Death of great Mayo sportsman Jimmy Devaney is deeply regretted

The death has occurred of Jimmy Devaney, Kilkenny, Castlebar.

A popular and personality, he died at home in the loving care of his daughter Ger.

Predeceased by his wife Shelagh, he is lovingly missed by his daughter Ger, sons Justin and Lorcan, brother Noel and his adored granddaughter Claudia.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.

A member of an old and respected Castlebar family, he was an outstanding soccer player in his youth and later played golf with distinction.

Following a recent interview with him for an article published by The Connaught Telegraph last January to mark the centenary of Castlebar Celtic FC, clubman Andrew Leonard wrote: "Jimmy Devaney was an old style left winger, an artist on the ball.

"He was cocky, confident, with an amazing control of the ball. It was said that if players needed a five-minute rest while still on the pitch, just give the ball to Devaney!

"He was notoriously difficult to get the ball back from. Michael Feeney described him as a player very much ‘in the style of Joe Haverty’, who played for Arsenal and Ireland in the early 1960s.

"Of himself, Jimmy said: 'I didn't know the difference between right half and right foot, I just played'.

"He won three Connaught Cup medals - 1959, 1960 and 64. He told me he used to love wearing the opposition out.

"His most memorable match was the Connaught Cup final of 1960 against Westport.

"He recalled other outstanding players like Wally Tighe with 'his short little steps with the ball, he was deadly', Peter Duke, 'a wonderful centre forward', as well as Josie Feeney, 'seriously fit and covered a lot of ground'.

"Jimmy joked that back then when there was no clubhouse 'HQ was somewhere around Hughie McGartland’s barber shop and Mike Conway's pub', which were both on Castle Street.

"It wasn't all about the football and like today the social dimension to the club was just as important.

"In later years Jimmy excelled in golf and won many awards, including another Connaught Cup medal, representing Castlebar Golf Club.

"I found him the best of company and one of life’s gentlemen."

Jimmy was a former member of the staff of Telecom Eireann.

Jimmy will repose at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Thursday morning at 9.30a .m with removal at 10.45 a.m to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Requiem Mass takes place at 11.30a.m, followed by Cremation Service at 4 p.m. in Shannon Crematorium.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.