Jimmy Cooney Obituary, Death Cause – The sporting community is deeply saddened by the passing of former Galway hurler and inter-county referee, Jimmy Cooney, at the age of 68. Born into a family with a strong hurling tradition, Jimmy left an indelible mark on the game, both as a player and as an official.
Jimmy’s illustrious hurling career saw him represent Galway in four championships from 1979 to 1982. He played a pivotal role as the left corner-back in Galway’s historic victory in the 1980 All-Ireland senior hurling final against Limerick, a momentous occasion that brought glory to the Tribesmen.
Following his playing career, Jimmy transitioned to a successful refereeing career. However, he found himself at the center of controversy during the Clare-Offaly All-Ireland semi-final replay in 1998. A misjudgment in the timing of the game resulted in the final whistle being blown two minutes too early.
The situation led to a sitdown protest by Offaly supporters on the pitch, eventually leading to a second replay. Despite the incident, Jimmy’s dedication to the sport and his integrity as a referee remained unquestioned.
His exceptional skills and dedication earned him All-Star honors in 1980 and 1981, a testament to his prowess on the field. In addition to his success with Galway, Jimmy also achieved success at the club level. He was a key member of the Sarsfields team, winning three senior county medals. In 1993, he had the honor of being a substitute player when Sarsfields claimed the All-Ireland crown, adding further to his legacy as a talented player.
Jimmy Cooney will forever be remembered as a cherished figure in Galway hurling history. His impact on the game and his contributions to the sport’s growth will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike. The hurling community extends its deepest sympathies to Jimmy’s family and friends during this difficult time. May his memory continue to inspire future generations of hurlers, and may he rest in peace.
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