Cronin, Jimmy
November 30, 2007
Another link with the past was severed when Jimmy 'Iry' Cronin passed to his eternal reward at the age of 78. Jimmy was not only a lifetime supporter of the Dohenys Club but also wore the green jersey with pride in the 1950s.
Indeed, he was in goal in 1956 when the junior footballers won their first West Cork championship title in 21 years when they defeated Carbery Rangers in Clonakilty. Jimmy played an important role in this victory as midway through the second half he made a vital save from a penalty when the Ross men had fought back from an eight point half-time deficit to trail by just four points,. Inspired by his save Dohenys went on to win comfortable by 3-4 to 1-2.
Although Dohenys were subsequently defeated by St. Michael's in the county, the 1956 victory was to herald a golden era for the club as seven West Cork football titles and three hurling titles were won in an eleven year period culminating in a county junior football title in 1966.
Just how important was Jimmy's save to what subsequently took place? Jimmy was also a member of the club's executive for a number of years. We remember him on one occasion lining the pitch for a championship match with a bucket of lime and a brush!
Jimmy was laid to rest on Manday in St. Patrick's graveyard. Club members from different generation turned out to form a guard of honour as they did for the removal the night before. There also to pay a final tribute to Jimmy were members of Dunmanway Coursing Club, another great interest which he had. Dunmanway is all the poorer for Jimmy's passing as characters like him do not come around too often.
Courtesy of the Southern Star.
November 2007
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