Brosnan, Dr Jim
December 07, 2011Dr Jim who has been lauded as one of the most transformative figures in the history of the GAA in Kerry, made a profound impact on those he encountered during his lifetime in his capacity as one of Kerry's footballing greats, in his role as an administrator within GAA circles in Kerry and as a medical doctor.
Moyvane native Dr Jim Brosnan won All-Irelands with Kerry in 1953, 1955 and 1959; replicating this success as county minor coach winning the All-Ireland in 1962 and 1963.
The son of Moyvane legend Con Brosnan, Dr Jim was regarded as a powerhouse attacking force on the pitch - so much sought after were his talents that he was brought home from the USA to line out for Kerry against Dublin in 1955. Indeed his free taking and points from play are still a talking point in GAA circles.
Dr Jim came to Dingle in 1959 where he began practicing as a doctor in general practice and subsequently as medical officer at St Elizabeth's Hospital, a role he undertook in 1972.
He soon came to prominence in Dingle's GAA circles, serving as Chairman and amalgamating Na Piarsaigh and Sraid Eoin to form CLG Dingle - Daingean Ui Chuis in 1967 - the first team fielded, captained by Mike Slattey.
His service on the Kerry Board as Chairman is also well documented and his input saw the development of the current structure of the County League, first initiated in 1971.
Dr Jim is also remembered for his work in the development of Austin Stack Park in Tralee.
Dr Jim served the people of West Kerry in his capacity as a doctor until his retirement at the age of 75 in 2005 and was also a founding member of the Dingle Medical Centre, which he helped establish it alongside Dr Finbarr O'Shea, Dr Margo O'Shea and Dr Michael Fanning.
Many tributes have been paid to Dr Jim this week; former Kerry County Board Chairman and current Chairman of the Munster Council Sean Walsh described Dr Jim as an great GAA man and a man before his time, adding that "no challenge was too great for Dr Jim Brosnan."
Crowds gathered in Dingle to bid Dr Jim a heartfelt farewell as he embarked on his final journey, among them former team mates, Kerry county board members and players past and present, alongside current County Board Chairman Jerome Conway.
"His prolific role as Chairman of the County Board is well documented, he certainly was a man before his time," acting chairman of Dingle GAA Jimmy Bambury told The Kerryman this week.
His instrumental role in the setting up of the Pavilion in Tralee and his efforts in developing the county league structure is a legacy which will continue long after his passing.
He truly was a Kerry great and was also recently named on the Sigerson Team of the Century a few months back - testament to his talents as a footballer.
"DrJim Brosnan was an iconic figure when it comes to Kerry football and in Dingle we saw him as an inspirational individual. He will be truly missed but his memory and legacy will live on."
Following removal from O'Connor's Funeral Home on Monday, Dr Jim Brosnan was laid to rest in St Brendan's Cemetery, Milltown, Dingle on Tuesday following Requiem Mass at St Mary's Church.
He is survived by his loving wife Kitty, his sons Dr Conor, Barry and Sean, his brother Jerry, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, nieces,nephews, relatives and friends.
- courtesy of The Kerryman, December 7th 2011 Tweet
