Sadness in Bunclody at passing of farmer Jimmy
THE local community around Bunclody, particularly those of a farming background, mourned the loss of one of their own recently following the passing of James ‘Jimmy’ Kirwan of Kilbranish, Bunclody. Jimmy passed away on March 15 in the loving care of the staff at Riverdale Nursing Home in Ballon.
Born in 1939 to parents Pat and Mary, Jimmy was reared at the family home in Kilbranish where he spent his whole life. The family home had been built by his grand-uncles back in 1880 before the emigrated to the US, something of which Jimmy was immensly proud.
Jimmy’s father Pat died while he was quite young, leaving Jimmy and his brother Billy to be raised by their loving mother Mary. He stepped up and looked after the family farm, and mixed farming was something that he developed a great interest in over the years. He had great pride in his sheep and was a regular face at the marts and sales around the local area, particularly in Tullow and Borris.
Jimmy had a great love of hurling and football. He held a particular passion for the Wexford hurling team, one which was forged in the glory days of the 1950s. He was also a passionate supporter of his local Clonegal/Kildavin team and was a regular fixture on the sidelines there, roaring on his support for the lads.
Jimmy’s door was always open for visitors. Anyone that called to the house would be warmly greeted with a cup of tea and a chat and he loved to welcome people into his home. He had a great network of neighbours and they were great support to him, particularly towards the end of his life as he became ill.
The last surviving member of his own family, Jimmy is pre-deceased by his brother Billy and his parents Pat and Mary. He is sadly missed by relatives, neighbours and friends. He was laid to rest in the new cemetery in Kildavin following a fitting funeral ceremony at St Lazerian’s Church, Kildavin. May he rest in peace.