Hogan, Jim
May 30, 2013The late Jim, was this newspaper's correspondent in Castletown for many years until his health caused him to slow down a few short years ago.
Jim was always a great family man who devoted his life to his wife Margaret and his family, sons David, John, Seamus and Brian, daughter Mairead, his grandchildren and extended families.
In Castletownroche, Jim was a most dedicated GAA man, from the time he started playing juvenile hurling with the local club until his death this week; he was always totally focussed on what was best for the club in Castletownroche.
His playing career on the club's junior team began in 1957 when he was only 17 years old. He won his first North Cork Championship medal that year, playing in the forward line.
He added a second, plus a Co JHC medal in 1960. It was in the IHC of 1964 that Jim proved his versatility on the team - when the regular first choice goalkeeper became unavailable that year, Jim was prevailed upon to fill the goalkeeping position and what a memorable job he made of it. It is well recorded that Jim played no small part in helping his team to win the Co IHC that year, defeating Youghal in the final.
He played senior for the club in 1965 and continued playing in goals until 1974 when he dropped down to play on the club's junior team; he won his last championship medal in 1978,
Proof of his commitment to his club was that he was willing to take on the onerous role of club secretary following the death of Denis 'Sonny' O'Neill in 1972, a role he combined with his playing career for the following decade.
When he decided to hang up the boots, Jim was never too far away from the action in his club, he served in many capacities, including selector, on various teams and at times he assisted on Avondhu selection committees.
Only a few weeks ago, Jim attended the funeral Mass of one of his old hurling colleagues, the late Richie O'Grady, where he gave a eulogy on the life and times of his old friend. Hopefully, he is reunited with Richie and many of his old comrades in the playing fields in the skies.
He was always willing to help local groups in the parish, and had a deep interest in politics, being a staunch Fianna Fail member. He was also a noted poet in his native area, which is another reason that he will be remembered fondly by all his friends in Castletownroche and elsewhere in North Cork who were privileged to have known Jim.
To his wife Margaret Rose, family and extended families, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends we offer our sincere condolences at this time.
Courtesy of The Corkman
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