Michael O’Rourke of Riverdale, NY, born in Carigallen, County Leitrim, passed away on November 18, 2022, at the age of 96 at the RiverSpring/Hebrew Home Residence in the Bronx.  Michael is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret, his daughters Maureen McIntyre (David) and Eileen Dalton, his seven grandchildren Christopher, Michael, Ciaran, Shane, Connor, Logan, and Fiona, his brother Fr. Kevin his sister Monica Richmond as well as many nieces and nephews located in both the US and Ireland. He is predeceased by his son Brian, his daughter Maggie Latta, his parents Margaret and Michael, his brother Jim, and his three sisters, Peggy Gilgunn, Theresa, and Veronica.  

Mike grew up in a small village in Co. Leitrim where he spent his younger years helping with the family farm and playing for the Carigallen Gaelic Football Club.  When he was 30 years of age, Mike emigrated to New York and worked as a bartender in NYC.  In 1962, Mike and Margaret were married in St. John’s Church.  In 1969, they moved to North Riverdale, where they raised their four children with wonderful neighbors and friends, and where Mike lived out the rest of his long and happy life. Over the years, Mike worked as a proprietor of three different bars in the Bronx: Two Guys (on Jerome Ave near Yankee Stadium), The Green Isle (Bainbridge), and the bar he is most famously known for, The Shamrock Pub (Kingsbridge Ave).   Mike was also a Past President of both the Leitrim Society of New York and the Riverdale Irish Society. 

Mike was well known for his love of Gaelic Football and would be spotted at Gaelic Park every weekend.  His pride and joy was watching his grandchildren play. Mike himself remained active throughout his life exercising any chance he could, which undoubtedly contributed towards his good health and longevity.  Mike’s love for sport and exercise has been deeply engrained into his grandchildren, who can only aspire to be the caliber of fan and athlete that their grandfather was.

Mike’s heart has always been in Ireland and he returned to his home in Carrigallen every year.  Last year, at the age of 95, Mike made his final trip home with Margaret, Maureen and Eileen, where they spent a beautiful two weeks with all of Mike and Margaret’s loving family.

The Wake will be held on Tuesday, November 22nd at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home from 3 PM to 7 PM and Christian Mass on Wednesday, November 23rd at 10:30 AM at St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Riverdale, New York. Committal is private.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Hebrew Home/River Spring Living and the Calvary Hospice team for their kind and compassionate care over the past several months.