The late Jim Lyons Jim Lyons, Monkstown, Dublin, who died recently in St Vincent's Hospital following a relatively short illness, was a native of Carrowneden, Arghamore. He was aged 82 and was a retired employee of the Board of Works in Dublin where he had served as a carpenter for many years. Jim was among Mayo's most legendary supporters. He was passionate in his allegiance to the red and green and was a familiar figure at Mayo matches around the country. He would travel by train to the venue the day before the match and book himself into a local B&B before travelling back to Dublin after the game. Indeed, after his retirement, he would often extend his stay until Monday to give him time to meet the supporters after the game. He liked nothing better than to spend time with fellow countymen discussing the prospects of the Mayo team. Despite the countless disappointments over the years, he never lost hope and looked forward every year to 'Sam' returning to his native county. He was constantly in contact with John Prenty, the former Mayo GAA county secretary and current Connacht secretary, about team developments. Just a couple of weeks before his death, he rang John from his hospital bed to enquire about the possibility of Ciaran McDonald returning to the fold. Jim was one of a family of seven born to William and Mary Lyons. He was predeceased by his brothers Bill (Carrowneden), Mick (Ballinacostelloe, Aghamore) and Tom (Carrowneden) and by his sisters Margaret Killeen (Tooreen) and Mary Kate Peyton (Dublin). In his younger years, Jim worked in St Alban's, England for around nine years before returning to Ireland. A gifted carpenter, he secured a position with the Board of Works in Dublin which was to become his home. He was an able cabinet maker and could turn his hands to anything relating to wood. It was in Dublin that he met and later married Mary Reddan, a native of the Kilmacanogue area of Co Wicklow. They raised a family of five, four sons and a daughter. None of them could escape Jim's devotion to his native Mayo and many were the times they were brought along to Croke Park and other destinations, complete with 'Up Mayo' hats, to cheer on his home county. He was especially proud to see his nephews Jimmy and Liam Lyons don the county colours in all grades as well as star for St Jarlath's college, Tuam. To a man with such a passion for Mayo football, this was truly a special time for Jim. His interest extended to reading match reports in the Mayo newspapers and spotting emerging talent progress through the ranks. For a man away from the county for so long and domiciled in Dublin, he had a far better knowledge of up and coming young players than many home-based supporters. He loved to monitor the progress of players and check on them on a regular basis. Though the years in the city, he was a country man at heart. Jim could often be seen cycling around Dun Laoghaire, always delighted to stop and chat with old friends. He was never short of something to say as he was a natural and gifted conversationalist. He liked music too and was known to render a song or two when the occasion was right. Last year, he attended the Aghamore National School Centenary celebrations and was in his element as he met up with old friends, renewed acquaintances, and enjoyed that easy feeling that rests gently on the mind when you are among your own people. Removal took place from St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin to Mayo with a further removal from Donnellan's Funeral Home, Ballyhaunis to Aghamore Church. He was laid to rest in the soil of his beloved Mayo in nearby Aghamore Cemetery, following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr John Walsh, PP. His son Tom delivered the following reflection at the graveside; "I can no longer with my grandchildren play Or drink pints of porter by Dun Laoghaire quay I can no longer watch my teams Liverpool and Mayo fulfil their dreams. I can no longer listen to Bertie in the Dail Or be at election to support Fianna Fail For it's my time to say goodbye I see your tears - but please don't cry, One last journey for me that's all All I'm doing is answering my call One day you too will be caught in death's tide And swim to the shore to be at my side." Jim is deeply regretted by his wife Mary, sons James (Dublin and USA), Tom (Liverpool), Richard and Kevin (both Dublin), daughter Elizabeth Carroll (Roscommon). in-laws, grandchildren, sister Nora Moran (Carrownedan, Aghamore), nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends. MC Courtesy of The Mayo News 8 March 2006 Tweet

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