Jimmy Moloney R.I.P., Mournane, Banogue and Kent

The entire Maigueside district of Banogue and Croom congregated at St. Paul’s Church Banogue on Sunday last to show the respect for a former parishioner, the late Jimmy Moloney. People were assembling from 10.30 a.m. at the Parish Church of Banogue to pay their last respects to a colleague, neighbour and friend who died in England after a long illness bravely and courageously borne. The chief celebrant at the concelebrated Requiem Mass was Fr. Austin McNamara a native of Fedamore and Administrator of St. John’s Cathedral and he was assisted by Fr. Joe Kennedy P.P. Croom. Fr. Austin in his homily spoke of his close association with Jimmy Moloney. It was when he was appointed to administer in the London area that he became friendly with Jimmy. Fr. Austin told the congregation that he was only a short few days in London when Jimmy made contact with him to ask if he would play hurling with the local hurling club. He was somewhat surprised with the speed in which the Irish in the London area were aware of his presence. During his period in the London area he became part of the Moloney family. He learned that Jimmy played with five clubs in his lifetime and was closely connected with the Cuchullan club in London. He held various positions with the GAA and managed the London Team for a period of time. Jimmy had a great affection with his native Banogue and would have played with the Banogue Hurling side before he took the emigrant boat to London. Jimmy would have arranged many visits of London clubs to play club tournament games at home, in Limerick or Clare. Jimmy was very much involved with the Limerick emigrant association and would have assisted hundreds of Limerick people who would arrive in the City of London seeking employment and work. Jimmy would never miss an important hurling game whether at he Gaelic grounds, Thurles or Parc I Chaoimh or if Limerick participated in the hallowed grounds of Croke Park when Limerick might be competing in a league or on the road to Limerick qualifying for an All Ireland Final. At the offering of gifts at requiem mass a Hurley and ball were taken up and a pack of cards representing some of his interests in sport and recreational activities. Jimmy’s son James in his word of thanks and appreciation for the people who came from far and wide, the U.K. and many parts of the Country to say their final farewell to a colleague, friend and neighbour he spoke of his love of his native parish and his life long commitment to the GAA. He indicated that the family were overwhelmed with the support and help that was given to them during Jimmy’s sickness. When the remains was leaving the church the congregation joined in with Liam Fahy in singing (Slan le Maigh) in Jimmy’s farewell to the Maigueside a very appropriate farewell. The burial took place to Sixmilebridge Cemetery. The Maigueside and the Irish Community in London have lost a great friend and Gael. Jimmy is survived by his wife Ann, son James, daughter Sinead, brother Billy, Mournane.