Dooley, Jimmy

August 31, 2003
The late Jimmy Dooley The death occurred of Jimmy Dooley, Cummer. While it was not unexpected, it nevertheless caused sincere sorrow and a sense of loss not only to his family but to the entire community of Corofin. While Jimmy was a very good and proud family man, he was also one of the greatest when it came to serving his community. He was well known for his involvement and commitment to every worth-while project. In his younger days he excelled as an actor in the local dramatic groups with the late Michael Mannion of Belclare and later in Corofin when he came to Cummer. In the days of the Corofin fundraising carnivals to raise funds for the purchase of the present GAA pitch, he worked night after night as a steward and was one of the first to take his tractor onto the pitch with his son Tom, in the early '70s in the stone picking operation. When Corofin captured the Club All-Ireland he put his writing and singing talents to use and had a special song recorded to mark this special occasion. With the help of local man, Frank Clancy he recorded many of the real old Irish songs and sold the tape for charity. Stories of happenings in his younger days and of characters they have long since passed to their reward, as told by him, were always interesting as he often added a sprinkle of humour. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice he was always ready to entertain whether it was a senior citizens party or outing or any other social occasion. His singing voice will also be sadly missed in the local choir where he regularly participated. He must have been very proud of the choir's performance at his Requiem Mass. He would in particular relish the beautiful music and the exquisite singing voice of his talented daughter Brid, whose songs earned applause from the large congregation. Jimmy was an extraordinary community servant, always relied upon to be on time and a man of firm convictions and principals. Last year he received the Fr Cullen medal for being a member of the Pioneers for sixty five years. A man of deep religious beliefs, he served on the Parish Pastoral Council, acted as caretaker in Cummer Cemetery and prepared it for the annual Mass. He served on the Duggan Hall Committee for years and was made honourary president as a token of appreciation for the many hours he spent in the Hall on repairs and fundraising to make it comfortable for those using it facilities today. Whether it was Scor, Readoiri, concerts, drama activities, the school board, mummers etc, Jimmy was always ready to help out. The large turnout for this removal from Burns Funeral Home, and Requiem Mass was testament to the high esteem in which he was held. Local organisations paid their respects by forming a guard of honour. Archdeacon Paddy Williams paid a glowing tribute for his services to the community following his arrival to the church. Fr Martin Gleeson who concelebrated the Mass, outlined the many activities Jimmy was involved in and paid his own tribute, remembering how he met him twenty five years ago, when Jimmy ensured that the Hall was in perfect order for a religious education course. To his wife Mary, Sons Tom, Richard, Noel, his daughters, Cathrine, Brid, Mairead and Annie, sisters Sheila and Sr Angela, brother Tom, in-laws, grandchildren, relatives and large circle of friends and neighbours we extend the condolences of our community. Courtesy of the Tuam Herald August 2003

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