Garda Jim’s efforts raised millions for C rum lin Hospital
ARKLOW paid a sad farewell last week to a hugely respected member of the community, following the unexpected death of Jim (JJ) McCawl at the age of 74.
A native of Ferbane Co Offaly, Jim made his home in Arklow with his wife Bernadette.
He will be remembered for his long career with An Garda Siochana and his fundraising work on behalf of Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
Born in Rhode, Jim followed in his father Pat McCawl’s footsteps and joined An Garda Siochana in 1967. He was stationed in Enniscorthy and Oulart in Co Wexford, before transferring to Arklow in 1971. He was appointed detective in 1973.
He met his wife Bernadette while both were on work duty in New Ross, Co. Wexford in the mid-1970s. They married in 1978, when Bernadette returned from volunteer work in British Columbia, Canada.
During his long career, he was involved in many major investigations. Mr McCawl retired from the force in 2002 after 35 years-service.
A deeply respected investigator, many former and serving colleagues attended the funeral to pay their respects to his family.
He was known as a long-time supporter of the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation (CMRF) at Crumlin Hospital. His efforts raised almost €2 million for this worthwhile cause.
At the time of his unexpected passing, Jim was in Faro, Portugal, as part of a group of Irish people for a week-long CMRF fundraising charity cycle.
Known for his love of the outdoors, Jim was a keen member of local clubs at Castle Howard, Ballyarthur and Shelton. He was also highly skilled at Tae Kwando.
Jim is sadly missed by his beloved wife Bernadette (Bernie, nee Kelly), siblings Maura, Paddy, Susan, Rosaleen, Kathleen, Breda, Noel, the extended McCawl and Kelly families, Garda colleagues – serving and retired – and a large circle of friends. He was pre-deceased by his siblings Philomena, Dolores and John.
His funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Pádraig Ó Cochláin, Parish Priest Arklow, and Fr Brian McKittrick, Parish Priest Avoca/Templerainey, took place at the Church of Saints Mary and Peter, with Canon Nigel Sherwood present. Burial took place afterwards in Castlemacadam Cemetery.