There is deep sadness in Ballylinan today following the news of the passing of one of its most loved sons.
Jimmy ‘Bronson’ Farrell sadly passed away on Monday May 31. Mr Farrell is survived by his wife Marie, daughters Tara and Kelly and sons Cieran, Jamie and Alan.
A proud GAA man, Jimmy was heavily involved as a player, coach and administrator over the years with Ballylinan.
He won championships with the clubs in the 70s and played right up until the 1990s at senior level.
His passion for the club was instilled in his family as wife Marie has served as chairperson, daughters Tara and Kelly have played for St Brigid’s ladies while his three sons have represented their club and Laois – with youngest son Alan playing at centre back against Kildare last weekend.
A fine coach, Jimmy managed the Junior ‘B’s to glory in 2007 and his club have paid him a heartfelt tribute on their Facebook page this afternoon.
They said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of a great Ballylinan Gael Jimmy ‘Bronson’ Farrell.
“Jimmy has made a huge contribution to Ballylinan GAA Club in many different ways over his lifetime.
“While still only a teenager, he won Junior and Intermediate Championships in 1971 and 1973 with Ballylinan.
“Jimmy continued to represent us at Senior level for many years and continued to pull on the jersey with pride into the 1990s.
“As a coach Jimmy spent countless hours in the football field and school field coaching our underage players, many of whom make up our current senior panel, and winning numerous underage titles along the way.
“Jimmy continued into adult coaching where he coached our Junior side to win the Laois Junior ‘B’ Football title in 2007.
“Jimmy has been a dedicated committee member of Ballylinan GAA Club for many years and has been to the fore of all club activity.
“Always willing to offer his opinion and advice and always for the advancement and betterment of Ballylinan GAA Club.
“Jimmy was always extremely proud of the contribution his family have made to the GAA in Ballylinan, Marie is her role as Chairperson with Tara and Kelly as players with the ladies club and Cieran, Jamie and Alan playing for Ballylinan and Laois.
“Ballylinan GAA Club have lost a major presence from Club life but that pales into insignificance when compared to the loss felt by the Farrell family.
“We would like to pass on our deepest sympathy to Jimmy’s wife Marie, children Tara, Kelly, Cieran, Jamie, Alan, his grandchildren Matthew, Emma and Tom, his mother Kit, his brothers Ted and Micheal, sister Anna Marie and all his family and many friends.
“A true gentleman and great Gael in every sense of the word.
Ar Dheis Dè Do Raibh Anam.”
Funeral arrangements for Mr Farrell will be announced shortly.
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