O'Neill, Jimmy
June 30, 2004
The late Mr Jimmy O'Neill
A man who was part of the Kilkenny squad in the Thunder and Lightning final of 1939 has been laid to rest.
The death of Jimmy O'Neill, Kilcash Wood, Ballypatrick, Clonmel, evoked memories of his love affair with Kilkenny hurling.
Born in Dunnamaggin, the game became the focus of his attention at an early age. Jimmy came to the attention of the county minor selectors, and was picked for the panel in 1935. He played at right half-back on the team in 1936, when the Cats beat Cork by 2-4 to 2-3.
Jimmy was also a member of the Kilkenny panel when they beat Cork by 2-7 to 3-3 in the senior All-Ireland of 1939. Due to the adverse weather, the game became known as The Lightning Final. The game was played on the morning Britain declared war on Germany, a declaration which led to World War II.
In 1940 Jimmy played on the Kilkenny team which won the Oireachtas tournament. He was also a key member of the Carrickshock team which won the senior county title from 1940 to 1943.
In 1952 he moved to Kilcash to farm, but he always remained loyal to the black and amber.
Jimmy continued to attend club and county games, and never missed a Kilkenny game in Croke Park.
Another love in Jimmy's life was horses.
Growing up in Ballintee, he loved to hunt with the Kilmonganny Harriers. Dealing at the horse fairs with his father Paddy was another pursuit, and Jimmy often recalled the friendly rivalry between neighbours when someone's horse was lucky enough to win champion of the show.
He also loved national hunt racing, which gave him a great thrill. For more than 60 years he could be seen at race meetings from Killarney to Down Royal, Wexford to Sligo.
Neighbours and friends will remember him as a man of generosity. No matter how busy he was, Jimmy was always the first to assist someone if they needed help.
He is survived by his wife Anastasia, children, Shevaun, Pat, Margaret. Patricia, Seamus and Willie, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and friends.
Courtesy of the Kilkenny People
June 2004
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