We take this opportunity of tendering sincere, if needed belated sympathy to the Heffernan family on the passing of Jim, a legendary figure in the local GAA world and indeed in the district generally. Emotions of sadness and compassion encompassed the area when the news filtered through the parish of Staplestown and Cooleragh and indeed further a field of the passing of Jim. He had lost his battle with cancer which he fought bravely and with great dignity. Born in 1923 in Gilltown into a family of ten, Jim went to Timahoe National School. He was employed in Bord na Mona for a few years before working the family farm full time. Outside of his family Jim's great passion was football and in particular St Kevin's. He was a great stalwart of the club both on and off the field. When the club was founded as Staplestown in 1945, Jim was elected as the first captain. When his playing days were over he did tremendous work with the underage teams both in the club and local schools. For many years he transported players to all corners of the county to play matches at a time when neither cars nor roads were of the standard they are today. He took tremendous pride in his role as president and was always on the sideline encouraging the players be it at underage or adult level. Even in latter years when he was in failing health he would make every effort to see his beloved St Kevin's in action. Jim also enjoyed a quiet drink, a game of cards and a bit of banter among friends in the clubhouse, in Kelly's or with the Timahoe Active Age Group. Testament to Jim's popularity and that of his family was the large number of people present at his funeral as hundreds of mourners packed St Benignus Church in Staplestown. Jim, along with his wife Brigid, reared a large and fine family on their farm in Hodgestown of which they can be proud. Even at this few months remove, we take this opportunity to convey deepest sympathy to Brigid and the family. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam siorai. Leinster Leader, 19th July 2008 Tweet

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