The family and friends of Wexfordman James (Jem) Laffan were shocked and saddened by his unexpected death following a brief illness.

Jem (51) of Bishopswater and formerly Corlican, Killurin died at Waterford Regional Hospital on April 20. He is survived by his wife Olive; his son James; daughter Danielle; his grandsons Enan and Ethan; his parents James and Kathleen; his brother Simon; sisters Brigid, Kate and Shirley and by his extended family.

Often referred to as a 'gentle giant' Jem was big-hearted and kind. He was a loving husband, a proud father and grandfather and a loyal and dependable friend and work colleague. Having grown up in Killurin, he moved to Bishopswater when he married Olive.

He worked in National Aluminium and later Gemini Windows. Though he lived in town, he remained loyal to his native parish and continued to play for his team Glynn/Barntown.

He lined out at Number 3 where once again he was Mr Dependable, winning two Intermediate as well as Junior and Junior B championship medals.
In post-match conversations, he would explain that Gaelic was a simple game of 15X15 and if everyone minded his own patch, there was a great chance of winning.
His most treasured memory of his playing days was the final of the Shillelagh tournament in 1988 when he held 'the big red lad' Tony Doran scoreless. No mean feat, although they lost.
He enjoyed his trips away with the club every two years. He loved a bottle of beer with his friends, playing cards, throwing darts and watching Glynn/Barntown and Wexford play.

He was in the Wexford Darts League with the Gaelic Bar and later with Laffan's Bar. Win or lose, Jem remained cheerful and upbeat.
At the beginning of his well-attended funeral Mass in Bride Street Church, Jem's son James paid a moving and personal tribute to his father.
'He was the kindest man you could meet. He would do anything for his family and friends.
He was a brilliant husband to my mother. He loved her with all his heart. She was more than just his partner for 33 years. She was and always will be his best friend and love of his life,' said James.
'As a father he was the best in the world. Both myself and Danielle will miss him every day and wouldn't change any memories for all the money in the world.'
He adored his two grandchildren and looked 10ft tall with Enan in one arm and Ethan in the other.
Burial took place in St Ibar's Cemetery, Crosstown.
The Month's Mind Mass will take place in Glynn Church on May 24 at 8pm.

- Courtesy of Wexford People, 16th May 2012 Tweet

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