Hall of Fame - Jim Kane
Club Secretary Louise Larkin and Club Treasurer William Doogan presenting the Hall of Fame award to Jim Kane.
He made his own piece of history by becoming the first recipient of the Aodh Ruadh Hall of Fame award to have the announcement made in Democrat this week complete with a glowing article in a PR onslaught which would put Kim Jung Un and Donald Trump to shame.
That said, our inductee tonight comes from a long line of greats who have served our fine club with honour and distinction.
Very many of us in this room have been coached by him - His patience, generosity of spirit, willingness to volunteer, to help, cajole and just being an all-round good skin whom we’re very fortunate to have in this club. When things weren’t going so well at underage training and the rest of the lads weren’t paying attention, he’d regularly threaten us with the line that he “could be up in the ESB doing overtime, hi” – but he never did. He always persevered and it’s fair to say, we loved him for it.
He is truly one of our most dedicated and longstanding members. He has been an integral part of the club for many years, contributing to the development of football teams at all levels through his roles in coaching and management.
Among the highlights of his management CV was an All-Ireland Community Games title in 1990 when alongside the late great Willie Rogers, he masterminded a national title with just 15 players – no subs at all – Jim McGuinness take note. Furthermore, he played a key role in leading a team to the All-Ireland Féile Finals in 1994, further cementing his legacy in underage football.
Beyond his work on the field, he has been deeply involved in the administrative side of the club, having served in various capacities at Bord na nÓg and on the Club Executive. His dedication extends beyond coaching and administration, as he has consistently been at the forefront of match-day preparations, ensuring the town is adorned with bunting and lending his unwavering support to teams across all Gaelic codes.
Along with his brothers, Teddy and the late Alan, his wife Eileen is from great GAA stock, his sons, Christopher, Seamus and Jason were, and indeed still are fine footballers and daughters, Alison, Geraldine and Lorraine have all grown up in one of the greatest GAA houses in not just Ballyshannon but the entire county.
We’re lucky to have him, a coach, mentor, volunteer, worker, steward, friend, fund-raiser – all round top class fella who’s this year’s Aodh Ruadh inductee to the Hall of Fame……please welcome – Jim Kane…
Last modified: Monday, 10 February 2025 at 6:44pm