Tribute made in memory of community volunteer Jim Lawlor
By Mary Dennehy
A FRAMED tribute was presented to the family of life-long, community volunteer Jim Lawlor on the footbridge that spans the Dodder, connecting Firhouse with Old Bawn.
One of the founding members of Tallaght Community Council (TCC) more than 40 years ago, Jim (78) passed away peacefully on June 2, of this year in Peamount Hospital.
Mary Butler TCC, Tara De Buitlear TCC, Alison Lawlor, Liz Kennedy TCC, Martin Lawlor, Norman Kelly TCC, Lee Moroney TPOTY, Aine Kelly TCC and Evelyn Riordan TCC
After growing up in Killininny Cottages on the Firhouse Road, Jim moved to Seskin View with his late wife Mary and had two children Alison and Martin - and six adored grandchildren Evan, Emma, Aoife, Erika, Harvey and Matilda.
Over the decades, Jim supported with great kindness and passion all aspects of life in Tallaght, through his varied volunteering efforts.
Last Saturday, a delegation made up of TCC members and past Tallaght Person of the Year winners presented Jim’s son and daughter Martin and Alison with a framed tribute to mark his passing in June.
The tribute saw the presentation of a framed article from 2015, which featured in The Echo’s LoveTallaghtOutdoors series that celebrated Tallaght’s heritage.
Jim Lawlor
Jim contributed to the article and focused on the TJ Burns cottages, on the Firhouse Road, which were rural workers cottages.
Speaking with The Echo, Jim’s son Martin said: “We really apprciate the support and the recognition given to dad and his contribution over the years to the community.
“We’d like to say a sincere thanks for the presentation, it really was touching.
“Thanks to everyone for their support and recognition and remembrance of dad.”
Jim was born in one of the TJ Burns’ cottages, and it remains in his family to this day.
The presentation was made on the red cycle bridge that links Bawnville and Kilininny – something very symbolic of Jim’s life as he was born in Kilininny and later lived in Old Bawn.
Jim was spotted in Dodder Valley park most days and often said his happiest childhood days were spent playing in the fields around the Dodder.
TCC have asked South Dublin County Council to consider naming this bridge the Jim Lawlor Bridge in his honour.
According to TCC, this bridge links people, which Jim did all his life through decades of volunteering in this park and the wider Tallaght area.
TCC would like to thank local councillors who are helping them progress this request and it is hoped it will be discussed at January council meetings.
According to Liz Kennedy, TCC Volunteer Chair, said: “We were delighted to remember Jim with his family on Saturday.
“Jim was a major figure in our lives in TCC and we miss him very much.
“He was an inspiration to us as he worked tirelessly for the community.
“Our greatest wish now would be to have this iconic bridge named after Jim.
“The ‘Jim Lawlor Bridge’ in the middle of Dodder Park would be a fitting tribute to him.”
TAGS Tallaght
