O'Donoghue, Tim John
January 14, 2012Tim John passed away on January 5th 2012, aged 73, and was buried in Glandore Old Graveyard, Aughatubber overlooking his home.
His loss to those involved with Kilmacabea GAA Club is difficult to express. Tim John had great interest in all things local and contributed to and supported anything that was happening. His every day had some link to football. There was hardly a game at any age group, no matter where it was, that he didn't attend.
His nephew's wife Geraldine and his grandnephews travelled with him throughout the county. It will be strange not to see him there pacing up and down, sometimes fearing the worst, yet forever supportive of his team. His encouragement and enthusiasm will be badly missed.
Even though he was on the sideline, he sometimes covered more ground than the hardest working player. There are numerous photos after games and Tim John is pictured always first to offer congratulations and praise to one and all. As was repeated over recent days, there has probably never been a more dedicated club supporter.
Tim John also played his part on the field and appeared in many of the rare photos of teams from those days in the late fifties and sixties.
Tim John also played his part as a rower with Kilmacabea Rowing Club and had the trophies to show for it. He had a long-time involvement in the local regatta and as a participant in rowing, duck chase and greasy pole. He supplied the ducks for the duck chase and there are numerous tales associated with various ducks over the years.
He was a long time member of the Irish Coastguard Service and was always available to do what was needed.
Tim John was one of those characters, that are becoming rarer, who were once at the heart of all rural communities. He had a great ability to speak with people young and old and it was always in a positive way.
There are people throughout West Cork that would know him immediately once described but there are people even within his own parish who may not know his surname. He was one of those who are instantly known by their christian name alone. His legacy and legend will live long in the memories of those who knew him.
He had a big part and influence on the lives of his near family and his grand nieces and grand nephews when they came along and he took great delight in their successes at various levels in recent years.
He felt huge pride especially with his grand nephew Richie O'Sullivan who has had great success with Cork underage football teams and with grand nephew Damien Gore when he played on the Cork Primary schools team at half time in the Cork Kerry Munster final in 2011.
He leaves behind a huge gap for everyone and will be remembered by his family, neighbours and friends with great affection. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
We are privileged and happy to have known you. Farewell Tim John, our friend.
- Courtesy of Southern Star, 14th January 2012 Tweet
