Sorrow in Laois at death of Slieve Bloom mountain promoter Mick Clear

A proud Slieve Bloom Mountain man and Rosenallis village promoter has passed away, to the deep sadness of all who knew him.

Michael 'Mick' Clear of Skerry, Rosenallis died on Wednesday, October 8, surrounded by his loving family at Oak Dale Nursing Home, aged in his late 80s.

Always willing to volunteer his time for his community and the promotion of the Slieve Blooms, Mick had served as chair of the Rosenallis Festival of the Mountain and was president and founder member of the Rosenallis Development Assocation. He is also the man who hosted the international Rainbow Gathering  back in 1993.

Speaking to the Leinster Express / Laois Live back in 2017, Mick had passionately advocated for the Slieve Blooms as a tourism destination, describing them as "as good as Kerry".

Many of his hopes back then have come to pass, including the mountain bike trail, the development of a café at the Glenbarrow trailhead, the increased use of mountain boardwalks and more road signs directing people to enjoy the mountains.

He recalled the development association's first task in 1993, to rebuild the Stoney Man on the Ridge of Capard, 1500 ft above sea level.

Rosenallis locals at the rebuilt Stoney Man on the Ridge of Capard in 1993. 

“It is a very important site. It was used by the landlords of Capard as a court of law before Ireland got Home Rule. We organised a walk that day for 100 people, there was no court but plenty of singing and music. A video of it was shown in Scotland and the US as people from The Cones emigrated there in the early 1900s,” he had explained.

The festival committee has paid a lovely tribute to Mick Clear, offering sympathies to his bereaved family.

"We are very sad to hear of the passing of longtime member and President of the Rosenallis Development Association, Mick Clear.

"Mick gave so much of his time and energy to our committee over the years. He served as Chairman for many years. He played a huge part in organising the Festival of the Mountain, St. Patrick’s Day parades, and the 1993 Rainbow Gathering, which took place on his own land.

"He was the voice of the Festival of the Mountain – our MC for years – and helped to make every festival that bit more special.

"He was genuinely passionate about the Rosenallis Development Association.

"Deepest sympathy to Michael, Pauric, Noel, and his daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren, and the extended family.

"He’ll be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by us all. May Mick rest in peace," the association said.

Among the many tributes paid to him is the following by the Kavanagh family.

"We wish to express our deepest condolences to Micheal, Pauric and Noel and the extended Clear family on the passing of Mick. He will always be remembered as a great community Man who brought life to the community with his hard work and involvement in activities and organisations in Rosenallis. To my mind, Mick's crowning jewel had to be hosting and organising the multi cultural world wide Rainbow Gathering to the Slieve Blooms in 1993. May his Gentle Soul Rest in Peace Amen"

Mick Clear was predeceased by his wife Maureen, sister Mary Ann and Brother Paddy.

His death is deeply regretted by his sons Michéal, Pauric and Noel, daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Michael and Katie, sisters-in-law Kathleen Wiseley and Pauline Scott, brothers-in-law John Joe Dunne and Danny Lynch, extended family, neighbours, relatives and friends.

Reposing in Moloneys Funeral Home on Friday evening October 10 from 5 o'clock, Recital of the Rosary at 7 o'clock. Removal from Moloneys Funeral Home on Saturday morning at 11 o'clock to St. Brigid's Church, Rosenallis for Requiem Mass at 12 o'clock (Via his home in Skerry). Burial afterwards in St. Brigid's Cemetery, Rosenallis.