The Late JJ Bugler "The lives of great men all remind us can make our lives sublime and departing leave behind us footprints in the sands of time." Across the broad spectrum of life, JJ Bugler certainly left lasting footprints in the sands of time. He was wonderful business man and happily married to a loving and caring wife, Sheila. Together,they raised six daughters of which JJ, in his last days, would say to me "each of them is better than the other". At his funeral service, I was privileged to be given the following thanksgiving prayer to read "we pray for all those whose lives JJ touched, his courageous joyful outlook on life and his acceptance of his illness. May it inspire all of us who follow in his footsteps". It so aptly covers the departure of a man whose depth of faith was quite extraordinary, so much so that as his end approached he prayed for an early departure lest his attitude might change. JJ, the family man, was very much part of the community and his bar was a centre for music and card games, Fishing, stories and discussions on hurling were on ongoing part of the scene. He was a gifted hurler and played minor and senior hurling for Clare on the same day. "Cometh the hour-cometh the man". JJ had that gift that goes with greatness, the ability to score when a score was needed. Jimmy Smith, a comrade in arms, in winning All-Ireland glory for St Flannan's and, who later lined out for the Banner county echoed my comments. He spoke in flowing terms of his admiration for JJ as a friend, a marvellous hurler and a man respected far and wide. JJ you have given young men dreams to dream and old man tales to tell. May the soil of your beloved Moynoe rest lightly on all that remains mortal of your noble soul. Dan McInerney Courtesy of the Clare Champion April 2003 Tweet

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