Tributes pour in for ‘true gentleman’ Jimmy Gavin

THOUSANDS of tributes have poured in for Jimmy Gavin, father of Dublin GAA legend Jim Gavin.

Jimmy senior, who passed away on Sunday at the Mater Hospital, was a legend of his own in GAA circles as a member of Round Tower Clondalkin, and a successful footballer in his native Clare.

Round Tower GAA posted a tribute on Monday: “Jim was a long-standing supporter of Round Tower GAA club and previously served as a juvenile mentor. He was a lead supporter of the Street Leagues, guiding his native Clonburris to 10 titles in a row. A proud Clare man, he won three county football titles with his home club Cooraclare. Jim’s children Barry, Jim, Brian and Anne-Marie have represented the club with distinction and continue to do so. We extend our condolences to Jim’s wife Anne.”

Musician Colm Gavin, who performed with his grandfather Jimmy for social inclusion week in 2020, reposted a recording of their moving rendition of “The isle of Inisfree”.

“This was a special one. Those of you who know me well will know how inordinately fond I was and am of him, and how much he meant to me. I’ll miss him more than words can ever say,” said Colm.

Condolences poured in from all over the country for a man considered a “true gentleman”, “great Towers man”, someone who had a “massive influence” on others.

Some of the condolences were from Jimmy’s former Roadstone work colleagues.

A Facebook post by Dublin GAA Fans expressing their sadness at the loss of Jimmy saw over 600 comments alone.

A message on RIP.ie said Jimmy passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in the wonderful care of the staff of St Brigid’s Ward, Mater Private Hospital. Beloved and devoted husband of Anne, loving dad of Barry, Brian, Jim and Anne-Marie.”

A Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday morning in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Clondalkin Village, followed by burial in Newlands Cemetery.

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