'You wore our jersey with passion' - Sadness at death of former local soccer player

JIMMY Mitchell, Barr na Haille, Claremorris, who died suddenly at his home, was well known around Claremorris down over the years.

He was son of the late Pauline (Mannion) and Eamon Mitchell.

​In his younger years, Jimmy was an accomplished soccer player and played numerous games for Claremorris Soccer Club.

So stylish was Jimmy that he was chosen as a member of the 1995-2005 decade team of the decade in the club.

He had an abiding loyalty to Manchester United and celebrated their many wins in former times in O’Brien’s pub in the town.

His chosen profession was that of a painter and he was much in demand for his services around the Claremorris area where he worked alongside his uncle, Michael Mannion, for several years.

It was a job he enjoyed in a special way and always took a gentle pride in work well done.

One of Jimmy’s most endearing traits was his willingness to stop and chat with friends he met in his daily work or bumping into people in town.

You could always be assured of a warm and smiling welcome and talk that invariably came around to Mayo football or English soccer.

Claremorris Soccer Club was among those leading the tributes to Jimmy: “Everybody in our club is shocked and stunned to hear this tragic news.

“Jimmy, you wore our green jersey with passion and dedication, whether it was just a kick-about or a serious Sunday afternoon game, we will never forget those days.”

Nina and Ger Hanley, Claremorris, commented: “Jimmy was a lovely guy who always had a big hello and a lovely smile. We would see him at matches and was so proud of his daughter.”

John Duggan, Knock, stated: “I am so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s sudden passing. I enjoyed many games of soccer with him up at the astro turf pitch. He always made time to stop to say hello whenever I met him.”

Padraig Geraghty, Durham, and Balla Road, Claremorris, shared fond memories of Jimmy from his young years: “I knew Jimmy since we were little kids and always enjoyed his company.

“I remember our first football match together, an under 10 challenge away to Dunmore and Jimmy was immense at corner forward!

“He was a great teammate and always had the craic on the buses to and from games. I enjoyed seeing Jimmy any time I was home and reminiscing about our football days.

“He would always tell you that you were better than you actually were and that was his nature!”

Among the gifts brought to the altar in St Colman’s Church representing integral aspects of Jimmy’s life were Mayo and Manchester United jerseys, family photos, and a paint brush.

His daughter, Ava, speaking at the Mass, recalled various memories of her dad and also of his abiding fondness for Mayo: “He loved Mayo and brought me to so many matches in MacHale Park (Castlebar) and Croke Park.

“He lived through all the emotions of seeing Mayo losing so many finals and all he wanted to do was see Mayo win the All-Ireland.

“I will never forget seeing you at the train station with a big smile on your face and running up into your arms. Dad, you got your dream and that is all that matters to you. Sam is back home, and so are you.”

Reposing was in Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Lower James Street, on Friday with removal to St Colman’s Church, Claremorris. Interment took place in Claremorris cemetery following the funeral Mass celebrated by Fr Peter Gannon, PP, on Saturday afternoon.

Jimmy will be sadly missed by his adored daughter Ava, his brother Brian, Ava’s mother Danielle, aunts, uncles, relatives, neighbours and friends.