Former County Wexford footballer Jim (Sacker) Furlong passed away last week at the age of 71 following a three year battle with cancer, which he bore with great dignity and strength.
Jim was well known throughout the county for his unique sporting ability and football was undoubtedly Jim's passion. He played with the St John's Volunteers at all different age groups and levels as well as the county team.
He somehow managed to also find the time for hurling and played for the Faythe Harriers for many years. And it wasn't long before sought to add another string to his bow and he added rugby to his list to pastimes.
At the Wexford Wanderers' RFC he took on the role of mentor and went on to train a number of different teams at the club.
Originally from Green Street, Jim married his beloved wife Joy (nee Howlin) 45 years ago and the couple moved to King Street where Joy was from. The couple had three children; Geraldine, Declan and Ciaran. Shortly after the third child was born they moved to Liam Mellows Park before finally settling at Bayview Drive.
Jim worked at the Talbot Garage as a panel beater most of his life. In later years, however, he became a milk man with Snowcream until he retired in the early 1990s.
Jim will be forever remembered as a man who lived every day for his family. His children recall what a wonderful father he was to them and when the time came he doted equally on his six grandchildren; Ben, Clodagh, Eoin, Niall, Aidan and Aoife.
He was laid to rest at St Ibar's Cemetery, Crosstown, following his funeral mass in Rowe Street Church last Wednesday.

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