Jim will be missed
Former Co. Treasurer dies aged 85
THE LOCAL G.A.A. community united in mourning last week after news of the death of Jim Ferguson from Kilderry, Ballymitty, late on Tuesday night spread around the county.
The 85-year-old retired building contractor was one of the most familiar faces in sporting circles in Wexford, having served as Treasurer of the Co. G.A.A. Board from 1994 until 2007.
That was the pinnacle of his many achievements in the world of administration, while he was also a useful player in his younger days and lined out with various clubs in his native Wexford, and also over the border in Kilkenny when his work took him there.
However, Bannow-Ballymitty was his first love, and the Whitty’s Hill native gave devoted service to the club in various capacities down through the years.
He was a successful manager in the early 1980s when their Minor team joined forces with neighbouring Taghmon-Camross and enjoyed a near three-year unbeaten stint in the popular Jim Byrne Cup competition.
And when it came to fundraising, there was nobody better equipped to sell Model County Draw tickets and lotto tickets than Jim.
He was a county Minor football selector for many years, including in 1978 when Wexford contested the Leinster final against Dublin.
In later years he became very active as an under-age officer, spending two terms as Chairman of Bord na nOg Loch Garman in 1989 and 1990 before enjoying an extended period as Treasurer from 1991 to 2008, working in a joint capacity with his devoted wife, Monica, from 2001 onwards.
It was from that role that he graduated to the same onerous position with the adult Board.
He never lost his love for the Byrne Cup either, and was Vice-Chairman at the time of his passing.
The sympathy of all Gaels is extended to Monica at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.