably his best position, a place from where he could read the game and also coach those around him to play to their best. His first senior game for Glen while he was still a student at St Eunan's College is recalled in the Naomh Columba club history, and it probably wasn't a coincidence that it was against Kilcar.

"In 1968, Glen and Kilcar played in the final of the Mac Niallais Cup, so a great attempt was made to assemble all the available troops.

"Conal Gillespie and Francie Cunningham (Rua) travelled to St Eunan's to bring home Pat John (McIntyre) to play. They talked about the shortage of tight marking backs. Pat John assured them that Michael Oliver could mark any forward. That da,y Michael Oliver played his first senior game for Glen at right half-back, a position he would play while captaining the club to its first Senior Championship in 1978. Glen won the Mac Niallais Cup game by a small margin in front of a large crowd.

"The team line-out that day was: Tommy Cassidy (Teelin); Connell McShane (Teelin), Kieran McGee (Fanad), Proinnsias McHugh (Teelin); Michael O McIntyre (Malinbeg), J Cunningham (Carrick), Tomas McShane (Cashel); Francie (Rua) Cunningham (Straleel), Paddy Joe Maloney (Teelin); Connell McGinley (Malinbeg), Josie Gillespie (Carrick), P McIntyre (Malinbeg); Sean Burke (Carrick), Connell Gillespie (Malinbeg), Cathal McLaughlin (Carrick). Subs: B Byrne, C Cunningham, Frank Hegarty, Finbar Hegarty."

Michael Oliver represented Donegal at the senior level in the years 1976/'77. He impressed Sean O'Neill so much that he called him into the Ulster Railway Cup panel in 1977.

On the soccer fields, Michael Oliver was just as prolific and whenever time permitted, he was an important member of the St Catherine’s team in Killybegs.

On Saturday, December 27, the memories of those times will be re-lived. There will be music on the night and also a panel discussion with some of those with whom he came in contact with - as a friend, as a club man, at the county level, playing and coaching.

A great night is assured and anyone wishing to attend or buy tickets can get in contact with Claire or Darina, or the following outlets:

Byrne’s shop - Glen

Roartys Bar - Glen

John Eoinins Bar - Glen

Byrne’s shop - Carrick

Evelyn’s Central Bar - Carrick

Hegarty’s Bar - Carrick

Byrnes Butchers - Carrick

Centra - Kilcar

Bay View Hotel, Killybegs

Dohertys Bar - Ardara

Divers Paper Shop - Ardara

McIntyre’s Bar - Dunkineely

Reveller Bar - Donegal Town

Donegal Tyre Centre - Donegal Town

Blakes Bar - Letterkenny