Tim John O'Donoghue
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of "Tim John" O'Donoghue, Aughatubber, Glandore.
Tim John passed away on 5th January 2012,aged 73, and was buried in Glandore Old Graveyard, Aughatubber overlooking his home.
His loss to those involved with Kilmacabea GAA Club is hard to express. Tim John had great interest in all things local and contributed to and supported anything that was happening. His every day had some link to football. There was hardly a game at any age group, no matter where it was, that he didn't attend. His daughter in law Geraldine and his grandnephews travelled with him throughout the county. It will be strange not to see him there pacing up and down, sometimes fearing the worst, yet forever supportive of his team. His encouragement and enthusiasm will be badly missed. Even though he was on the side line, he sometimes covered more ground than the hardest working player. There are numerous photos after games and Tim John is pictured always first to offer congratulations and praise to one and all. Even in the article that preceded this he can be seen for photos of a game 9/10/11. He was the unofficial club mascot. As was repeated over recent days, there has probably never been a more dedicated club supporter.
Tim John also played his part on the field and he appears in the rare photos of teams from those days in the late fifties and sixties. While there wasn't great success in the record books, there was always an element of disappointment in relation to the team of 1959 which lost out on a technicality.
Tim John also played his part as a rower with Kilmacabea Rowing Club and had the trophies to show for it. He had a longtime involvement in the local regatta both in the preparation and as a participant in rowing, duck chase and greasy pole. He supplied the ducks for the duck chase and there are numerous tales associated with various ducks over the years.
Tim John was a long time member of the Irish Coastguard Service and was always available to do what was needed.
Tim John was one of those characters, that are becoming rarer, who were once at the heart of all rural communities. He had a great ability to speak with people young and old and it was always in a positive way.
There are people throughout West Cork would know Tim John immediately once described but there are people even within his own parish who may not know his surname. He was one of those who are instantly known by their christian name alone. His legacy and legend will live long in the memories of those who knew him.
While Tim John didn't marry he was better than any father could be to his nephew Mike Gore and his nieces Anne (O'Sullivan) and Josie. He had a huge part to play in their lives and in the lives of his grand nieces and grand nephews when they came along. He took great delight in their successes at various levels in recent years. He felt huge pride especially with his grand nephew Richie O'Sullivan who has had great success with Cork underage football teams and with Damien Gore, who lived beside him, when he played on the Cork Primary Schools' team at half time in the Cork v Kerry Munster final in 2011.
He leaves behind a huge gap for everyone. He will be remembered by his family, neighbours and friends with great affection.
Ar deis de go raibh a ainm
We are privileged and happy to have known you
Farewell Tim John, our friend.
