Mick Holden RIP

[JBM on the 21]

He was some character. Remember reading  about the hatred between the Cork and Meath teams in the late 80s -  they both ended up holidaying on the same island and spend the time there avoid each other. Told them both to cop themselfs on -   "Jaysus lads, ye'll all be dead and there won't be a football in sight. And if there is one, it's mine and ye can't play with it,"  says Mick

[ross matt]

My God may he rest in peace. Thats terrible news. What happened to him?
I remember him vividly with the blond hair. A real warrior that came across as a decent sort and I also read the article JBM just referred to. According to Today FM he was only 52. Did'nt even think he was that old...

[magickingdom]

shocking news, heard on the radio that he died suddenly. 52 years of age the same as tim kennelly when he died. RIP Mick

[Gnevin]

RIP , Shocking news

[Rossfan]

Shock is too mild a word for this news. I remember him as being one great character.
Go ndéanfadh Dia trócaire as a anam dhílis.

[Rufus T Firefly]

Very sorry to hear this terrible news.

May He Rest In Peace.

[Mike Sheehy]

May he rest in peace.


(from Hoganstand)

The late Mick Holden

Mick Holden
26 September 2007


We are sad to report the death of former Dublin footballer and hurler Mick Holden.

Mick, who was only 52 years of age, died suddenly this morning, Wednesday 26th September. He played with the Cuala club who choose their pick from around the Dalkey area of south Dublin.

Cuala is a dual operation and the late Mick excelled in both grades, playing at most underage levels for the Dubs.
He lined out with the Dublin senior hurlers for years and figured at centre half forward as Leinster won the 1979 Railway Cup hurling competition at Connacht's expense. But to most, Mick Holden will be remembered as the teak tough defender on the Dublin football team of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
With the long blond hair immediately bringing his actions to the attention of the crowd, Mick lined out at full back on the Dublin selection beaten by Kerry in the 1979 All-Ireland decider.

His biggest moment arrived in the 1983 final when the Dubs beat Galway in what was probably the most controversial All-Ireland ever. Inspired by Holden in the number 2 jersey, the Sky Blues, down to 12 men, held out in the face of a gale and fierce Galway pressure.
He and Dublin were back 12 months later. Again Mick Holden lined out at right full back but again Kerry proved that bit stronger.

Mick Holden became one of the few players to win Railway Cup medals in both codes and when Leinster gained Railway Cup football honours for the first time after 11 years in 1985, there was Mick in his favourite number 2 jersey.
Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Nickey Brennan, President of the GAA, said this evening that he was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former Dublin hurler and All Ireland senior football medal winner, Mick Holden.  The President said that Mick was one of the most charismatic, colourful and passionate players to ever play Gaelic Games.   From Kilkenny heritage, Mick and his brothers PJ and Vinne, under the tutelage of their  late father Tom, became synonymous with Cuala, the spirit of Gaelic Games and all that is associated with being  role models.

The President said that Mick embodied that rare gift of being a gentleman who enjoyed every minute on the playing field while performing in the hard edge of the cauldron of Intercounty football at the highest level.  Mick's tousled blonde hair made him stand out on the field of play as he excelled in all that is the cocktail of skill, commitment and pride in the jersey that represents the complete County player.

The President said a light went out today in Dublin and GAA circles with the news of Mick's untimely death .  He expressed his condolences to Mick's family and his large circle of friends.

Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a hanam dilis

[Kerry Mike]

Terrible news, another young man taken too early, would I be right in saying he's the first of that Dublin team from the 70's and 80's to pass on.

Have great memories of a great hearted yet hard but fair player who gave his all for his county, he will be missed. The big blond head on him made him stand out. Fair play to him for pulling Rock up off the ground and telling him to get on with it. Must give the Golden yeas a watch to see him in action again.

Himself and Tim Kennelly will have some craic wherever they are now talking about the good old Kerry Dublin days of the 70's and 80's.

RIP Mick

[orangeman]

Unbelievable news !

[orangeman]

Mick was such a hard nut, it's hard to believe a man like him could die at such a young age !


RIP - Sympathy to his family.

[Frank Casey]

The good ones are always taken young.

[orangeman]

desperate news indeed

[johnpower]

Desperate news indeed . May he rest in peace

[fearglasmor]

RIP Mick Holden
Very sad news.

[Armagh Exile]

Shocking news.
Condolences to Mick's family and club members on their terrible loss.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.