Monday morning, although cloaked in sadness, could not have been a more perfect morning to say goodbye to our cherished Jim Mac. Crowds gathered at the Polo grounds to greet Jim and his family as they arrived to the Park shortly after 10.30am.  A beautiful day of sunshine provided an opportunity for Jim’s wider family in athletics to say farewell to our brother.  Like many of us, Jim loved running in the Phoenix Park and on the Polos, where he trained hard and coached for over 50 years.  Few of us who stood there would have believed that Jim would have left us as he did, we all secretly expected to one day find Jim within the walls of the Park.  I think Jim would have probably liked that too.

On behalf of Donore Harriers, thank you to all of you that came along to say goodbye; thank you to all of you who wore your club colours next to the black and white of Donore and thank you for all the kind words and tributes received from near and afar over the last few days.  It was a very fitting send off for a perfect Gent.

Here are some links to great tributes penned over the past few days:

Jim McNamara - Pain is temporary glory is forever.

Blessed Among Women - An Irishman’s Diary about gentleman Jim McNamara

Spirit of Running – Jim McNamara an appreciation by Frank Greally