'The face of our club for decades,' Tributes paid to popular Tipperary GAA man

Popular Thurles Sarsfields GAA man Jackie Cooke has been laid to rest.

Jackie passed away on Friday, October 3, peacefully, and surrounded by his family.

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Jackie passed away in the Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles.

He was predeceased by his adored wife Alice (née Shanahan), parents Eddie and Mary, sister Biddy and brother Tom.

Jackie will be sadly missed by his son Trevor, daughter Olivia, daughter-in-law Marcella, brother Eddie, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law Kathleen and Nell, relatives, colleagues in Thurles Sarsfield's Social Center, great neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Jackie lay in report in Hugh Ryans Funeral Home on Sunday, October 5, before arriving at the Church of St. Joseph & Brigid, Bothar na Naomh, Thurles on Monday, October 6.

His burial took place afterwards in St Patrick's Cemetery, Thurles.

Thurles Sarsfields GAA paid tribute to their current Vice President on social media, saying: “It is with deep sadness and regret that we learned yesterday of the passing of our former player, selector, bar manager and current vice president Jackie Cooke.

“Jackie was the face of our Club for decades, he was a greatly admired figure who was both liked and respected by all within our Club and across the entire GAA community.

“His warm and outgoing personality represented the very best aspects of Thurles Sarsfields GAA and he will be sadly missed by us all.

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“We extend our sincere sympathies to Trevor, Olivia and all of Jackie’s family and wide circle of friends at this time.”

Tributes have been paid to Jackie online, with one person saying: “Deepest Sympathies to Trevor, Olivia & Marcella and the extended Cooke Family on the death of Jackie. I am sure that he will be remembered by all who knew him in Thurles Sarsfields Social Centre from far and near as he had a word for all. May His Gentle soul Rest in Peace.”

Another said: “My deepest sympathies to Olivia, Trevor and all of Jack's extended family on the sad passing of Jack. What a wonderful man and always a great neighbour. Will be sadly missed from the park. Rest in eternal peace Jack.”

A former player of Jackie’s shared fond memories of him, saying: “Thoughts with Trevor, Olivia and wider family at this sad time. Great memories of training with Trevor and friends in the late 80's with the 'Sars' minor teams and Jackie always made it a fun, welcoming, friendly environment in the Centre.”