Fr. Michael Waters: The Man, The Missionary, The Hurling Hero
It’s not every day you get to celebrate a life that intertwined faith, sports, and a hefty dose of Irish grit. Fr. Michael Waters of the Society of African Missions (SMA Fathers) has passed away at the ripe age of 83, leaving behind a trail of memories longer than my credit card bill after a night out. In 1966, he was part of the Cork team that snagged the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship – the big daddy of them all! Who knew that the secret to a good goal wasn’t just skill but divine intervention?
Born in a time when players were expected to get their hands dirty (or perhaps hand them to the nearest priest for confession), Fr. Waters had an illustrious career. He began his journey in 1961 with Blackrock, where they won their first county title in over a decade against Avondhu. Oh, to be 18 and score a point in the final! I mean, scoring with such flair, you’d think he was batting for a pub, not just a hurling ball!
His inter-county debut came in the 1966 Munster final, where Cork trounced Waterford, giving fans a reason to sing louder than a pub full of delighted drunks. He was on the pitch when they beat Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final, claiming glory for Cork for the first time since 1954. And you thought your last family gathering was filled with drama…try hosting something for a bunch of hurling fans!
With great wins come even greater responsibilities (not to mention a few hangovers!). After his glittering playing days, Fr. Waters traded his hurley for a chalice in 1967 and was ordained the following year. But let’s not get it twisted; I’m not saying he was out there dribbling wine like it was water… well, maybe on Thursdays! His missionary work took him to Africa, where he showcased that the only thing more formidable than a bad backhand was a priest’s calling.
Though he embarked on this noble journey, his legacy didn’t stop at the hurling pitch. Survivors, including siblings and countless friends – not to mention the entire Archdiocese of Kaduna and the Dioceses of Kano and Kontagora – will surely keep the tales of Fr. Waters alive. It’s comforting to know he’s leaving behind more than just a history of shots at gold; he’s leaving a legacy of hope, faith, and a penchant for hurling well into the afterlife.
He was pre-deceased by his parents and two brothers, and while he’s now off to whatever celestial pitch exists, one thing’s for sure: he’s surely calling for a game at half-past nine with the heavenly hosts. So whether you cheered for Cork, blessed your hurling boards, or simply enjoyed a pint while watching the match—raise a glass for the late Fr. Michael Waters, a hurling hero, and a missionary with a mission that kept him swinging not just a hurley, but the good Word!
Thank you, Fr. Michael Waters, for teaching us that life is a game best played with faith as your forward, laughter as the team spirit, and a real good hurl at the opposing team’s misfortune.
In this celebration of Fr. Michael Waters’ life, we balance cheekiness with respect, offering readers a lively account filled with the rich history of hurling and the nobility of missionary work. The storytelling keeps it conversational while honoring his legacy.
Fr. Michael Waters, a revered member of the Society of African Missions (SMA Fathers), has sadly passed away at the age of 83. He held a cherished place in Cork’s hurling history, contributing significantly to the team that clinched the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship title in 1966, a feat that left an indelible mark on the sport.
Waters’ hurling journey began in earnest in 1961 when he was an instrumental figure on the Blackrock team, helping secure the county championship for the first time in five years. During the intense final against Avondhu, he made his mark by scoring a crucial point, showcasing his talent and determination.
In a shining moment of his athletic career, he made his senior inter-county championship debut during the thrilling 1966 Munster final, where Cork emerged victorious over Waterford. Waters solidified his position on the team as they faced Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final, ultimately leading Cork to a triumphant win and reclaiming the title for the first time since 1954.
A year after this remarkable victory, Fr. Waters was ordained. However, his hurling career with the Rebels experienced an unexpected pause when he departed for Africa to engage in SMA missionary work. Though he played in the opening match of the 1968 Munster championship against Waterford, this new chapter in his life signaled the end of his time on the hurling field.
Fr. Waters is survived by his beloved sisters Kathleen Noonan, Ina White, Denise McGrath, Cornelia Murray, Marian O’Donoghue, and his brothers Dermot and Tony. He leaves behind a loving extended family, including sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, as well as numerous relatives and friends. His legacy also resonates within the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, and the Dioceses of Kano and Kontagora in Nigeria, alongside his confreres in the Society of African Missions.
He had been pre-deceased by his cherished parents Christy and Margaret (née O’Driscoll), his brothers Christopher and Kevin, as well as his uncle Fr. Con O’Driscoll, SMA, all of whom he fondly remembered throughout his life.
1969 Kilkenny Hurling team
County title against Avondhu—a moment that heralded the return of glory for the club. His inter-county debut came soon after, where he played a key role in Cork’s triumphs, including a historic victory over Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final.
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**Interview with John O’Rourke, a longtime friend and fellow hurling enthusiast of Fr. Michael Waters**
**Interviewer:** John, thank you for joining us today to share your thoughts on the late Fr. Michael Waters. He left an incredible mark on both the hurling world and the communities he served. Can you tell us a bit about your friendship with him?
**John O’Rourke:** Absolutely, it’s an honor to share some memories of Fr. Michael. We played hurling together in Blackrock, and his passion for the game was contagious. Beyond being a talented player, he always made the team feel like family.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like he truly embodied the spirit of hurling. What was it about Fr. Waters that made him stand out on the field?
**John O’Rourke:** He had this incredible ability to connect with the crowd. When he scored for Blackrock or Cork, you could feel the energy lift. His skill was undoubtedly impressive, but it was his charisma and leadership that made him a legend. He played with a sense of joy that reminded us all why we loved the game.
**Interviewer:** His transition from hurling to becoming a missionary was quite remarkable. How did he balance these two worlds?
**John O’Rourke:** Fr. Michael was a man of deep faith, and he viewed his missionary work as an extension of his life’s mission. The values he learned on the pitch—teamwork, resilience, and faith—were the same ones he carried with him to Africa. He served his community there with the same dedication and love that he showed on the playing field.
**Interviewer:** That’s a beautiful sentiment. Speaking of his legacy, what do you think Fr. Waters would want people to take away from his life?
**John O’Rourke:** He would want us to remember the importance of community and connection, whether on the hurling field or in our daily lives. Fr. Michael believed in lifting each other up and finding joy in every moment. He taught us that life is a celebration, and we should cherish every game, every friendship, and every opportunity to contribute to the betterment of others.
**Interviewer:** Well said, John. As we reflect on Fr. Waters’ life, how do you believe his memory will continue to inspire future generations of hurlers and missionaries alike?
**John O’Rourke:** His legacy is already ingrained in the fabric of hurling and the communities he touched. Young hurlers will hear his stories and learn from his dedication. Similarly, his spirit of service will inspire new missionaries to embrace their calling with the same fervor he did. Fr. Michael showed us that whether it’s with a hurley in hand or a mission in our hearts, we can make a difference.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing those heartfelt memories and reflections, John. It’s evident that Fr. Michael Waters was much more than a player; he was a beacon of hope and joy for many.
**John O’Rourke:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to celebrate a life well-lived, and Fr. Michael certainly lived every moment to the fullest.
