NOEL NOLAN RIP

Noel 20031103

Noel Nolan, who passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 91, served with great distinction on the Bohemian Football Club’s management committee from 1966 to 2003 when he became a Life Vice-President.

A Bohs “B” and “C” team player in the late 1940s, he was a prime-mover in the club’s change from amateur-only players in 1969 and the arrival of our first semi-professional, Tony O’Connell. What a good move that was!

Yes, Noel was a hugely progressive figure but there was more, a whole lot more. A natural leader, he got things done in a most practical fashion and with such energy. All that and he was also a wonderful counsel through good and bad times.

He championed Bohemians every step along the way and was well respected by officials of other clubs up and down our League of Ireland.

His typical welcome to visitors to Dalymount Park often began with the words: “You’re as welcome as the flowers in May!”

And there were so many laughs along the way. A terrible man for puns, his jokes and stories were probably worse but somehow all the funnier for that.

He was genuine, he was funny, he was great company and the best of friends to so many of us. And we loved him.

We shall miss him, oh how we’ll miss him, but we must celebrate him too, he’d like that best of all.

Our sincere sympathy to Noel’s family and many friends.

[A fuller tribute to Noel Nolan will be published in due course.]

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Noel Nolan, RIP – Reposing at Massey Bros. Funeral Home, 88A Cabra Road Tuesday (28th Nov), from 2pm with removal to Christ The King Church arriving at 5pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday (29th Nov) at 10am followed by burial in Dardistown Cemetery. All enquiries to Massey Bros. 018389774.

Website by Simon Alcock