Munster Express Online

Michael (Mick) Mansfield, 92, Cork road, Waterford who died peacefully at St Patrick’s Hospital, Waterford on Sunday August 1st 2010 was the youngest of seven children born to Jim and Hannah Mansfield, Newtown, Kilmacthomas on 3rd October 1921.

He received his early education at the local Newtown National School and later at Waterpark College, where his sporting talents were rewarded with places on the school’s Junior and Senior Cup teams.

Mick’s unselfish attitude to time and money became evident in his early years when he turned his back on a promising academic career to stay at home and care for his aging parents – caring for both until the death of his mother in 1945 and his father in 1954.

He continued for a time helping in the family forge until emigrating to England in 1958 where he worked for a number of years with W.H.Smith Electrical Contractors.

Mick returned to Ireland in the ‘70’s and worked for a short time with National Proteins (Ferrybank) before retiring to look after his only sister Mary and her husband, his brother-in-law Eddie Cummins. In his capacity as a carer, Mick’s loyalty, generosity, patience, understanding and human kindness helped in making their final years happy and contented in their own environment.

In his youth Mick was regarded as a stylish and an accurate footballer whose scores helped his club, Newtown, close to the top of the pile in Waterford football spanning 18 years. In his penultimate game he scored two goals and five points against Ferrybank at Walsh Park. Along with his brothers John and tom he represented his county at all grades. He was also an able administrator and served as club secretary in the 1950’s when they regained senior status. Although his playing career was dedicated to football, hurling was his true sporting passion and he travelled many miles in supporting his county. He was particularly proud of being in Croke Park to witness Waterford’s All-Ireland triumphs in 1948 and 1959 and watch his club comrades Billy Galvin, Davy Power and Joe Harney win their Celtic crosses.

Outside of sport Mick was renowned for his versatility being equally adept at pushing a pen, cooking a meal or coaxing milk from a cow or striking in harmony with his brother Batt on the forge anvil. He was also a talented accordion player and his services were in keen demand in those bygone nights when house dances dominated the social scene.

Mick’s health had been in decline for a number of years, the last five having been spent in hospital, where he received wonderful care and attention from medical staff of St.Aidan’s John’s Hill and St.Patrick’s Hospital. Also his niece, Maura (Giles), his nephew Tom Cummins who were with him on a daily basis. Fittingly, Maura was at his bedside to whisper a final goodbye as he commenced his final journey.

He is survived by his nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews and a wide circle of friends who attended his removal from the “Little Chapel”, St.Patrick’s Hospital where he lay in repose on Sunday and Monday and his funeral Mass and burial at All Saints Church Newtown on Tuesday August 3rd.

Mick’s Month’s Mind mass will take place at All Saints Church, Newtown on Friday 3rd September at 7.30pm.