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03 Oct 2025

Longford GAA club mourns man with an incredible knowledge of local history and love for his native parish

Fr Manning Gaels tribute to the late Jimmy Breslin

Longford GAA club mourns man with an incredible knowledge of local history and love for his native parish

The late Jimmy Breslin with grandson Seán and sons John and James after Fr Manning Gaels intermediate championship victory in 2019 Picture: Facebook Fr Manning Gaels GFC

Reporter:

Longford Leader reporter

28 Nov 2024 4:22 PM

Email:

newsroom@longfordleader.ie

Fr Manning Gaels GAA club has paid tribute to the late James 'Jimmy' Breslin, Ballinamuck, describing him as a man with an incredible knowledge of local history and a love for his native parish. 
Jimmy died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in Mullingar General Hospital, and in the loving care of the wonderful staff of Laurel Lodge Nursing Home, Longford on Tuesday, November 26. 
Jimmy Breslin first came to prominence as a talented minor who was midfield on the club’s first ever appearance in a minor championship final, which unfortunately ended in defeat against Clonguish in 1950.
His efforts for the club focussed on the administration side of the GAA after this and he played a major role in reunifying the club as Fr Manning Gaels in 1969, becoming a Trustee. He served as Treasurer from 1972 until 1974 and was a selector with the senior team in 1972.
Jimmy helped with underage teams throughout the 70s and into the 80s and came back as an Assistant Treasurer in 1998 & 1999.
Throughout the years he worked behind the scenes supporting and fundraising for the club and in 2006 he was made Vice-President and then the following year he was elected a Club President, which became for life.
His love for the Gaels and passion for gaelic football was borne out by the fact that all five sons wore the maroon and gold and won championships with the club.
The decades of service to the club from the Breslin family as a whole is incalculable. Jimmy proudly recollected that it stretched back to the old Drumlish & Ballinamuck ‘98s in the early 1900s.
1996 stood out for him as a memorable year when the Gaels ended their 41 year famine with James and Davy playing starring roles. He was proud that Davy, James, John and Mark all played senior championship in the forward line together in 1984, something which was said to not have happened in Longford before.
This past year was also a memorable one as grandson Mark played a leading role at midfield for the Gaels in the intermediate championship success and Liam and Cian were stars in Longford’s historic success in the Leinster minor championship.
Jimmy had an incredible knowledge of local history and love for his native parish and above all else he was a gentleman.
Predeceased by his loving wife Tessie, brother Eddie and sister Rose, we extend our deepest sympathy to his children David, James, John, Mark, Paul, Pauline, Joan, and Clare; sisters Kay, Agnes, Peggy and Maureen; daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, good friends and neighbours. May He Rest In Peace.
Thursday’s Fr Manning Gaels AGM is postponed as a mark of respect.
The late Jimmy Breslin will repose at his son John’s house, Ballinamuck, Co. Longford (Eircode N39 CH99) on Thursday, November 28 from 4pm concluding with prayers at 8pm.
Funeral Mass takes place at 12 noon on Friday, November 29 in St Patrick’s Church, Ballinamuck, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Family flowers only please, donations, if desired to The Laurel Lodge Patient Comfort Fund, care of Dillon & Shepherd Funeral Directors or any family member. House private Friday morning, November 29 please.

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