The late J.C Maher Last weekend, Portlaoise Gardai lost one of the finest members the force has known. Mr. Maher died suddenly whilst on a short break with his beloved wife, Ann (Cushen). Jim Maher or J.C. as he was affectionately known as, had only recently celebrated his 50th birthday with family and friends. Born the first son to a Clare mother Lilly Downey and a Tipperary father from Green Street in Roscrea, it was perhaps no surprise that Jim found the Garda Sicohana had from an early age shown a willingness to help those around him. His first posting was in Cork city, having passed out in nineteen seventy seven, two years later he moved to the Portlaoise team who were then coached by one of his boyhood heroes one, Jimmy Doyle from the famous Sarsfields club in Thurles. Further down the road, he helped "the town" reach the county final of 1980, their first since losing to Camross in '77. Unfortunately for them Camross had never been beaten in the meantime and were now seeking five in a row. The game was tough and Jim found that like hurling in Tipperary the Camross fullback line did not take any prisoners. He was a deft corner forward and scored at ease in the early rounds but not too easy to get scores in a final. Camross prevailed by a narrow margin. Jim left the pitch without a scratch and when he later visited the winners dressings rooms his only concern was for his marker who had limped off. That was to be the highlight of his senior career, he later moved to Ratheniska after marrying local lady footballer and camogie star. He helped his adopted club reach a county final but defeat was to be their lot as well. As a custodian of the law Jim always carried out his duty with the greatest efficiency and courtesy, he became known through the whole community as a friend to everyone. He had two sons his pride and joy, both presently attending Ballyfin College. On thursday night after an old time waltz, he felt unwell and as his wife ran for help he passed away. His funeral with full state honours was a huge out poring of grief. Colleagues from all over the country travelled to pay their last respects. The funeral Mass was conducted by his brother in law Fr. Gerry Cushen, as hundreds filed past his coffin on Saturday and Sunday all agreed Heaven had inherited a true gentleman. Only six weeks earlier his close friend and colleague Pat Burke was also laid to rest in the same cemetery. J.C. will be sadly missed by all who were lucky to have made his aquaintenance. As a civilian or as a guardian of the law. His long time friend Syl Murphy spoke on behalf of his colleagues. There was no need for him to exaggerate no one could ever find fault with this rare human being. The station won't be the same he loved work and loved people. He was deeply religious. He loved hurling. Tipperary was never far from his mind but his family was his first love. Anne, James and Cian and of course his loving mother Lilly still hale and hearty, his brother Willie, sisters Elizabeth, Mary Patrice and his mother in law Rita they were all his greatest friends. To them we extend deepest sympathy. Portlaoise's loss is Heavens gain. Courtesy of the Leinster Express 15 February 2006 Tweet

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