Dundalk teacher dies in marathon

Dundalk Argus

The sudden death of teacher Michael Morgan during the Dublin Marathon on Monday has devastated the community of Dromiskin where he lived and O Fiaich College in Dundalk where he taught.
And in a sad twist of fate, Michael was due to meet a publisher yesterday to discuss the printing of a computer studies book for second level students which he had finished writing earlier this summer.
Michael became unwell around 16 miles into the 26-mile marathon route and despite the best efforts of a doctor and nurse who came rushing from the crowd to help him, he died from a suspected massive heart attack.
Staff members at O Fiaich College were in a state of profound shock yesterday as news filtered through of Michael’s sudden passing.
Mr Pat Daly, the school’s vice principal, said Michael’s death was a huge blow to O Fiaich, where he had taught computer studies for almost 14 years.
He said, “I hardly could believe it when I heard it on Monday evening around 6pm and I can scarcely believe it now.
“We have been trying to contact staff members about it, but some of them, like principal Padraig McGovern, are abroad.
“There has been widespread shock at Michael’s death. He was a gentle giant of a man - both in physical stature and kindness. His passing has left a huge gap in the life of O Fiaich College”.
Mr Daly said Michael, who was married and in his early 40s, was heavily involved in health and fitness at the school, where he coached many underage GAA teams and took part in numerous extra curricular activities.
He had trained, like a number of other O Fiaich College teachers, for the marathon, over the past few months.
Mr Daly said, “Michael and a number of the other teachers had trained for the Dublin
Marathon. I’m not sure whether this was his first one or not, but he had been marathon training before.
“Michael was the last person that you would expect could die in this way - he was so fit and never complained of any medical condition before”.
Mr Daly also spoke of Michael’s warmth and generosity towards students at the college, where he taught PLC computer courses and was head of the second year.
He said, “Michael always encouraged young people to do better - to make the most of themselves.
“He was a great, positive role model and we would often see him gently talking to students, listening to them, encouraging them to be what he knew they could be.
“He was firm when it was needed, but he was renowned for his kindness, warmth and humanity”.
Retired English teacher, Iris O’Sullivan, said Michael was generous with his time and expertise.
She said, “When I retired in 2000, the staff bought me a computer and Michael came out to the house and set it up for me.
“That was the type of man that he was - nothing was too much trouble for him. He was very kind to everyone and he will be deeply missed.
“He was very involved in sport in the school and would regularly take part in extra curricular training and coaching. His job did not stop at 4pm”.
Mr Daly also spoke highly of Michael’s intellect. Prior to his death, he had a part-time lecturing job at the University of Limerick where he taught computer studies masters.
Mr Daly said, “Michael had a huge intellect. He was always bettering himself and getting more qualifications.
“He was extremely highly thought of as a teacher and there were certain subject aspects that Michael was the only one who knew about them and was able to teach them”.
Michael, who was married to Denise and from Dromiskin, had previously suffered family tragedy. His father died in a car accident a number of years ago, while his sister was killed getting off a bus near the family home.
Members of St Joseph’s GFC also paid tribute to Michael, who was a life-long member of the club.
Secretary Noel Neary said the club and the entire community was in deep mourning for Michael, who played on the 1990 team that won the Intermediate title and was a sub on the 1996 senior championship-winning squad.
Mr Neary said, “Michael played full-back on the 1990 team that won the Intermediate title and was an important part of the panel that won the senior title in 1996.
He said, “Michael was a very likeable, quiet fellow. He had a great interest in GAA and played all his football for St Joseph’s.
“He was so fit and healthy - it’s hard to believe that something like that could have happened to him. The whole community is in shock about his death”.
Club chairman and fellow teacher Tom Dooley described Michael’s death as ‘a very tragic event’.
He said, “Michael was a long-time player with our club and was very well-known and regarded. His death came as a terrible shock to us and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family”.