Ballygunner GAA bid a fond farewell to Gentleman ‘Jimo’
The Late Jim O'Keeffe third from the left pictured as one of the 1960’s players honoured at the Ballygunner Hurling Club 70th anniversary celebration in Jack Meade's back in September. Also pictured L-R are; Billy O’Conner, Marty O’Connor, Jim O’Keeffe, John Warren, Charlie O’Sullivan, Tony Cummins, Michael Hearne & Tommy Hearne. Photo: Garret FitzGerald
Ballygunner and Waterford GAA lost a stalwart in Jim O’Keeffe last week.
The man with the peak cap and the big smile will be missed around the place.
“Talk to me” was his greeting when he answered the phone! Always full of fun but always very helpful when it came to any enquiry about the Gunners. One of those caps will surely go on display in the clubhouse. He was never seen without it.
Over a lifetime of service, ‘Jimo’ performed practically every role with Ballygunner. Player, coach, administrator, groundsman, you name it. He was a member of the executive until his passing. He excelled as PRO. There was never a word misspelt. He was an avid reader. ‘59’ written by Brian Kelly was brought up to the altar at his funeral mass.
He acted as team secretary for club and county teams. He represented the Gunners as county board delegate. There was no job too big or too small. Until recently, ‘Jimo’ lined both pitches in the club. He took pride in maintaining the grounds to the very highest standard. The honour of Club President was also bestowed on him. A mark of the esteem he was held in.
Waterford GAA also benefited from his expertise. He served on the first County Publications Committee and also worked on the County Awards Committee. In recent years, he sat on the County Hearings Committee.
‘Jimo’ was a regular contributor to WLR’s GAA coverage over the years. He was great friends with the late Kevin Casey and their chats were always thoroughly enjoyable. As a frequent visitor to Walsh Park and Fraher Field, ‘Jimo’ was perfectly placed to offer his opinion on the club scene.
He described Ballygunner as a team “in transition” at the start of one championship campaign. The Gunners went on to go all the way and Kevin never let him forget about it!
A picture of ‘Jimo’ with a beaming smile rested next to his coffin. It captured him perfectly. A Ballygunner man, a Waterford man but, above all, a gentleman.
Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Johanna, brothers John, Eddie, Michael, sisters Peggy and Nancy. Jim is survived by his wife Veronica (nee Coady), sons Gary, Jim, Brian, daughters-in-law Sandra, Eileen, Mairead, grandchildren Moya, Méabh, Emma and Sophie, brother Tommy and Paddy, sisters Joanie, Mary and Margaret, his Ballygunner GAA colleagues, extended family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.
