The late John James Lonergan was a hugely popular figure throughout south Tipperary

It was with great sadness that people learned of the passing on May 19 last of John James Lonergan of Park, Grange, Clonmel, a hugely popular and much-loved figure in three parishes and throughout south Tipperary.

John James was born in August 1933 in Grange, where he lived throughout his life. He married Breda O’Connor in 1972 and they had five children.

Going to school in Grange, John James always took part in school sports but from an early stage it was apparent that Gaelic games, like many of his school colleagues of that time, would play a prominent part in his life. He began playing in the school teams and soon emerged as a young player of great talent.

He soon graduated to Ardfinnan’s senior football team and won his first medals in 1954 when the club won the South and County Junior Football titles under the name of St Finnian’s.

While defeats to Clonmel Commercials in 1958 and 1960 in South Senior Football Finals were disappointing, the 1960s was the club’s most successful decade and John James played a central role in that success.

In 1961 Ardfinnan won their first South Senior Football title in 22 years, defeating Clonmel Commercials in the final with John James an ever-present at wing back.

In 1962 he was captain when the club retained the south title and also won the County Senior title, defeating Thurles Crokes in the final.

The club retained these titles in 1963 and completed an historic three in a row in 1964, with John James an ever-present and dependable wing back.

In 1968 he helped Ardfinnan win the South Senior Championship while Ballybacon/Grange won a historic South Senior Hurling title, defeating Marlfield in the final with John James lining out at corner forward.

In 1970 Ardfinnan regained the County Senior Football Championship, defeating Clonmel Commercials in the final, with John James playing corner back in what was his final game for the club.

He also wore the blue and gold when he lined out for the Tipperary Junior football team in the 1960 and ‘61 Munster championships.

When his playing career ended, John James continued to follow the fortunes of the club, rarely missing a game, with his four sons PJ, Alan John, Brian and David all lining out at senior level.

His daughter Jean was also a talented footballer who played with Ardfinnan and was even more successful at rugby, being capped by Ireland at senior level.

After games, his opinion on proceedings would always be listened to by young and old alike, as he always called it as he saw it.
He was club vice chairman for nine years and was also a trustee of the club.

He also took a keen interest in everything that was happening in his local community in Grange and was always available to help out, and never missed a club social or reunion.

Every Saturday he would visit Tommy Myles Butchers in Ardfinnan and on a Sunday, together with his wife Breda, he would enjoy a visit to Letia’s.

When we reflect on the life of John James Lonergan he was a man of great integrity, a popular player whose commitment was second to none and who played a key role in the club’s success in a career spanning 17 years.

He was respected by teammates and opponents alike as a sportsman of the highest calibre and he was an outstanding family man who led by example, always supported by his wife Breda.

His funeral attracted a huge attendance, with both the Ardfinnan and Ballybacon/Grange clubs providing a guard of honour at his removal to Grange Church, befitting the status of the man and his contribution to the clubs.

Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Breda, children PJ, Alan, Jean, Brian and David, extended family and friends.

May he rest in peace.