Limerick soccer club mourns death of its chairman
LIMERICK City soccer club Geraldines is mourning the very sad loss of its chairman, James McNamara.
The father-of-two's death, at the age of only 36, has sparked tributes not just from within the soccer world, but around the city, with councillors at Friday's mayoral election taking a moment of pause in respect of his memory.
In a message to supporters, Geraldines public relations officer Turlough McNamara wrote: “There are tears in my eyes as I sit down to put words together.
“A light from our club is gone. A voice we loved is still. A place is vacant in our hearts that can never be filled. The life of one we loved is now lost. His influence will go on right through the lives he touched, he had a heart that cared completely, a smile that brought so much pleasure, and the love which brought joy to everyone,” he said.
James was an outstanding soccer player, turning out for the Candystripes, not just outfield, but also between the sticks where he was an accomplished goalkeeper.
He was the organiser of what became a rite of passage for many children in Garryowen - the Inter-Street League.
Turlough added: “It was indeed a total joy to watch, but, amazingly, James McNamara somehow always came up with the winners as their winning coach.”
He won a league title in 2011/12, but his crowning glory was when he was elected chairman of his beloved club four years ago.
Turlough added the passing of James - laid to rest last week - “will leave a void within our sporting family.”
Councillor Frankie Daly counted James as a lifelong friend, and a neighbour to one of his cousins in Garryowen.
“I knew him as a friend and a brilliant community man that would have worked with me closely to look out for the Garryowen area,” said Cllr Daly.
“Believe it or not, he was part of my campaign team: he told me recently he had 10 fellas to canvass for me lined up for the general election. He was raring to go,” said Cllr Daly, who last week confirmed he will run for the Dail.
There was a huge attendance at James's funeral in St John's Cathedral, including former deputy mayor, Cllr Kieran O'Hanlon who represented the local authority.
James is deeply regretted by his parents Peter and Jean, sons Jaxon and James, brothers Joe, Michael and Pete, sister Vicky, nieces Sancha, Ella and Abby, nephews Jake and Ben and many other friends.
May he rest in peace.