Jim was known for his love of vintage and classic cars

TRIBUTES poured in this week following the death of Jim Boland (93), the highly respected motor trade businessman, known for his love of vintage and classic cars.

Jim, of Boland’s Opel dealership in Clondalkin Village, was a 1963 founder member and past President of the Irish Vintage Vehicles and Classic Cars (IVVCC) club and President of the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club.

A long time member of the VCC and a lifetime Opel dealer, Mr Boland passed away at his home in Naas on Monday.

A reposing took place at Boland’s Clondalkin Opel dealership on Wednesday prior to a funeral mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clondalkin Village.

The Echo understands a lot of work went into preparing the dealership to honour the life and times of a larger than life character.

Jim was synonymous with local weddings, his classic and vintage vehicles chauffeured many a bride and groom, making special memories along the way.

Condolences were made from far and wide, with the Irish Veteran and Vintage Club hailing Jim as a “beacon of the historic vehicle movement in Ireland” who “will be greatly missed.”

Jim Boland outside the Opel Dealership in Clondalkin

Martin Bernon recalled the time Jim lent him a 1928 6.5 litre vintage Bentley which led to a class win at the Gordon Bennet vintage car rally.

“That magnificent car was generously loaned to us for the rally by Jim,” said Martin.

The O’Neill family from Walkinstown fondly remembered “Jimmy driving down for Shirley’s wedding in June 1996 in his beautiful Rolls Royce to bring us to the church and Cabra Castle Hotel.”

Jim Boland at a rally in the 80’s

A message on RIP.ie said Jim was the loving husband of Breda and the late Kathleen, father of Jimmy, Tony and John, stepfather to Shane and Colm, and will be dearly missed by his extended family and large circle of friends.