The Late Jimmy Smullen County Wicklow is still in mourning after the passing of one of its favourite sons, hurling legend Jimmy Smullen. Considered by many to be the Poet Laureate of Wicklow due to the numerous poems he wrote over the years focusing on sport and other activities, Jimmy passed away aged 76. A born and bred Avoca man, Jimmy took great pride in his Wicklow heritage and remained a fan of GAA games long after his retirement from playing. Hurling was his first great love and he won the first of many Junior championships while playing for Kilmacoo as goalkeeper in 1946. He followed that up with a second Junior title in 1950, this time as a forward for Avoca. Next on the agenda was a Senior Championship title for Avoca in 1953 with Jimmy contributing plenty of points and goals to their successful season from his now settled position up front. In 1960 a third Junior championship came his way but Jimmy wasn't quire finished yet and added a Junior league title to his credits while playing for St. Pat's in Wicklow town. In the early 1950s he met his bride to be, fellow Avoca resident Lilly Cullen. The pair married locally on a day that is still fondly recollected by everyone attendance. Jimmy continued his GAA activities long after handgin up his hurl, this time as a referee. While he will always be remembered for his wonderful poems and writing, Jimmy was also an equally keen musician. A talented pianist, accordion players and drummer, Jimmy played alongside both Kevin Harper and Mick Cullen. He was one of the members of the famous Avoca ceile band who played in front of a packed house in New York's Carneige Hall. He spent a time in his life working in the Avoca mines and also went to college in St. O'Connells in Dublin. After moving to Wicklow town he began working in Hopkins, and also went over to Scotland to work for a period of time. He also put in some time working for Herbst in Kilpoole. Jimmy will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. A hugely popular man, the likes of his great story telling ability and turn of phrase will most likely never be seen again. Jimmy is survived by his six sons, Sean, Gerald, Declan, Leonard and Laurence and his daughter, Marie. Courtesy of the Wicklow People 19th May 2005 Tweet

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