The death took place of James (Jim) Maloney, of Michelstown, Co.Cork and Arklow, Co Wicklow, at the age of 68. He had a life involved in sports, especially GAA affairs, learning hurling in Killeagh, East Cork and growing up listening to stories of legends in an area steeped in hurling tradition. Christy Ring was a regular visitor to his house. Jim took a job with the forestry, leaving Killeagh for Kinnitty, Co Offaly, then Shelton Abbey, Arklow. While resident in Wicklow he took immediately to local gaelic sports. He won a Junior hurling championship with Forestry College and was the driving force behind the reformation of the Aughrim Hurling Club, a team which is still strong today. He was part of the Aughrim team that won the county Junior championship in 1964. Jim also played on the Wicklow hurling ream from 1959 to 1965, including the side that won the Leinster Junior Championship in 1965 in Croke Park. An all-round sportsman, Jim also hurled with Ballinastoe and Barndarrig, played football for Annacurra (winning a south district Championship) and rugby with Arklow. He was also an umpire. Jim returned to Killeagh, Co.Cork in 1967 after a work transfer, winning the East Cork Championship in 1967 and playing senior hurling for the Imokilly division in the county final in 1969. He also stood in many club and county administrative positions. Back in Wicklow he was also an administrator at the Annacurra Camogie Club, where he met his future wife Sue Lacey. Away from the Sports fields, Jim loved the outdoor life, shooting and fishing, particularly between Coates bridge and the Ballycoogue Stepping Stones on the Aughrim River. Jim's remains are buried in Kilbreheny, Michelstown, Co.Cork. He is survived by his wife, Sue, sons Ciaran and Fergal, daughter Niamh, sisters, extended family, relatives and friends. Courtesy of The Wicklow People. 6 September 2007. Tweet

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