'A character and a gentleman' - Community shattered by the loss of Waterford GAA legend 'Jimo'

Tributes have flooded in following the unexpected death of Jim O'Keeffe Sr. of Brasscock, Ballinakill, County Waterford. 

Jim sadly died on Monday, 24 February, leaving behind his wife Veronica (nee Coady), his three sons Gary, Jim and Brian, as well his grandchildren and extended family. 

Jim was an extremely popular man in the local community and served the Ballygunner GAA club for decades. His death has come as a shock to everyone in the community, with hundreds of messages being left online to pay tribute to the "true Ballygunner and Waterford Gael."

His beloved Ballygunner GAA club led the tributes on social media, saying: "Ballygunner Hurling Club is saddened by the passing or our great friend Jim O’Keeffe. Jimo was a true Ballygunner legend who served the club with distinction all his life, first as a player, later as a coach and mentor, as a club officer, club representative and club President."

Gailltír Camogie Club also shared on Facebook: "Known to all as Jimo, he was an absolute gentleman who made a huge contribution to the GAA in Waterford, and in particular to his beloved club Ballygunner."

Many have shared their fond memories and admiration of Jim on his RIP.ie notice, as well as expressing their sincerest sympathies with his family.

One person kindly wrote: "He was always such a friendly and welcoming person, whenever you would meet him, as we regularly crossed paths and had a chat near the shop at the Brasscock. He was a great hurling servant to his club Ballygunner."

Another said: "Jimo will be sorely missed, a great family man, club man & a pure gentleman."

Evidently by the hundreds of tributes paid to the GAA man, Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jim will be reposing at Thompson's Funeral Home on Barrack Street from 7pm to 8pm on Wednesday, 26 February. The funeral cortege will walk from the Brasscock Centre on Dunmore Road on Thursday at 10am to St. Mary’s Church in Ballygunner for Requiem Mass at 10:30am. Burial will follow after in the adjoining cemetery. 

The mass will also be livestreamed at 10:30am. 

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