Woulfe, James
January 15, 2011Sporting hero from Newcastle West
The passing away of James Woulfe of Newcastle West on October 11 marked a poignant milestone in the sporting history of West Limerick.
He was born in Churchtown, Newcastle West in 1931, and having taken over the family farm in the late 1950's, he lived his entire life there. His father Michael and his mother Catherine nee Nash were of old Newcastke stock.
He is survived by sisters Birdy Reidy, Newcastle West, Katleen and Agnes in Birmingham, and Maura in Galway, and by his brothers, Michael in Kilkee, and Richard in Chicago, and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins. The Woulfe, Reidy and Nash families have been synonymous with sport and sportsmanship in West Limerick for generations.
His aunt Hanna Maria was wife of Dennis McAuliffe of Boherbue, who represented Newcastle West Electoral Area in Limerick County Council from 1934 until his death in 1968.
James earliest sporting exploits were in a Courtenay School hurling team trained by Mr. Coughlin, which included the O'Grady's, Pat Hayes and Paddy, Mick and a very youthful Joe Devine in the early 1940's.
He starred in the 1948 minor team narrowly beaten by Rathkeale in the West final.
Most of the 1948 minor team were young enough again in 1949. James was full back and his brother Mike was midfield with county minor Jim O'Grady. Pat Hayes at centre back was also a county minor. Having won the West championship at their ease they were favourites to win the county, but against all the odds were beaten in the semi-final. Shortly afterwards it transpired that their victors had some illegal players. A watertight objection by the Newcastle committee was ruled out of order on a very dubious technically by the county board. For a long time afterwards there was a great feeling of disappointment in the parish, especially as emigration decimated that team of all the talents, and it was ten years before James tasted victory again. This was in 1959 when the junior football team won the West, only to be beaten by Oola in the county semi-final. But county success came James way early the following year when they beat Monaleen in the final.
A gentleman on and off the field, he was immensely loyal to all things of Newcastle. In the mid 1960's, when the rugby club was revived after ten years in abeyance, and finding it hard to get fifteen on the field, he could always be relied on to line out at full back.
However, he will be best remembered for his role in the 1949 minor team and one verse from the now almost forgotten poem of that team, was recalled at his funeral.
"James Woulfe so strong, in right or wrong will save Newcastle's name,
That's why his dauntless courage, has brought on full back fame.
His brother Mike of the lengthy strike can drop them in the square;
You're sure indeed, of Newcastle's lead, with the Woulfe boys towering there."
To his sisters, brothers and relatives we offer our sincere sympathy.
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader 15/1/11 Tweet
