The funeral took place today of St. Patrick's and Wicklow hurler Jim Connors.
Only in his early 30s, Jim died earlier this week after a three-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease which ended his hurling career prematurely. He made his senior debut for the Garden County as an 18-year-old and quickly became a defensive lynchpin, playing in two Christy Ring Cup finals against Kerry and London, and winning three Allianz League titles.
At club level, he captained St. Patrick's from centre back to an IHC title in 2011, having turned out for Newcastle for a few years before hurling was revived in St. Pat's.
The Wicklow Town club posted the following tribute to Jim on social media on Thursday: "Our sincere condolences to the family of Jim Connors who has passed away. Jim's hurling career with club and county team was cut short when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Jim an absolute gentleman off the field and a hero on it. Wicklow have lost one of the true greats today."
TweetOur sincere condolences to the family of Jim Connors who has passed away. Jim's hurling career with club and... https://t.co/k9PAPpNVrw
- St Patricks GAA Wick (@StPatsGAAWick) November 24, 2016