London GAA is mourning the passing of Fr Murphy’s chairman and club legend Jim Howlin.

Predeceased by his wife Olive just three months ago, Jim died on Tuesday following a long battle with illness. Originally from Rathnure, Co. Wexford, he emigrated with his family to London as a 15-year-old in 1960. He hurled for Treaty Gaels for four years before joined Fr Murphy’s in 1970. He played well into his forties and came out of retirement in 2003 when Murphy’s were struggling for numbers to win a London SHC medal at the ripe old age of 58!

Jim was manager at the time and also delivered SHC titles in 2000, ’02 and ’05. He served nearly every role in the club and also managed the London hurlers in 2001 and ’02. His son Jimmy also had a stint as Fr Murphy’s chairman.

“Jim would oversee a valiant effort in the senior club championship in 2003 where Fr Murphy’s frightened the life out of Cork champions and eventual All-Ireland club winners, Newtownshandrum, in Ruislip.

"Newtownshandrum would go on to win by seven points, but Murphy’s were within touching distance until the last knockings and hit the post twice with two spurned goal chances,” Fr Murphy’s said in a Facebook post.

 

London GAA offers its deepest sympathies to the Howlin family and all at Fr. Murphy's on the passing of Jim Howlin.

A legendary figure in London GAA who had a huge impact at both club and county level.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. https://t.co/ENUuHMuGCH

— London GAA (@LondainGAA) November 9, 2023

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