‘Father figure’ of Cappamore Show is fondly remembered

A PIECE of Cappamore Show died with Jimmy McCarthy who has gone to his eternal reward aged in his 90s.

Jimmy was the last member of the show with unbroken service since it was formed back in 1954.

John Hassett, secretary of Cappamore Show, said as show president, Jimmy was an integral part of the show.

“But Jimmy was more than Cappamore Show. I can sum up Jimmy in four themes – family, faith, farming and the show. Jimmy was surrounded by his family in recent years when age had caught up with him. When all of us are young we depend on the love and care of a parent in our formative years – we hope we can repay this when our parents reach the autumn and winter of their lives. Jimmy's family were admirable in the care they took of Jimmy in his final days,” said John, whose earliest memories of Jimmy are of a family man in church with his wife Kathleen and family.

The couple had seven children – Maria, Carmel, Patricia, John, Michael, Joe and Seamus.

“Jimmy demonstrated great faith. In my graveside words I remembered Mother Teresa who famously said, ‘If you want to bring happiness to the whole world, go home and love your family’,” said John.

Jimmy sang in the church choir and requested that the Sliabh Feilim Singers perform at his funeral Mass. Along with his faith, farming was also a way of life and as a farmer Jimmy witnessed nature and life in its rawest moments.

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“Jimmy had a great love of livestock – a cattle man of old, he couldn't help it. He was steeped in cattle from his mother’s and father’s family. Many of us in the days of Jimmy's passing shared stories of his memorable trades. He was a great farmer a great judge of cattle. His wife Kathleen (née Gleeson) was of great support to Jimmy – an equal partner in his farming activities,” said John,

Jimmy was proud that his family continue to be involved with Cappamore show. His son John was recently appointed chairperson of the show, while other sons, nephews and grandchildren are involved in the lead up to and on show day. On behalf of the officers and committee of Cappamore Show, John Hassett extended his condolences to the McCarthy family.

Maura Walsh, Cappamore Show PRO, said Jimmy was show president since 1996 but more importantly than that, “Jimmy was the last of the founding members who had given active, unbroken service over the lifetime of the show”.

“For almost 70 years Jimmy led by example – attending show meetings regularly while his health allowed. Jimmy's opinion was very important when changes were being discussed. He was always present on the grounds in the weeks leading up to the show working and helping to get the grounds ready for the big day.

“Jimmy was a father figure in the show to all the members. His warm, positive personality endeared him to all, especially the younger members. On show day Jimmy visited all the different sections and exchanged a few words with committee members. But being a farmer, with a renowned eye for a good animal, Jimmy's favourite section was the cattle. He loved to anticipate the judge’s decision and was invariably correct,” said Maura, who recalled the 60th anniversary of Cappamore Show in 2014 when Jimmy was honoured for his sixty years of service.

“Jimmy's passing has brought to mind the great legacy the show founding members have left us – a successful community event which is growing and evolving year on year. Back in 1954 these people had no framework within which to work. We can only admire their vision and courage

“Jimmy's legacy continues into the future with his family's involvement. It's wonderful to think of this commitment continuing into the generations to come. Jimmy's lovely presence will be missed by all who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him but most especially by his family. We extend our sincere condolences to them and trust that their good memories of a loving husband, father and grandfather will sustain them in their great loss,” said Maura.

Jimmy was laid to rest in Doon cemetery on Monday, January 23, following Mass in St Michael’s Church Cappamore.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.