Former Supervalu Kells manager Michael Gibney remembered as "true gentleman"

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Michael Gibney, former manager of Supervalu, Kells, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday.

Michael of Grennan, Oldcastle, was widely known in the Kells and surrounding communities from his role as manager in Supervalu, Kells, where he always greeted customers with a smile and a kind word and was also hugely supportive of local clubs and organisations.

Since news of his passing, the term that has constantly come up to describe Michael is a "true gentleman" and many have commented on his welcoming and helpful manner as store manager and how he always had time for a chat with his customers.

O'Brien's Supervalu Kells, where Michael worked a manager for many years, has led tributes describing him as an "indispensable member of the team".

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend, Michael Gibney. On behalf of everyone at O’Brien’s SuperValu Kells, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to Geraldine, Cathal, Ellen and the Gibney family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this difficult time.

"Michael was an indispensable member of our team and he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues at SuperValu Kells. Michael left an undeniable mark on all who had the privilege of working with him. He will always be remembered and forever remain a part of our team."

Moylagh GAA Club, which Michael to A league success in 1996 as captain has also paid tribute and offered its sympathies to his wife, children and family.

"All of us in Moylagh GAA Club were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Gibney.

"Michael played a key role on the field through the 90s and was a leader on our young team that was emerging at that time. Michael captained the team to an A league final success in 1996 v Drumbaragh.

"In more recent times Michael remained a strong supporter of the club. Anyone who had the pleasure to bump into Michael in SuperValu in Kells was always guaranteed a discussion on Moylagh or Meath football."

Drumbaragh Emmets GFC has also extended its heartfelt condolences to Michael's wife Geraldine, children Cathal and Ellen and the Gibney family.

"A man with a long association with our club, he along with his teammates in Moylagh, broke Drumbaragh hearts in the league final of 1996. Michael had a great rapport with the people involved in our club.

"Not forgetting his second family at O'Brien's Supervalu. Michael, Larry, Imelda, Rachel and the team were always very generous to our club. From our legendary Trolley Dash at Christmas to our weekly lotto, Michael and the team would always oblige. Today we thank you once again for your kindness."

Other local clubs including Kilmainham GFC and Gael Colmcille CLG have also expressed their sadness and thanked Michael and Supervalu Kells for their generous support of various fundraisers down the years , while St Paul's GFC, Clonmellon said: "Many of our club members would have worked under Michael in the store over the years and would have fond memories of the time he spent as store manager. He was also a familiar and friendly face who greeted everyone he met day after day in the store."

Michael is survived by his wife Geraldine, children Cathal and Ellen, sisters, brothers, relatives and friends.

His remains will be reposing in Gibneys Funeral Home, Oldcastle, this evening (Friday) from 5pm until 8pm. Funeral Mass will take place tomorrow (Saturday) morning in St Mary’s Church, Moylagh at 11am, followed by burial in adjoining cemetery.