The late Jimmy King Kilflynn lost one of its best known and loved citizens with the death of Jimmy King, of Glenballyma. A noted hurler in his youth and a true sportsman. A man who never believed in less than 100% commitment whether in the bog, the meadow or carrying bags of beet in the British midlands, Jimmy was classed as a Trojan worker. Gentle by nature but persuasive, quiet until stirred into a sporting discussion where he did not shrink the truth in offering an opinion irrespective of the opposition he might encounter. Certainly Jimmy enjoyed nothing better than holding court in the local pubs Parker's and Cronin's - especially after local or county games. His knowledge of sport was immense and he had a keen eye for emerging talent in either hurling or football. Jimmy's talent as a hurler emerged at a young age wearing the no13 jersey; he shared a Minor Co Championship victory in 1954 with his former schoolyard pals - John Joe Nolan, Tomas Donoghue, Pats Hickey, Tom Kenny and the late Larry White in a Crotta/O'Dorney combination. In 1957 his true talent as a half forward emerged with Kilflynn beat Lixnaw to win the North Kerry Junior title. His contribution to that victory was enormous. Though only still in his early 20s, the years 1960 and 1961 proved to be the high point of Jimmy's hurling career. In 1960 a Kilflynn O'Dorney combination inspired by the sheer brilliance of Jimmy held the County Champions Ballyduff to a drew in Tralee. None of the famed Ballyduff half back trio of O'Sullivan, Hennessy and Quinlan could cope with Jimmy that day, unfortunately for the locals; Jimmy was missing from the replay having gone on the beet campaign to England. He reproduced this form in 1962 and was wing forward on the Kerry Intermediate team which narrowly lost to Galway in Salthill. This game further enhanced his glowing reputation as a hurler who could hold his own in any company. Some of his points that day would have done justice to any inter county hurler and earned him the sporting headlines in the Irish Press - "King was Majestic". The countless hours practising in Costelloe's and Fuller's field had paid off. Unfortunately, we were never to see Jimmy scale those heights on the hurling fields again. After the rebrith of the present club in 1962. Jimmy was unavailable for most Championship games having gone on the beet in early September. He believed he could no longer give the commitment necessary to maintain the high standard he aspired to - a new chapter in his life was beginning where he devoted his energies to the Annual work in England from September to January. In later years, he recounted with pride many stories and events from that period of his life. Jimmy continued to be one of Crotta's staunchest supporters right up to his death and seldom missed a club game. In his private life, Jimmy King was a kind, obliging and inoffensive man , always ready to help, always ready to listen. He had no enemies, only friends who understood and appreciated his real qualities. The last of four brothers, the King name will be missed from Glen. To sister Jo, his brother in law John, his nieces Elish, Nuala and Mary, his relatives and large circle of friends we offer sincere sympathy. Ar dheis De go Raibh a anam dilis Jimmy King When hurling lore is discussed and debated And we speak of the stars and how they rated The complete craftsman with skills of Christy Ring He was superb and stalwart the great Jimmy King. A modest man some thought him quiet But what an inspiration when in full flight Triviality he regarded with rightful disdain he preferred the quiet life to the fast lane. With polished panache he pointed the way Greatly privileged were all who saw him play A point he could strike from any angle or place He always looked regal and always had grace he led by example this forward supreme He was always on top like Kerry gold cream The skies he touched with his mighty leap With ever safe hands possession he'd keep His brilliance will inspire us now that he is gone His days of playing with Kilflynn will long linger on This winner of All stars, this giant among men We will surely miss him the great Jimmy King. Nineteen fifty seven a League Final etched in memory he led the front line playing in the forty With unerring accuracy he put many white flags waving Aided so ably by Mikey Joe and Christy Kerry came calling to pluck this talent so rare And was soon playing against Galway in Salthill so far his deeds of that day many people still sing Monday's Irish Press said Jimmy was the King. Friends he had many who often helped him out Aidan Shanahan, Jack Murphy brave hearted and stout North Kerry Championship with Mickey Leen he did go Only last year he had been to twenty one in a row His knowledge of sport it sure was immense He spoke of the future not in the past tense No match ever missed by bus to Tralee Or so journeys to Causeway with Michael O' C. The bar counter he shouldered as it it was a half back That smile so infectious just mad for the crack He'd spend a week down in London coming home from the beet With his great friend Moss Byrnes and other neighbours to meet To pike turf he was known as one of the Gods Bales of hay they were lifted as of they were sods And when the talk in the pub it went all astray Jimmy finished his pint and went on his way Sunday nights not the same now, now that he is gone Discussing the games, interrupted by song But in future on Sunday when somebody sings We will think of our friend the great Jimmy King. Courtesy of The Kerryman 01 June 2006 Tweet

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