Mills, Jim
August 26, 2009Wicklow's GAA scene marked its third sad occasion of the summer at the weekend as a Donard/Glen supporter fell ill and died at a SFC match in Baltinglass.
Jim Mills died at half time during his club's game against Coolkenno. The Donard/Glen website led the tributes to Jim as the community comes to terms with his loss.
"Jim lived for the Donard/Glen GAA Club and whenever a problem arose, it was invariable Jim who was involved in every solution.
"It is impossible to represent in words what Jim Mills means to the Donard/Glen club. To his wife, Mary, children and grand-children, we offer our sympathies and support at this most difficult time.
"Sunday 16 August should have been the day on which Donard/Glen took a step closer to the SFC quarter-finals, but instead everyone at the club is in deep shock following the sudden death of THE most popular member of our club.
"Jim held a number of positions in our club including President, but his tireless work on our grounds and, together with his wife Mary, making sure the jerseys were always ready for all matches along with always being available to assist all branches of the club he will be fondly remembered."
Ambulances and medical help from Baltinglass Hospital just across the road were on the scene within minutes but it was clear that he was not responding to treatment and he was rushed to Naas Hospital but was dead on admission.
Jim is the second supporter to pass away at a match in Baltinglass after Tom Harney Snr from Dunlavin (a selector and father of captain Thomas Harney) also died at his club's IFC match in June.
Annacurra's Ciaran Shannon passed away after in a four-car pile-up while travelling to Blessington to line out for his club in the same month.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Courtesy of the Naitonlist
21st August, 2009
GAA seeped through Jim's veins
THERE WAS a huge gathering at the funeral mass for Jim Mills held in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Donard on Wednesday morning.
Jim's sudden passing shocked the whole community, and sent tremors around the rest of West Wicklow, as well as other parts of the county. All things GAA seeped through his veins so it was only fitting that his beloved Donard GAA Club formed a guard of honour out of respect for someone all club members held in such high esteem.
Football was always part of Jim's life. His father, Jack (Sank) Mills, was regarded as a great footballer and played for both club and county, winning the JFC in 1933, the Intermediate Championship in 1934 and the SFC in 1937.
Jim was a lifelong member of the Donard club and was also a president for the club and the groundsman. His love of GAA was transferred on to his family. All six of his sons, Anthony, Shay, Joe, John, Kevin and Colin either played for the club or took part in some club affairs. His beloved wife Mary was one of the founding members of the camogie club and is also a former secretary and chairperson. She was a member of the Wicklow Camogie Board.
Their three daughters, Amanda, Sandra and Sabrina all played camogie.
While Jim worked hard in his job with the Board of Works, he still found plenty of time to dedicate to Donard. As the groundsman he was always the first to visit the club and open it up, and the last to leave and lock up later that night. Mary washed the club jerseys after each match and Jim would neatly lay out the freshly clean jerseys for the players come match-day. He was responsible for the upkeep of the field and clubhouse and always ensured things looked immaculate.
He will be sorely missed by his family, all who ever came into contact with him and everyone fortunate even to be able to call him a friend.
Courtesy of the Wexford People
26th August, 2009 Tweet
