Michael Sheeran

Michael Raphael Sheeran (Ray Sheeran) Passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family and friends in Cazadero, CA on Sunday, November 14, 2010 after a courageous eight month battle with Melanoma. Ray was in his 54th year. He is survived by his loving wife Catherine, a native of Mountrath, Co. Laois, Ireland and their sons Ryan, Eoin and their daughter Maeve and by his mother Maura, brothers Gerard, John and Mark, sisters Geraldine, Jacqueline, Therese and Frances, brothers and sisters-in law, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. Ray will also be sadly missed by Catherines family who took Ray to be one of their own. He was predeceased by his father Canice and Aunt Vera. Ray was born October 23, 1956 in Coolrain, Mountrath, Co. Laois. A passionate sportsman, he won many medals and trophies with his local Hurling club, Camross and his County team Laois. He also played rugby with Portlaoise, and soccer with The Pike of Rushall. Ray had a love for music, especially Irish Traditional music and song and in the early days played the banjo before moving on to his grandfather Ryans instrument, the fiddle. Ray emigrated to San Francisco in February 1982 and married Catherine, his wife of 26 years, in San Francisco in 1984. They had known each other from home and were destined to be together. Family, work, sport and friends continued to be as important to Ray in the States as they had been in Ireland. He played Hurling with the Rangers Hurling Club and was a founding member of Na Fianna Hurling Club using the same colors of his native Camross, the Black and Amber. This club went on to be one of the most successful clubs in North America with Ray playing his part in winning their first Senior Championship in 1990. Rugby was also a great passion of Rays and he went on to be a founding member of San Francisco Irish RFC which subsequently merged with the San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club, which developed one of the best underage programs in the USA. SFGG Ruby Club, has renamed their Home Club and Grounds as 'The Ray Sheeran Field', in recognition of Rays commitment and dedication to the sport. Over the years Ray became part and parcel of the fabric of San Francisco and Cazadero and was well known in both places. He and his family were surrounded by old friends and the many new friends he made along the way. They have proved to be ever supportive, especially during his time of need. It was recently commented that the Sheeran family were not just good friends but a cultural experience. Family, friends and living life were ingrained in Ray and this was something he wanted to share with those he loved. His priority was his family and he was immensely proud of his sons Ryan, Eoin and his daughter Maeve. Catherine has been his rock throughout the years and has been by his side through this difficult time. Ray Sheeran was an inspiration to his family and friends and will be sadly missed by all. Ni fheicamid a leithad ars (We will not see the likes of him again) Friends may visit Wednesday after 6 PM and are invited to attend the Vigil at 7PM at St. Monica Church, Geary at 23rd Ave. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 18, at 11.00 a.m. also at St. Monica Church. McAVOY O'HARA CO 415-668-0077