County Roscommon man who made massive contribution to development of athletics will be laid to rest on Monday
The late Mr James (Jimmy) Lyons. Jimmy made a massive contribution to athletics in the community and at provincial and national level. Pic: Courtesy Connacht Athletics
A County Roscommon man who made a massive contribution to athletics in the community and at provincial and national level will be laid to rest on Monday.
James (Jimmy) Lyons, Bellfield Cottage, Togher, Taughmaconnell, who was 93, died peacefully at home on March 7th, surrounded by his loving family.
Connacht Athletics said that it was saddened to hear of the “passing of a great Connacht Athletics man, Jimmy Lyons from St Ronan’s AC in Roscommon” and paid tribute to him for a lifetime of dedication to the development of athletics in Connacht.
“Jimmy was a hard man to say no to at any time when it came to athletics and Community Games, always putting the athletes first regardless of ability and was ever encouraging the enthusiastic athlete.
“Buses to Ferbane sports, Mosney, Galway Dublin hosting cross country races were regular occurrences,” said the group in an appreciation.
Jimmy always kept athletes to the fore making sure they enjoyed their athletics.
“When athletics wasn't popular Jimmy worked hard and for free as the Connacht Development Officer for BLOE [athletics before AAI]. He helped set up clubs, gave his time to young coaches, while somehow working full time raising his own family.
"Connacht Athletics has lost a dear friend a fantastic supporter of athletics May he Rest in Peace.”
He was predeceased by his wife, Sheila; brothers, John and Michael and sisters, Mai and Nora.
Beloved father of Micheál, Maura, Gráinne, Sheila (Noone), Siobhán (Flynn), Deirdre (Scannell) and Séamus and brother to Kathleen (McGinty, Derry) and Denis (London). Jimmy will be very sadly missed by his sons-in-law, Séan, Frank and Mark; daughters-in-law. Clodagh and Eimear; grandchildren, Oisín, Grace, Eoin, Conor, Shane, John, Sarah-Jane, Fionn, Molly, Alex, Jack, Matilda, Laura, Diarmaid, Jamie, Ruby, Joe, Caoimhe, Charlie and Dan. Jimmy will be remembered fondly by his brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and his many friends and neighbours.
Jimmy will repose in Grenham's Funeral Home, Ballinasloe (H53 HK15) on Sunday, March 9th from 4 p.m. with removal at 6 p.m. to St Ronan's Church, Taughmaconnell. Requiem Mass for Jimmy will be celebrated on Monday at 11 a.m. followed by burial in Taughmaconnell Cemetery.
