There is a great sense of sadness in Garrison as the village comes to terms with the passing of the well known and much loved, Jimmy Mulrone.

Jimmy (90) died peacefully at Sligo University Hospital surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 6. His funeral took place on Wednesday, January 9 at Mary Queen of Peace Church, Garrison.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Jimmy’s son, Peter, said they were “very honoured to have a father like him”.

Peter said his father’s passing was devastating, especially at this time of the year, but the compassion and love that has been shown in recent days by the local community speaks volumes of the high esteem Jimmy was held in and is a huge comfort to the family during this sad time.

“Both his own generation and the younger generation had the utmost respect for him. The high esteem they held him in shows the mark of man he was. Anybody you talk to said he was a gentleman.

“He was a very positive man, a very principled man and we as a family think that is a trait, we can all abide by.

“He was proud of his family and particularly of the new generation coming through, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

The GAA was massive part of Jimmy’s life and he had been Honorary Club President for Devenish GAA since 1999 and had served the club with distinction as a player, coach and officer.

Jimmy was a player and selector on the great team of the 1960s which won five Senior County Championships and six League titles. And being part of the GAA and what it stood for played a huge role in his life.

“He was great Gael, first and foremost. He loved the GAA but not just the football side of it, but the social aspect, the community aspect and bringing together people. But he also embraced people of all sides of the community. He was a man of great integrity and honour and principle.

“I would call him the greatest man I have ever known and that’s the highest testimony I can give him,” said Peter.

Devenish GAA also expressed their sadness at the passing of their Honorary Club President.

“Jimmy served the club with distinction as a player, coach and officer. He served the club as Chairman from 1979 to 1984 and was Honorary Club President since 1999. He played and was a selector of the great 1960s team that won five county senior championship titles and six leagues.

“Jimmy was the last surviving member of the Devenish/Corlea select who played a North Leitrim select at the original pitch opening in August 1948. He also played with the great Corlea team in the 1940s and represented Donegal at Minor and Junior level. Arguably Jimmy’s greatest contribution to the club came through his work at underage coaching to which he dedicated over twenty years’ service.

“The thoughts and prayers of all at Devenish St. Mary’s GAA are with Jimmy’s sons, daughter, grandchildren and the extended Mulrone and Kerrigan families.

“May Jimmy Rest In Peace.”

Jimmy will be deeply missed by his children Tommy (Elizabeth), Patsy (Mary), Sylvester (Pauline), Peter (Louise), Gerry (Jane), Paul (Claire) and Mary (John), grandchildren, great grandchildren, wide family circle and friends.

“He was great Gael, first and foremost. He loved the GAA but not just the football side of it, but the social aspect, the community aspect and bringing together people