The late Jimmy Daly On Wednesday, September 29 2004, Ireland lost its one and only most loyal and faithful GAA fan. Born on September 17 1942 to the late Joseph and Kathleen Daly, Coleraine, Tullamore, James (Jim) Daly, or Seamus as he was known to his friends and colleagues in Dundalk, passed to his eternal reward in Dundalk. Jim was indeed the ultimate GAA fan this country has ever known, his knowledge of gaelic games over the last forty years knew no doubts. Jim could recall what match was played, at which venue, who the referee was on the way, who the teams were, what position each player played. Yes, Jim knew it all and he took such pride in this knowledge. Every GAA pitch in Ireland, Jim was there at one time or another, he was a familiar sight on his bicycle, as he cycled to those matches, but of course it was Croke Park where Jim really came to life as he watched the Faithful county do battle with the likes of Kerry, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Dublin, Fermanagh etc. Jim followed the Offaly football and hurling teams, senior and minor, and gained much enjoyment from those games, and much disappointment when the teams were beaten. The proudest moment of his entire life was when he lifted the McCarthy Cup at Tullamore Railway Station, upon the homecoming of the victorious 1998 hurling team. His tears that night were of pure pride and elation. Jim also had another love in his life, and that love was for his family. He loved to come home from Dundalk at weekends to spend some quality time with his families. His good nature and generosity knew no limits. Jim was a familiar sight most weekends in Tullamore, where he lived life to its fullest. We will all miss Jim for his good humour and never ending wit. It was a fitting tribute to such a gentleman of Jim's calibre that Cathal Daly represented the Offaly senior football team at his funeral Mass and burial. Jim was one of twelve children and worked for many years in the UK. Upon his return to Ireland, he worked for a while in Dublin before taking up residence in Dundalk, where he was accepted, loved and respected as one of their own. He spent twenty five very happy years in his adopted town. The question was once asked was this man from Laois or Offaly. Well one could say he had a drop of both counties' blood running through his veins as his late grandmother hailed from Straboe, Laois. News of jim's sudden and untimely death shocked and saddened both communities in his native Tullamore, and Dundalk. On Thursday, September 30, following a concelebrated funeral Mass which was attended by his devoted family and his many friends, and colleagues and associates in Dundalk, Jim's remains were brought home to Offaly. On Friday evening, Jim's remains were taken from his sister's residence, Bridget Mooney, Mountbolus and taken to St. Colmcille's church Durrow. On Saturday morning, a large congregation gathered for 11.00am mass to bid farewell. A beautiful tribute, written by one of Jim's friends in Dundalk was read by his niece, Jacqueline Mitchell-Dunne, and Deirdre Lennon said the readings. The offertory gifts were brought to the alter by nephews, cousin and grand niece. The organist was Mr Gerald Daly, grand nephew and the soloist was Mr Paddy Foy. Concelebrated Mass was officiated by Fr Sean Heaney, PP Tullamore and Fr Michael Meade, CC Mountbolus. Following Mass, Jim's remains were carried from the Church to the strains of the Offaly Rover and were interred in the adjoining cemetery. Predeceased also by his brother, Joseph, Jim is survived by his brothers, John (Mucklagh), Paudge (Killeigh), Laurence (Tullamore), Michael (Tullamore) and Thomas (Tullamore), sisters Mary Mitchell (Gortnamona), Elizabeth Coughlan (Ballycumber) , Kathleen Lennon (Athlone) Bridget Mooney (Mountbolus) and Carmel Daly (Tullamore), aunts, Mrs Elizabeth Murphy (Blueball) and Mrs mary Ann Keegan (Durrow), nieces, nephews, sisters in law, brothers in law, cousins, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Go raibh ar anam Dheis. Courtesy of the Offaly Express, October 2004. Tweet

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