James Long RIP

James Long RIP

We may only have known James for a short time but it was certainly for a good time. It was both a privilege and pleasure to have James as part of our u14 team. He always carried that irrepressible smile on his face with him to training and he had that rare gift of being able to bring a smile and a laugh to the faces of all those he met. James was still only u13 but had been working particularly hard in recent weeks in training to try and break into the u14 team.

On the way down in the car to our match last Wed evening, Bernie was telling the lads if you get a chance to shoot on goal, aim head high.  James got his chance in probably the most difficult of opportunities when playing against unbeaten Patrickswell he was called from the bench to go in corner forward and try and influence a game that we were trailing by a point in. The ball was stuck in a group of players on the edge of the 21. Gearoid won possession and popped out a lovely pass to James on the 13. Donie roared at James to put it over the bar but James decided to go with Bernie’s advice and striking the ball head high hit a “rasper” into the back of the net. James celebrated in style and was jumping up and down similar to Seamas Darby after scoring that goal against Kerry. We went on to win that game and the atmosphere in the changing room afterwards was electric. Everybody was delighted for such a popular member of the team and James was accepting the congratulations with one of the biggest smiles you’ll ever see. It must also be said that there were also plenty of comments along the lines of “we’ll never hear the end of this !”. Bernie dropped James home that night and James last words to him as he left the car were “head high Bernie” as he bounced off indoors.

Little did we know that a few hours later, James would be tragically taken from us. Everybody is numbed by James passing but great credit is due to his team mates from the U12s, 14s and 16s who turned out in big numbers on both Saturday evening and Sunday morning to provide a fitting guard of honour for James.

We would particularly like to thank the Patrickswell mentors and team that also turned up to join the guard of honour. James absolutely loved his sport and the jersey that he wore that last evening adorned his coffin and was presented to his mother after his burial. Our loss is heavens gain.

I don’t think that there will be too much resting in peace done now that James has arrived up there but it will certainly a much brighter and happier place that he is there. We will miss him but we won’t forget him.

The U14 management, players and all connected with the club wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Family and very many friends of our own James Long. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhilis.