Jim was a devoted family man with a great sense of humour
THE community of Enniscorthy was saddened recently by the passing of James ‘Jim’ Conroy (86) of 32 Fr Cullen Terrace.
Jim was born and reared on the outskirts of his beloved Enniscorthy near Red Pat’s Cross. He was the eldest of eight children and enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by his brothers and sisters. Jim went to school in the CBS on Island Road before going on to obtain an apprenticeship and he learned his trade in the co-op in Enniscorthy at the side of his father - an extremely skilled carpenter himself. Jim went on to work at the Old Mill before getting a job working as a carpenter at St Senan’s in 1962 where he went on to become foreman. Dedicated to his craft, Jim created some wonderful pieces of furniture etc over the years and had a keen eye for detail which held him in good stead throughout his working life.
As well as carpentry, Jim also served part-time with Enniscorthy Fire Brigade for nearly 30 years. This was a testament to his caring nature and sense of duty to help those in need. Over the years, he would’ve helped countless people in emergency situations for which he asked no thanks.
In his wife Anna Mai, Jim found his soulmate and the pair were inseparable until her passing four years ago. They first set up their home at Pearse Road before moving to Fr Cullen Terrace and between them they raised four children - Pat, Niall, Jacinta and Thelma. Family meant everything to Jim and in later years he became a doting grandfather to 12 and a great-grandfather to nine. He took a great interest in what his grandchildren were doing, be it on the sporting field or elsewhere in their lives, and they in turn adored him.
Jim had a great interest in sports and was regularly seen on the fairways of Courtown Golf Club. He also had a great interest in fishing, shooting, bee-keeping and greyhounds.
A very community-minded man, Jim also lent a hand wherever he could and each year he would always oversee the setting up of the annual procession and ensure things went off without a hitch.
Jim had a great sense of humour and was a wonderful story-teller, making him great company for anyone lucky enough to cross his path. He will now be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.
Jim was the beloved husband of the late Anna Mai; loving father of Patrick, Niall, Jacinta and Thelma and much loved brother of Dan, Pat, Kathleen, Patricia, Vera, Betty, Edel and the late Bunny. He is deeply missed by his loving family, sonin-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.