Death of a Kilbeggan athletics and GAA stalwart
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THE death has taken place of a former athletics and GAA stalwart in Kilbeggan. Jimmy McDonnell died at his home in Ballinderry Big, Kilbeggan and leaves a treasure chest of cherished memories for family and the many people who loved and admired him.
A dignified and personable man, Jimmy McDonnell was one of the early members of Tullamore Harriers Athletics Club in the 1950s while he also had a tremendous passion for the GAA.
He played football with Kilbeggan in his youth and after emigrating to New York in 1959, he starred with the Westmeath club there for several years. He played both football and hurling for them, winning a championship in 1963. After returning home to Kilbeggan with his wife Maureen and growing family, he immersed himself in the Kilbeggan Shamrocks Club and was particularly involved in the development of their pitch from the late 1970s.