The late Jim Maher One of the most progressive legislators in local soccer has died. Kilkenny and District League trustee and former chairman, Jim Maher from Johnstown passed away following a brave battle against illness. Mr Maher was something of a pioneer in sport in Kilkenny. He loved sport, understood it, and he was always at ease in the company of people involved in it. Be it hurling, soccer, golf, horse racing or whatever, Jim Maher was interested. He always liked to see people getting on in whatever activity they were involved, be that in sport or business. The 63-year-old Mr Maher from Ballyspellan House was the driving force behind the foundation of Spa United at the time when support for 'foreign games' was not exactly top of the charts. In 1963 Jim and several of his friends from across a broad range of disciplines, including the GAA, established Johnstown's first soccer club. Assisted by Mick Glendon, Pat Hartley, John O'Brien, Nickey Kelly, Bobby and Ray Farrell, Mr Maher helped establish soccer in what was a proud hurling stronghold. In the time of the famous 'Ban', and because of a lack of an organised game on their own area, Jim joined fellow Johnstown native Bobby Garrett playing with Castlecomer club Deen Rovers. It was a successful time for Mr Maher, who got to a McCalmont Cup final during a golden era for Deen when they also lifted the Carlow Cup and Shield. Jim Maher returned to his roots in 1970. He helped establish Spa United, which is now the third oldest club in Kilkenny, Spa were a vibrant outfit and Summer coaching camps for children were among the things that were set up. There were always links between Spa and the local Fenians GAA club, with most players lining out with both clubs. Mr Maher would have had it no other way. This warm friendship and spirit of co-operation which was always encouraged by Mr Maher, had been maintained to this day. Indeed the hurling and soccer grounds are part of the one sports complex on the outskirts of Johnstown. Mr Maher, an extensive farmer, was the owner of the Dwanes field where both the Fenians and Spa trained. Mr Maher was a midfielder of note with the Fenians. He captained the club to their first junior titles in 1986. The following year he broke his left in a tournament in Bennettsbridge. That brought a premature end to his hurling career, but he always maintained close links with the club and helped it in every way he could. However, Mr Maher continued to play soccer, and Gaelic football too. He became first chairman of the newly formed Kilkenny and District League in 1972, a position he held for three seasons. This was at a time when the league was really taking off. Mr Maher's boundless energy and foresight helped put the game on a found footing in the county. Jim's organising qualities were evident when the League decided to buy a grounds, a place to set up a home. He always felt a family needed a home, and it was the same with soccer. He threw himself wholeheartedly into the project, and the fine Derdimus league grounds are a testament to this efforts, along with several others. November 2006 Mr Maher attended a special 80th anniversary Mass for deceased members of Kilkenny soccer. Jim Maher was a man who was ahead of his time. He was a soccer, hurling and golf fanatic. He looked set to realise a long standing ambition when he got a ticket for historic Ireland/Wales first soccer international in Croke Park. Unfortunately Jim, who had followed Ireland all over the world and attended Italia '90, was unable to attend. When Spa won the Division 1 cup weeks ago, manager Larry Ryan and the players had one stop to make before any other. It was to see Jim Maher, to show him the trophy. His eyes lit up. He loved it, how own people winning, being successful at whatever they were doing. The remains were received at St Kieran's church, Johnstown by Fr Frank Maher PP and Fr Martin Tobin. A guard of honour was formed jointly be members of the Spa United, Fenians and local golf society and Rathdowney gold club. The funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Frank Maher and burial was in the ground of the church. The coffin was draped in a Spa United jersey, while a Fenians jersey was brought to the altar during the Offertory procession. He is survived by his wife Kathleen; John and James (sons); Angela, Catherine and Sarah (daughters); Ger, Fr Pierce and Michael Maher (brothers); Mary and Anastacia (sisters) and a host of other relatives and friends. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 01 June 2007 Tweet

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