Tributes to a great Mayo sportsman Jim Hogan on his passing
The death of Jim Hogan, Woodland Drive, The Quay, Westport, and formerly Templederry, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, is deeply regretted.
He died unexpectedly at his home yesterday.
A leading figure in Westport Hurling Club for many years and who had previously been involved with Westport United, Jim operated a successful courier service with great dedication and professionalism.
Jim will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all his family, his wife Rita, daughters Sharon (Conor) and Gemma (Tom) and his son James (Asta), his brothers Fr. Tom, Frank, Micheál , P.J and sister Elizabeth, sisters-in-law Jacqui and Lian, his adored grandchildren Saoirse, Fiadh, Jamie and Alex, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many good friends.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.
Westport GAA Club, in a tribute, stated: "A true giant of Westport hurling, Jim dedicated countless decades of his life to the club he loved.
"He coached and managed teams at every underage level, nurturing generations of young players with endless patience, encouragement and wisdom before going on to make an equally invaluable contribution at senior level.
"His unwavering commitment, generous sponsorship and quiet words of advice left an enduring mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
"No task was ever beneath Jim. Whether it was coaching a team, lining a pitch, lending a hand behind the scenes or offering support whenever it was needed, he simply rolled up his sleeves and got on with the job. His dedication, humility and selflessness embodied everything that is best about the GAA and our local community.
"A proud Tipperary native, Jim devoted so much of his life to promoting and growing the game of hurling in Westport.
"There were few sights more familiar than Jim making his way to St. Patrick's GAA Park with a bag full of hurls and sliotars, eager to pass on his love and knowledge of the game to the next generation.
"His passion was infectious, his commitment unwavering and his legacy will continue to live on in every young hurler who had the privilege of learning from him.
"Jim Hogan's contribution to Westport GAA cannot be measured simply by matches won or trophies lifted. His greatest achievement was the countless lives he touched, the friendships he forged and the enduring love of hurling he inspired.
"He will be remembered with immense affection, gratitude and respect, and his legacy will remain woven into the fabric of Westport GAA for generations to come."
Paying tribute to the deceased, local Councillor Brendan Mulroy said: "RIP my friend , and a great friend you were. One of the kindest and most decent people to ever live in Westport. Our deepest sympathies to Rita and family. Westport has lost a legend. You will never be forgotten Jim Hogan."
Warm tributes are also being paid to him on social media.
One stated: "Jim was the most obliging man in the country, a hurling mad man, who could name all the great hurlers."
Another said: "He was without doubt a gentleman. No matter the hour or day he was always so helpful and nothing was ever too much."
A further tribute observed: "A wonderful man who would go out of his way to help anyone."
Reposing in Navin’s Funeral Home, Westport, on Thursday 5 to 6.30 p.m.
Funeral arriving to St. Mary’s Church, Westport, on Friday morning at 10:30am, for Requiem Mass at 11 a.m. with burial immediately afterwards in Aughavale Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.