The Galway hurling community and parish of Ballaun is in mourning for local legend Jimmy Cooney who passed away this week.
The former Galway and Sarsfields senior hurler was the eldest of the well-known Cooney family, who were integral to hurling in county Galway.
Jimmy led the way making his senior debut in 1979, winning an All-Ireland medal in 1980. It was a win that turned the tide for Galway. Playing at left corner back, Jimmy and his teammates became legends of the game in the west of Ireland, and although it was his only All-Ireland medal, he won two All Stars, while also claiming three Galway and Connacht titles.
His last game for Galway was an All-Ireland semi-final defeat by Kilkenny in 1982, but he continued to play a big part in his club's success - his last club title in 1992.
His love for the game saw him move into refereeing where he became an inter-county referee at the highest level, and although he may be remembered for the 1998 All-Ireland senior semi-final replay when he blew the full-time whistle early, he love for the game never wavered.
A farmer, Jimmy was also manager of the Loughrea Mart, which paid tribute to him this week in a statement.
“It is with great sadness and devastation that we at Loughrea Mart announce the sudden passing of our manager Jimmy Cooney.
“He was extremely well liked and respected by the buyers and sellers of the livestock at the mart.
"He was always there for the staff and made the mart a friendly place to work. Jimmy will be so sadly missed by all the staff, committees, patrons, and the wide circle of friends of the mart. May he rest in peace."
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
