Newman - University of Melbourne

18
MICHAEL MULCAHY.
THIS year we have to record the death
of Michael Mulcahy, who died on the
26th of August, at St. Evin's Hospital,
after a short illness. His age was
twenty-seven, and he was in the fourth year
of his medical course.
In writing of Michael, it is, as yet, too
soon to grasp fully the true worth of his
character. We in Newman, who were
privileged to spend our years together with
him, have suffered a personal bereavement.
To each of us he was a sincere friend, a
valued companion, and a wise counsellor.
In 1929, Michael came to Newman from
Xavier College, and began a medical course.
At school his record had been brilliant.
A member of the first XVIII, and a prefect,
he secured in his final year, high honours
in classics.
At that time, people predicted that he
would achieve many successes in life, for,
even as a school boy, he revealed qualities
which were destined to win for him
universal respect and affection. His choice
of a medical course was admirably suited
to his character, with its blend of common
sense and deep interest in his fellows. His
first year was passed without difficulty, and
he proceeded upon his second, fired with
ambition.
He did not finish his year, however, for,
shortly before the examinations, he was
taken seriously ill, and the next three years
were spent at Hillside Station, Marble Bar,
in an endeavour to regain his health.
Despite many set backs, he achieved the
apparently impossible, and in 1935 returned
to Newman to resume his course with
renewed energy.
His years in the country were not without
influence upon his character. To his natural
love of simplicity and truth, there were
added an independence of spirit and a
democratic outlook, which enriched his
personality. His fight to regain health was
magnificent, and his return to Newman was
really a triumph.
Obituary
NEWMAN
Michael successfully completed his
second year, and third year was passed
without mishap. Fourth year came, and
with the final goal in sight, he redoubled
his efforts, and was progressing splendidly
when the sudden last illness cut short the
career begun so auspiciously and so full of
promise.
The news of his death was a personal
sorrow to all who knew him. To each of
us Michael had been a true friend. A fine
companion, aglow with gaiety, his ready
sympathy and understanding won him
universal affection.
His work for the College will never be
fully known, but if there was a difficult
and thankless task to be done, Michael was
the man who did it, quietly and efficiently
as was his way. Despite his devotion to
medicine, his outlook never tended to
become narrow. His was a broad culture
in which a love of music and literature
leavened the practical common sense of the
scientist. His opinions were mature, and
well balanced, and many of us owe a great
deal to his wise advice.
His influence for good was very great, for
he lead by example. As a member of the
College, his modesty kept him from accepting
official positions of responsibility.
Public approbation did not please him. We
in Newman early recognised that his
inspiration came from a soul truly noble
and spiritual.
And so Michael has gone from amongst
us. To his mother and family we offer our
sincerest sympathy. Somehow, we all know
that his tragically early death did not f orestall
the possibility of great achievement.
His tremendous influence for all that is
worthy in life will continue to bear fruit
many a year hence.
Few men have entered Newman, who
were better loved, or more respected. He
died as he had lived, a cultured Catholic
gentleman.
May his soul rest in peace.
—E.R.