15/06/2023: This week, Kildysart and the surrounding communities, will come together to say goodbye to its oldest and much-loved citizen, James Cleary, as he is laid to rest in his 100th year. James is reposing at St. Michael’s Church, Kildysart on Thursday 15th June from 5:30 to 8pm. His funeral mass will be celebrated at 12 noon on Friday with burial directly after in Kildysart graveyard. As a mark of respect, Kildysart GAA has suspended all club activity as chairman Noelie Garry noted, “James has given a lifetime of service to our club and community.”
James lived all his life in his beloved Clonola and was married to his sweetheart Mollie for over 65 years. Together they raised 8 children, (Mary, John, Betty, Noel, Seamus, Mairead, Kevin, and Nuala) and are adored by their 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. James made many friends down through the years and was spoken about as a “pure gent, always smiling and always thinking of others.”
James was a member of the Kildyart GAA club for an astonishing 86 years and was an active player for over 35 years, starting in 1937. During his playing career, he won 4 Junior A & Junior B championships and was a part of the Clare Senior Football team during the 1951-52 League campaign. When his playing days were over, James continued to play a significant role within the club as he turned his attention to training and coaching at underage level. James also undertook the executive matters of the club for another dozen years serving as either chairman or vice chairman from 1964 to 1976. James became the club president in 1980 and remained active in the club for the next 43 years. James was an avid supporter of Kildysart and Clare teams and attended countless matches both near and far. He was particularly fond of congratulating Kildysart winning teams and being on hand to present winning trophies and medals. His lasting legacy will be his love of all things GAA, and in particular Kildysart GAA, and he was immensely proud of his family as the next generations continue to carry on the tradition of playing, coaching, and administrating in the club. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.
Club President James Cleary and Captain Keith O'Connor with the Intermediate Talty Cup 2022
