OBITUARY: Michael Cronin, Naas, County Kildare

Legendary Naas businessman Michael Cronin (Dixser) known to everybody as Mickey passed away on March 26, 2023.

Mickey was born in Naas, the eldest of a family of 13 on August 12, 1930 to Joe

Cronin and his wife Kathleen (nee Coyle). He attended primary school in Naas and then Naas Vocational School known locally as “the tech.”

The 1940s and 1950s were times of huge deprivation in Ireland and Mickey, being the eldest of a large family, had to forgo full time education and seek full time work. 

He secured employment in Naas Cotton Mills who were the main employers in the area at this time.

In 1960, Mickey and Phil McAuley, an electrician who also worked in Naas Cotton Mills, started an electrical business with a shop on Fairgreen Street, Naas. 

They also did electrical work such as house wiring and  repairs. 

In the 1970’s the business known as Abbey Electrical Service moved to Dublin Road, Naas and more than 60 years later is still thriving in Ladytown Business Park.

The success and longevity of the business is testament to the expertise of Mickey and Phil and is a proud legacy of the great man. 

Many older Naas natives will tell you that they bought their first radio and television from Abbey Electrical.

Mickey was a gifted musician in the 1960’s. He was regarded by his peers as one of the finest drummers of that time. 

He played with the Jimmy Dunney band and later with the Savannah and Hi-Lites Showbands. The bands travelled the country in the 60’s, often not arriving home until 4 and 5 in the morning. In later years a feature of many weddings was Mickey giving a guest performance on the drums with his famous drum solo – Skin Deep. Mickey’s other great passion was horse racing. He rarely missed a race meeting at the  Naas, Punchestown and Curragh tracks. 

He rarely had a bet, but he just loved the beauty and grace of the horses. He was extremely knowledgeable of racing and the breeding of thoroughbreds. He dabbled in ownership a couple of times and one horse which he jointly owned was called We’ll Dream – a suitable name for any horse owned by a racing enthusiast. 

He loved the Punchestown festival and took great pride in his nephew Niall Cronin winning the charity race on two occasions.

Mickey is survived by his brother Tony, his sisters Kathleen (Kits), Chrissie and Phyllis, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Mickey’s funeral took place at Naas Cemetery on Wednesday March 29 and afterwards his family and friends gathered at Naas Racecourse which was very appropriate given Mickey’s love of horseracing, and many stories of Mickey’s life and times were regaled.