The late Jim Vallely The death occurred on Monday, November 21 of the local sporting legend Mr Jim Vallely who was aged 94. He was a retired farmer and lived at Drumsill, Moy Road, Armagh. A former Irish pole vault champion and founder member of the Armagh City Harriers, Jim excelled at Gaelic football during the era of the famous Armagh Young Irelands. He was an all-round sportsman. He is survived by wife Mary, sons Declan, Fintan, James and Kevin and daughters Patricia and Sheena. Jim was one of the most notable and successful athletes Armagh and Ulster ever produced and his exploits in this respect are chronicled elsewhere in this week's issue of 'The Armagh Observer'. He was also a talented football and played for Armagh Young Irelands alongside such household names as Jim McCullough, Joe Houlahan and his brother, John Vallely, all of whom played for Armagh and Ulster. His brother managed the Armagh 1953 team that reached the All-Ireland final and beaten by Kerry. Jim had a few games with the county as well and often reminisced about scoring two goals to win a game at the opening of a new GAA complex in Donegal. He was a complete dedicatioalist and put in many long and arduous hours preparing for events. He lived close by Callan River and many a time pole-vaulted across it as part of his training. Jim had a remarkable memory whichever faded. Dates and events could roll off the tip of his tongue with incredible ease and accuracy. He had been unwell for a short time prior to his death but remained amazingly alert. Over the years he contributed to this newspaper many sporting tributes to deceased colleagues and never missed a funeral of an old contemporary . Jim remained an active and dedicated follower of Gaelic games and was still driving to matches in his won car, as far away as Dublin, in his late 80's. And when driving eventually became too much of a strain he found an alternative transport to get to games. John Vallely was certainly no ordinary man. He was a member of a very old Armagh family steeped in sport and culture. He was an uncle of much acclaimed local artist, Brian Vallely. His older brother, Fr Charles Valley and younger brother Kevin, also survive him. A lifelong Pioneer, Jim somewhat ironically started off his working life as a barman in the city but most of his long working years was devoted to farming. He was a very knowledgeable man pertaining to such matters as orchard spraying and apple growing. His largely attended funeral took place on Wednesday, 23 November from his late residence to St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Sean Dooley, CC. Internment followed in St Patrick's Cemetery. Members of the old Armagh City Harriers formed a guard of honour. Jim Vallely was a decent upright gentleman who made no apologies for his Irishness. He loved everything Irish and promoted it. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Courtesy of Armagh Observer 01 December 2005 Tweet

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