Munster Express Online

Frank Sinatra’s hit, composed by Paul Anka, goes “And now the end is near, and so I face the final curtain.”

Little did we think that Paul Anka’s lyrics would be so apt for the longest serving, active member of the Musical Society, Noel Treacy, who passed away on Saturday last.

Noel was on stage for the third production of the Society’s ‘The Gondoliers’ and was again on stage for its 90th Production, ‘That’s Entertainment’ on Wednesday and Thursday last.

In total, Noel was, remarkably, actively involved in 88 of the Society’s 90 productions. He fell ill on Friday last and died at Waterford Regional Hospital; the following day.

The Society’s production at the AIMS Choral Festival in Saint Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, was dedicated to his illustrious memory.

Although not the biggest member of the cast, Noel’s big heart led him to giving his time and talents to many causes.

Aside from the Musical Society, which he served on stage and in committee for many years, Noel was also a trustee of COSAOS LTD, which refurbished, extended, and runs the Strand Theatre facility.

The other great love of his life was surely Castleview Lawn Tennis Club. He was prominent in the 1940ss when the club was revived, and was its guiding light in the intervening years, on court, and in Committee.

Noel served as President of the Munster Branch of Tennis Ireland in the 1960s and always kept an interest in its activities. He often recalled his visits to Wimbledon which he treasured.

At 82 years of age he was still a formidable opponent on court and always looked forward to a game on Christmas morning.

Noel’s social conscience led him to be deeply involved in Social Services, especially with regard to the Ashpark Village Project.

He joined the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in 1963, and was actively involved up to the time of his death.

He served as President and Secretary on a few occasions, and was currently Vice President of St Nicholas Conference. His close contact with people made him an astute assessor of people’s needs.

Always a great lover of sports, Noel lent his support to Irish soccer and rugby teams, and avidly attended international matches in both codes.

During last Wednesday’s interval, Noel referred to his attending the famous Waterford/Manchester United European Cup match at Lansdowne Road, the first soccer match ever played at the venue.

A man of many and varied parts, Noel Treacy will be sorely missed on many levels, by many people. He was active to the end, enjoyed life on stage, and on court, and surely did it ‘his way’. May he rest in peace.

- DM