The late James Moran The people of Ballybunion were in shock following the sudden death of popular local man James Moran, who belonged to a well-known Kerry family and was the brother of former Kerry footballer Ogie Moran. Though living and working in Limerick, Mr Moran and his Ballybunion-born wife Marie spent their weekends and holidays in the North Kerry resort, where he was buried. The 52 year old had been battling with a serious illness since the spring and had been making a good recovery, but took a turn for the worse and died at his home in Dooradoyle. Regarded as a gentle person with a great sense of fun, James had a huge circle of friends both at Ballybunion Golf Club where he was a member and at The Bunker Bar in Ballybunion, where he took a keen interest in the fortunes of the local Beale football team. The deceased was the son of Denis Moran of Ballinskelligs and Bridie Moran (nee Tagney) of Castleisland. The family were well known in the drapery trade in Munster and James ran menswear and general drapery shops in both Limerick and Ennis in recent years. He was especially close to his brother Ogie; taking great pride in his eight All-Ireland medals and seldom missing a football match when he was playing. He also took great pride in the fact that his godson Brian, Ogie's eldest son, made the Kerry minor team this year. He is pre-deceased by his brother Paddy, and survived by his wife Marie, sisters Norman, Tina, Marguerite, Helen and Frances and brother Ogie. Courtesy of the Kerryman July 2004 Tweet

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