The Late Jim Hickey The Gaels of County Limerick are mourning the death of the late Jimmy Hickey, a native of Banogue, who was chairman of Limerick County Board GAA, from 1981-1991. The late Jimmy Hickey spent a lifetime in his involvement with the Gaelic Athletic Association. His first role in the GAA was as secretary of his beloved club Banogue at the age of 17. Jimmy donned the green and white of Banogue in all grades and codes, winning championship medals in the west and south divisions, but the medal he cherished most was the south junior championship, for which played with his neighbouring club Croom, minor grade. The late Jimmy was educated in the old Banogue National School, under the tutorship of the late Paddy O'Riordan, principal, and later Charleville CBS, where two classmates were the well-known broadcaster Donncha O Dulaing and Rory Kiely, now Cathoirleach of the Seanad, and also former chairman of the County GAA Board. Jimmy was first employment with CIE, and spent 37 years with the State Company. There met he met Phil Caheny, the Sligo woman who was to become his wife in 1961. One of his major achievements as Chairman of Limerick GAA was the initiation of planning, development and fundraising for the erection of the new Mackey Stand. He also saw the minor and under 21 hurlers to All Ireland success. Jimmy was regarded as a natural diplomat and peacemaker by every branch and club of the GAA in Limerick and throughout Munster. His involvement in parish and community associations and local groups stretched back 60 years. He was involved in renovating the parish church, the building of the new school and the community hall. He wanted to provide amenities for all in the parish and he and his lifelong friend Mick Maume secured a new GAA sports field of which he was a trustee until the day he died. At his funeral the church in Banogue was full of mourners who arrived to bid their final farewell to Jimmy. An honour guard was formed by the local GAA members, Limerick County Board members and players from neighbouring clubs. Jim never held a grudge, realising the rivalry between Banogue and Croom as well as other neighbouring parishes, in the spirit of true sportsmanship. Fr Joe Kennedy (assisted at the funeral by fellow parishioner Canon Michael Liston) paid tribute to Jim for his lifelong community work. GAA county board chairman Denis Holmes spoke at the graveside of Jimmy's life and times. Jim is survived by his wife, Phil, his greatest supporter, son Liam ( who during the funeral Mass described his father as his "advisor friend and mentor") and daughter-in-law Rita. The deceased is survived also by his brother Tom, who was unable to attend due to illness, his sisters Maureen Scanlan and St Margaret and extended family and friends. The community of the Maigueside district and the Gaels of County Limerick have lost a great man. Ar deist go raibh a ainm Courtesy of the Limerick Leader 11th February 2005 Tweet

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