Crowley, Jim
April 07, 2010Wexford Town will be a sad spot around lunchtime today (Wednesday) as it bids farewell to one of its best-loved sons.
Jim Crowley had special qualities as a family man, sportsman, businessman and, most of all, gentleman. And after battling illness with typical good grace and fortitude, he was called to his final resting place on Sunday night.
A lot of tears were shed as the news spread, because to know Jim Crowley in any capacity was truly a privilege. His warm, endearing smile will never be forgotten, just as his pleasant disposition and helpful nature will be recalled by so many people who were honoured to call him a friend.
His loving family meant the world to him and they in turn reciprocated and gave him all the support he needed as his sickness took hold.
Jim had second family too, as he had a lifelong involvement with Sarsfields GAA club and was an inspiration to his fellow members. The unselfish work he put in behind the scenes could never be quantified, and this was far more important to him than the many headlines he received as a talented footballer and administrator.
A son of Jack and Annie (nee O'Connor), Jim was 72 years old and resided with his Wife, Liz at Richmond Drive. They had reared their four children- Carmel, Jackie, Martin and Kevin - in Liam Mellows Park and later lived for many years in Distillery House. As well as his devoted wife, children and inlaws, Jim's passing is lamented by his grandchildren who filled his latter years with joy.
The original Crowley family home was No1, Thomas Street, and it was from there that one of the greatest footballing dynasties the town has ever known emerged. Jack Crowley was born in Crossabeg and raised in Growstown, Taghmon, before moving to Wexford in 1907 to serve his apprenticeship at Keatings's public house on the Main Street.
The Sarsfields club was founded in November of that year, and Jack was on their first ever championship team which played Ballymore on June 12 1908. His talents were quickly recognised by the county selectors, and he went on to win four All-Ireland Senior medals in a row with the great Wexford team of 1915 to 1918.
It was no surprise then that, after marring Annie O'Connor from King Street in 1921, Jack's sons should follow in his footsteps by performing with distinction on the football field.
Jim was pre-deceased by Martin('Murks) Pete and John ('Hoy'), all of whom represented club and county with considerable distinction, while the late Mick was also a staunch Sarsfields man. The five brothers are survived by their sisters, Annie Cullimore and Eileen Lawlor.
Jim was a teenager when the Sarsfields club was re-formed in 1951, and he went on to serve it with such drive and passion in so many capacities.
First and foremost, he was an extremely talented and versatile footballer, winning his first county title in the Juvenile grade as team captain in 1953 and again leading the same group into battle in 1955 when they added Minor honours.
He was a key figure on the junior championship winning side of 1959 and reached the pinnacle of his distinguished career in the following decade when Sarsfields secured the Senior titles of 1961 and 1967. Intermediate and Junior 'B' medals were added as a panel member in 1979 and 1982, and him came to the rescue on several occasions since then- making several comebacks if numbers were short.
He played with the Wexford Minors in 1954 and 1955, and also lined out at Junior level in 1960. He first graduated to Senior ranks in the National League of 1959 and made 13 appearances in total; with the last coming in Croke Park in 1963 when a Wexford team backboned by Sarsfield players, including his brother, Pete, lost to Meath in the Leinster championship.
Jim lent his considerable expertise to the administrative side of the club long before his playing career ended, serving in numerous capacities. He was Assistant Secretary in 1957, and had two stints as Secretary, from 19589 to 1962, and from 1971 to 1975. He had doubled up as Treasurer in 1959 and returned to that role 20 years later, serving in partnership with the late Jimmy Roche up to 1982.
The following year, the joint Treasurer was much closer to home as Jim's wife, Liz, became the first-ever female officer of a GAA club in Wexford town. The Crowley team filled that role with distinction in a period of great change for the club, as it took up residency in Páirc Charman.
And after Liz stepped down to concentrate on helping the club behind the scenes, Jim remained on as Treasurer from 1989 to 2003. He was Vice-President from 2005 to 2007 and had been President, along with Eddie Pender, since 2008.
Jim's talents were recognised both inside and outside the Sarsfield, with the highlight coming in 1987 when he was chosen as the clubman of the year for Co. Wexford in a countrywide scheme. He was recently recognised by the Seana Ghael committee and had received a long service award from the club in 1998.
He served as a selector on numerous championship-winning teams, right up to 2008 when the last county under-age title was annexed by his Under 14 squad. Jim was also a driving force in the development of the club's fine facilities, spending countless hours in Páirc Charman to bring ambitious projects to fruition.
He was also a familiar face on Wexford's South Main Street for many years where he ran a successful home decorating business, having previously worked with the great friend and Sarsfields colleague, Jimmy Roche, in Cinema Lane.
Jim's funeral Mass was celebrated in Bride Street at 12 noon with the cortege leaving his home at Richmond Drive immediately beforehand.
Wexford town had produced its fair share of special people, and Jim Crowley was right up there with the very best of them. We'll remember him with pride.
Courtesy of the Wexford People
April 7th 2010 Tweet
