The death of Jimmy O'Gorman Ballinure and formerly of Ardmayle has removed another member of the history making Ballytarsna Athletic Club that dominated athletics in County Tipperary and throughout Ireland in the 1970s and 80s. His death despite not enjoying good health for a considerable time saddened and shocked all who knew the pleasant mannered and ever obliging Jimmy in athletics, business and every day life. The O Gorman family had a long association with Ballytarsna Athletic Club going back to the mid 1950s. The O Gorman family home in Ardmayle always had an open door and the kettle on the boil for the cup of tea, athletics and hurling dominated the conversation and their pride of parish, county and country was always strong. Jimmy was involved from his early teens in Ballytarsna Athletic Club as were his four brothers contributing so much in every aspect of the overall success of the Club and his sister Katie was the club medic. As I recall those happy and fulfiling times when our athletes carried the green singlet with the orange sash with such pride and success throughout the 32 counties of Ireland and behaved exemplary as sportspeople always. Losing through death Jimmy O'Gorman pains severely, despite the very big numbers in the club it was like one big family. As I reflect on club members like Jimmy who have answered Gods call early, the following spring to mind, Siobhan O'Keefe, Robert and John Manton, Richie O'Connor as do the old proverb 'only the good die young.' How I miss them, they were special they were true and principled sportspeople as well as exemplary athletes and good Christians. As we formed the Guard of Honour for Jimmy O'Gorman and the familiar faces of yesterday in Ballytarsna Athletic Club assembled to bid their fellow athlete a fitting farewell, it was a sad gathering as well as an occasion of happy recall of great days with a great club and with great people. As we offered our condolences to his widow Marie and son David it brought back happy memories of Marie and Jimmy at club Dinner Dances in Dundrum and fund raising selling tickets for the club draw. They both were always in good humour and ever available to help, how important the voluntary effort was to every sports organisation in rural Ireland. Jimmy O'Gorman played his part well and enjoyed doing so in athletics and in the GAA. In life and in business, Jimmy was available to play his role to make living easier and more enjoyable for his fellow person, Throughout his adult years he was the ever helpful neighbour, the person with the optimistic outlook the man with the warm welcome and friendly salute. He loved and enjoyed life coped bravely with illness as an upright Christian he had a firm faith in God and in his goodness and mercy. Fortified by the rites of the Church he passed to his heavenly reward peacefully. To Marie, son David and the extended O'Gorman and Maxey families our deepest sympathy. Courtesy of the Tipperary Star. 13 October, 2007. Tweet

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