Heartfelt tributes to Waterford man who died on holidays in Spain ...

Mr Grant, who lived in Pinewood Drive, Hillview, Waterford City, took ill and died in a tragic incident in the early hours of Monday, July 1, while on holidays with his family in Magaluf.

The 45-year-old physiotherapist was a highly popular member of Mount Sion GAA in Waterford, and the club has offered has its condolences to his family, and the wider community in a moving tribute.

Mr Grant was a founder of St Joseph’s Juvenile Academy at St Joseph’s AFC, and its head child coach. “Michael was more than just a coach to us – he was a beloved friend and as a club and for his family we need time to process this devastating loss,” said a spokesperson. Michael’s son, Shay, idolised his Dad, and the pair were nearly always seen together.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd

“Michael was an integral part of our community, and his absence will be profoundly felt. He was not just a coach but a mentor and a friend to all the children and adult members at St Joseph’s. More recently his dedication, passion, and love for the kids were evident in everything he did.

“He cherished every one of them, and I’m sure you will all agree that his impact was immeasurable. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family: his wife Leanne, their children Kayleigh, Niamh, Shay and Sophia , his parents Sam and Marie, his brothers, sisters and extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.

“We also want to acknowledge the grief and shock that our own children and members are experiencing. Michael was a significant part of their lives, and his loss is deeply personal to each of us.

“In the coming days, we will share more information regarding any plans to honour Michael’s memory. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this challenging period. Michael, sleep well, dear friend. You will be missed forever, but your legacy and the love you shared will never be forgotten and will always live on in our club.”

Funeral arrangements are being been made for Mr Grant, formerly of Morrissons Road.

Mr Grant is mourned by his wife Leanne, his four children Kayley, Niamh, Shay and Sofia, his devastated parents Michael (Sam) and Marie (Grant), sisters Jeannette, Deborah and Deirdre, brothers and best friends Brian and Alan, his parents-in-law Luke and Tina (Nolan), brothers-in-law Les and Shane, Shane’s wife Trish, sisters-in-law Lilian, Sinead and Catherine, and Catherine’s partner Gordon.

“Always remembered and forever loved by his ten nieces and nephews, godchildren, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, relatives, neighbours and his wide circle of wonderful friends.”

On Monday, a “darkness” descended on Mount Sion GAA club, said a spokesperson. “When word filtered through, that ‘Granter’ was gone, our collective hearts shattered into a million pieces.

“To his heartbroken wife Leanne, his children Kayley, Niamh, Shay and Sofia, to his Mam Marie and Dad, Sam, his brothers and his sisters, we can simply say that we will do whatever we can to support you through your grief and sadness at the passing of your husband, son, brother and father and one of the leading lights of our club.

“No words of ours will ease the sense of loss Michael’s family feel at this time. But we wish it to be known that Michael Grant has left us all, better for having known him, wiser for having listened to him, happier for having laughed with him and kinder for having being cared for by him.

“Michael Grant was selfless. He gave of himself without condition – how he managed to be omni-present in his beloved St Joseph’s AFC and Mount Sion remains a mystery. But give of himself he did, in the kindest, most considerate and most caring way to every child who kicked or struck a ball under his watch in those two clubs.

“He was an example to us all, going back to education to carve out a professional career that saw him dedicate his working day to a passion born of helping people – for that was his default setting. Granter helped people. That was where he found his joy.

“We were privileged to get to see this at close quarters – the more children in our club needed him, the harder he worked, the more enthused he became and the more determined he was to scaffold their future.

“Michael Grant was a brilliant coach. Because he had that trait of character no course can bestow. He treated every child as he would his own and that care and sincerity of interest endeared him to child and adult alike.

“His impact on those under his coaching care may not be obvious now, but it will manifest itself as the years progress when, as those boys grow, they will epitomise the traits of loyalty, friendship, honesty, respect and effort, traits which were the cornerstones of his coaching philosophy.

“In the days, weeks and months ahead, we must look out for those children who turned up to our club to learn from Michael. His loss is a huge loss to all of them and also to his friends who coached alongside him.

“In a world where naysayers prevail, Michael was the antidote to negativity. A short time in his company, whether he was jokingly lifting your spirits or inspiring you with his strategic vision for our club’s children, left you feeling energised for having encountered him.

“He was as incredible a community volunteer as we have seen and he epitomised all that was good about coming together for collective goals. His infectious energy lifted us all at some point and oh how we will miss that so, so much.

“Michael Grant grew up in Morrison’s Road and went to school in Mount Sion Primary and secondary school. There, he would forge the friendships that would flank him for all of his all too short life-and those friends and their families were with Michael and his family to the very end.

“His generosity took every form. He gave of his time, his finances, his knowledge and his kindness freely to ensure that he gave back to the communities that raised him, the same care that shaped his unique outlook and attitude to sport.

“Sport and the benefits of sport for children consumed him and his incredible generosity of spirit saw him divide his between the two codes of soccer and hurling.

“Michael, when not with his own children, was happiest when making the lives of the children he coached better, and he succeeded magnificently in that pursuit. But we just never got to tell him just what an impact he had.

“We can only now commit to continue towards the vision he created in our mind’s eye and ensure that his family know of the difference he made to so many.

“We all have so many stories and memories of Michael Grant. He was a colossus to us – he seemed invincible, of eternal youthful spirit and gait. He seemed unbreakable. But as often happens, the good ones go too early and when they do, it is then that we need to come together to help those who miss him most.

“It is too raw for us to reminisce right now about exactly how he made us all better for simply having been his friend and how lucky we were to have him as one of our own. But when we gather soon to say our goodbyes, we will remember Michael and try recount the stories that made him so very special. And we will not ever forget him. He was busy laying the foundations for our club’s evolution-the task remains for us to build upon those foundations.

“But more importantly, we will be there for Leanne and the lads and all Michael’s family as they travel the road ahead. Your loss is immense but we trust that the care that he gave will come back to you all.

“There have been wonderful people who have gone through our club, leaving a legacy of medals and glorious exploits on the field of play. But Michael Grant's will be a legacy more golden than any medal – a legacy of care, of friendship, of leadership and of laughter.

“Thank you Granter for walking amongst us. Thank you for all you did for our boys and girls. Sleep well a chara, we will miss you so much.”