Mick was much more than just Páidí's chauffeur

The late Mick Price, who passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 11, was a very popular personality in Mullingar and extremely well-known in the local community and throughout Westmeath.

Originally from Ballynacargy, Mick, aged 72, was a proud resident of Bellview, Mullingar for almost 50 years and there was genuine shock at his sudden death.

He was particularly well-known through his work as a taxi and bus driver over many decades. One of the highlights of Mick’s driving career was being official chauffeur to the late Páidí Ó Sé when the Kerry legend managed Westmeath to win the county’s one and only Leinster senior football title in 2004.

His job was driving Páidí and he was Ó Sé’s right hand man: indeed, Mick had many great stories about their adventures as they regularly went on road trips and Páidí would disappear. He certainly had a considerable challenge, not only as a driver, but as a minder. As one friend revealed, “he had a major job keeping tabs on him as Páidí was a social butterfly. He’d regularly disappear when they’d travel somewhere. That was Páidí.”

Páidí's lieutenant, Tomás Ó Flatharta, speaking at recent book launch in Mullingar, remarked how Mick knew Páidí so well and could well have been the author of a best seller. Ironically, Mick's passing was on the same day a documentary once again aired on the eight-time All-Ireland medal winner from Ventry.

However, Mick's unique association with Páidí doesn't tell the full story of a very busy and active life. Mick was entrepreneurial and he possessed a strong work ethic. He was one of the first taxi drivers in Mullingar when he started out in business half a century ago and he made it a success over many years of dedication.

Mick worked in a motor factors on the Dublin road, Mullingar, with John L’Estrange, and there was another similar business in operation in Ballinasloe. He later started in the bus hire business and was running both a taxi and bus hire service in the midlands.

He later went on to work for Bus Éireann as a driver for many years and he also worked for Slevin’s Coaches where he was a valued member of staff and was very popular.

He was versatile, too and did a lot of work for midland security.

Mick was someone who was always busy even though his official retirement came at the age of 70.

He was an avid supporter of Mullingar Shamrocks for many years and made many friends with the club. He was a great supporter of the GAA in general and a keen fundraising volunteer for club and county. He never forgot his roots and retained a close link with the Ballynacargy club. His sister Kathleen lives in Mount Temple and there is a great connection with the Caulry club also: Mick was very proud of Donie Malone, his nephew, who served as PRO and vice-chairman of Westmeath GAA over the past number of years.

Mick also took great pride in nephews Philip, Luke and Richard when they played for Ballynacargy and in latter years, he proudly supported Richard when he lined out for Moate All Whites. He enjoyed many a football discussion with them in Ballynacargy and he was much loved by all his nieces and nephews. Indeed, they remained a closely knit family over the decades. Mick was always a jovial and friendly character and it was easy to enjoy his company.

Tragedy visited the family, sadly, when Mick’s daughter Shirley was killed in an accident on the Dublin Road, Mullingar, some 40 years. She was only ten years old and it was a considerable blow. Mick also lost his brother Charlie to a tragic work accident.

Mick and his wife Mary had two sons, Paul, who lives in Poland and David, now residing in Canada. David is returning home to get married next May and Mick was very excited about that: only last weekend they were making plans for the big occasion.

Mick is survived by his loving wife, Mary (née Coleman); siblings, Kathleen (Malone), Tom, Marie (née Brogan), Patricia (Patsy) (nee Cooney) and Padraig. He was predeceased by his brother Charlie. His passing is deeply regretted by his loving sons, Paul and David; Eva and Arianna; he was predeceased by his beloved daughter Shirley. Mick is also mourned by sisters-in-law Ann and Maureen. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Mia and Matthew; brothers in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of friends.

Mick remained a popular character and good friend to his many neighbours who have remembered him fondly since news emerged of his untimely passing. "He was someone who would always do you a good turn," commented one neighbour. A fitting epitaph, perhaps.

Ár dheis Dé go raibh a anam.