The death occurred in Manchester, England last week following a long illness of Mr James F. (Jimmy) McGovern, formerly of Chapel Road, Arva. A member of a popular local family he worked for many years in Cully's bakery where he was a qualified baker. He could turn his hand to any job in the bakery and would often be seen out selling the bread he had baked earlier in the morning. Jimmy was a proud member of St Patrick's Arva Football Club and played mostly in Gaols but sometimes played Corner forward. On one famous occasion in Malone's Field when in goals Jimmy had an altercation with an opposing forward and was subsequently ordered off. Arva were playing the Championship the following weekend and as the referee didn't know him he gave his brothers name. Ownie was later suspended for 2 months although he was retired from football a couple of years before that. Jimmy moved to work in Manchester and loved meeting people from home when they would go over to see a Soccer match. He often organised tickets for games and would bring people around the city. He never lost his love of Arva and returned home 2 or 3 times each year. He was a son of Owen and Susan McGovern and was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Paddy and Ownie and is survived by his partner Josie, brother Charlie, sisters Kathleen and Mary, nephews, nieces and many friends to all of whom we extend sincere sympathy. His remains were returned to the Church of the Sacred Heart in Arva and a Guard of Honour was provided by members of St Patrick's Arva Football Club. Following Requiem Mass, burial took place in the family plot in Coronea Cemetery. Courtesy of The Longwood Leader. August 2007 Tweet

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