Touching tribute to Jim Lawlor
THE life and legacy of Tallaght volunteer Jim Lawlor was celebrated at an official event, which marked the naming of the red bridge spanning the Dodder in his memory.
In April 2021, a motion was passed by South Dublin County Council to name the red pedestrian and cycle bridge in tribute to Jim and in appreciation of his lifetime of community work.
Jim, who spent his whole life living beside the Dodder, passed away peacefully in June 2020, at the age of 78.
Born and reared in Killininny Cottages on the Firhouse Road, Jim and his late wife Mary moved to Seskin View, on the opposite side of the Dodder, to make their own family home.
Jim and Mary had two children Alison and Martin, who both live within minutes of the newly named Jim Lawlor Bridge.
The red bridge spanning the Dodder connects Firhouse and Old Bawn
Naming the bridge – which connects both sides of the Dodder as it runs through Tallaght – after Jim is not only fitting in terms of location, it’s also a solid reminder of the community connections Jim helped to forge and strengthen throughout five decades of volunteering, and through his love of Tallaght and the people who call it home.
Speaking with The Echo, Jim’s son Martin said: “This is a really touching tribute to dad – the memorial stone is beautiful.
“He would be so thrilled to have this honour.
“This bridge connects the two sides of the Dodder that dad lived on but it’s also a great asset to the park and the area and all of the people who use it daily.”
Mayor Peter Kavanagh, Cllr Mick Duff, Cllr Teresa Costello, Cllr Brian Lawlor, Cllr Charlie O’Connor, and TCC members at the Jim Lawlor Bridge in Dodder Valley Park
Just like the bridge, Jim connected all walks of life as a founding member of Tallaght Community Council (TCC) and his time spent supporting local organisations such as Old Bawn Residents’ Association, Tallaght Hospital Action Group and the Patient Forum.
It was also a common site to see Jim sitting down at the back of various community meetings and celebrations.
Remembering Jim, Liz Kennedy, TCC Chair, said: “The Tallaght community was lucky to have someone like Jim, who gave over 50 years actively volunteering.
“We feel his loss not only as a friend, but as a very active volunteer, who was always the first to offer to help when help was needed.”
The bridge has been named in honour of Jim and his years of volunteering
According to Liz, Jim could trace his family back generations in Killininny, something he was immensely proud of.
“He passed on lots of stories of rural Tallaght,” Liz said.
“He was also very generous and committed to playing an active role in all aspects of life in Tallaght”
She added: “He had a real love for the Dodder, the river he lived beside all his life, as a young boy and a grandad.
“He attended the opening of the new pedestrian bridge a few years ago and remarked how it linked his birthplace in Killininny and his family home in Old Bawn.
“It seemed fitting that this bridge that spans the Dodder and connects people every day now bears Jim’s name.”
According to TCC, it was important that Jim’s life be honoured in a “truly meaningful way”, and they thanked the council for supporting the request to honour Jim in this way.
County Mayor Peter Kavanagh and local councillors attended the official naming event on Friday, June 10.
In a comment to The Echo, the council said it was “delighted” to officially mark the naming of the Dodder bridge in memory of James (Jim) Lawlor and to recognise his lifetime of voluntary giving with his friends, family and members of the local community.
