Bennekerry parish lost one of its best known 'characters' with the recent death of Jimmy (the Daw) Nolan, Kernanstown. Jimmy had a real sense of mischief and a sharp wit that always bought a laugh. In simple language, he was great company. Jimmy's parents came from Myshall but he was born in Graiguenaspideogue, later moving to Knockbower. In 1969, he came to live in Kernanstown with his wife Maura and their growing family. He spent most of his working life with Keenan's of Bagenalstown and travelled from Donegal to Cork erecting hay sheds. In later life, he worked for Richard Keenan of Borris. Jimmy was multi-talented. First of all, he was a skilled workman with wonderful hands and a brain to guide them. His ability to scale heights and walk the plank convinced some people that he could even fly - well, almost! He was generous with his time and one neighbour was delighted to record how his shed was prevented from flying away because of Jimmy's skillful intervention. He had the community spirit - always willing to help - that nowadays is becoming a scarce commodity. He travelled the countryside, too, apart from erecting sheds, visiting the different fleadhanna ar fud na tire. About 40 years ago on a visit home for the fleadh in Kilmihil, Co Clare, I saw a crowd gathered on the street and on getting a closer look, I spotted Jimmy with his "dancing master" fascinating the crowd, as only a real dancing master could. That is what he was, a real dancing master, as his winning of the All-Ireland half-set proves. With him on this successful venture were with his daughter Lila, Maggie Neill and Patsy Connors. In the late 1990s, he won the Carlow and Leinster Fleadhanna on the bodhran, and while he wasn't successful in the All-Ireland final, he nevertheless had achieved a very special distinction. His playing was of such a high standard that he appeared on TV with his good friend John McGrath on the accordion. In his earlier days, he provided a comedy act on stage where he displayed his skills by making his son Martin disappear and after a lot of convoluted antics, be replaced by his sister Lila - through sheer magic! He had another prestigious title to his credit, too, when in the RDS Carlow Meggars won the All-Ireland Meggars Championship. With him on that occasion were his son Tom (great training for a future goalkeeper), his near neighbours John Sheehy, Tommy O'Shea and his son Jimmy and some others. He was a great supporter of Palatine GAA and had the privilege of seeing his son, Tom, and his grandson, John Kenny, win a Senior Football medal with Pal in 2006 and last year had the joy of seeing another grandson Jamie Kenny, win the Minor Championship with the club. His presence in Pal clubhouse at his favourite spot, the corner of the bar counter, was remembered when he died. His seat was taken out of use; his photograph was on the counter and a pint of his favourite beer was beside it - just like JFK's funeral, with the riding boots of the fallen leader reversed in the stirrups. Pal remembered their fallen leader, too, in a symbolic gesture to show their appreciation of his good-humoured contribution to the social and business life of the club. He deserved it, for sure, because the place will not be the same without him. To his wife Maura, his children Carmel, PJ, Lila, Martin, Anne, James and Thomas, we extend sincerest sympathy. Go ndeana dia trocaire ar a anam uasal. - The Nationalist, 10th April 2009 Tweet

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