Respected Longford historian Jimmy Donoghue gave of his best to Granard, the 'town he loved so well'

Jimmy Donoghue, Main Street, Granard, was indeed a gentleman as defined by the great Cardinal Newman who said “the true gentleman avoids whatever may cause a jolt, he is patient, forbearing and resigned. His great concern being to make everyone feel at home”.

Jimmy, who died on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, was truly one of Granard's greatest gentlemen.

Born in Granard (where he lived all of his life), he gave of his best to the 'town which he loved so well'. It was here that he built a successful hardware business with his wife Sheila and family, living over the shop (in the traditional manner of business people in the town).

Jimmy had learned his trade as a young man from a reputable and respected trader in the business – Joe Morrissey. The fact that Jimmy was a valued past president of the Hardware Association of Ireland some years back, is evidence of his profile in the hardware sector.

Jimmy lived through many changes in the evolving story of Granard and contributed to many facets of change in the town from the 1950s onwards. He was one of the first students of the early vocational system in the town and often recalled his attendance at classes held upstairs in the Market House in Granard.

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From his early working days and as the years progressed, he was to become involved in many changes for the better in the town – the Show Committee where he was secretary in the early 1950s (to the late Tommy Quinn), member of the Chamber of Commerce which enabled and encouraged enterprises like Steegans, Glennons, Lite Pac, the Credit Union and other emerging facilities in the area.

The Town Commissioners were a strong arm of local government – men and women who liaised with Longford Co Council in addressing sanitary, amenities, housing, civic needs of the town and its environs. Jimmy was a Town Commissioner for years and was always available to listen and be an advocate for those with public service problems. He was the 'voice' for many and constantly aired the needs and issues for people at the monthly meetings.

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What Jimmy will be mostly remembered for is his interest and knowledge of local history. His commentaries on many 'walk-about' tours of the town covered everyone and everything worth mentioning – Battle of Granard 1798 and Big Pat Farrell, the old trades in the town, burning of Granard/War of Independence, John McCormack's famous singing in the Market House, Eddie Macken's successes, Granada Ballroom, well beloved characters in the town, the Harp Festivals of 1781 – 1785 and the bi-centenary Bun Fhleadhs of 1982 etc.

Jimmy could weave one story into another with accuracy, flair and humour, a little bit of mischief thrown in – always leaving the listener waiting for more.

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Jimmy's faith journey went back to his youth when he served the renowned Dean O'Kane at early morning weekday Mass in the old Parochial House (a landmark demolished shortly before Jimmy died). His commitment to the local choir right up to the end was a measure of his stamina. It was this living out of his faith, coupled with resilience and resignation that kept him going after the deaths of his beloved wife Sheila, his sons Joseph and John and younger sibling Elizabeth.

Jimmy's death in January was not only a great loss for his son Seamus, daughter in law Kate, grandchildren James, Tadhg, Emma but for the wider community whose lives he enriched with his presence, his positive community spirit and his store of history. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. M.B.

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