A HUGE crowd packed into Rowe Street church today (Tuesday) for the funeral mass of well-known former teacher and Wexford Festival Opera Chairman, Jim Golden.
Mr. Golden (77) passed away on Sunday evening following a short illness. His passing has been received with great sadness by his family, friends and all of those in Wexford’s arts community who would have known him very well due to his involvement over the years.
Originally from Kilkenny City, Mr. Golden had lived in Wexford for over 50 years and was described as having two great loves: St. Peter’s College and Wexford Opera Festival.
He served as a member of the Wexford Festival Council and Board of Directors from 1975 until 2003. He served as Trustee, Director, Festival Volunteer, and Box Office Manager.
He was Chairman of the Festival from 1980 to 1985 and was described by his friend and colleague Nickey Furlong as an outstanding chairman.
“He knew everyone who attended the opera and what seat they would be in. All of the staff, singers, producers and directors and stars all remember him. One director, who recently retired from Covent Garden, actually came over to visit him just last week.”
He was interested in all areas of the arts in Wexford and was also involved with Wexford Sinfonia and Wexford Light Opera Society.
Mr. Golden also taught in St. Peter’s College until 1999 when he retired. He was a former Vice Principal of the school and was much lauded as a wonderful teacher who was “beyond kind in a ruthless regime.”
Cllr. Ted Howlin, a long time friend of Mr. Golden said: “He was a great teacher and he helped a lot of people in his own quiet way. He was always keen that students would achieve their potential.”
Tributes poured in for Mr. Golden in the aftermath of his passing.
Chairman of Wexford Festival Trust, Ger Lawlor said: “Jim Golden devoted a lifetime of service to both St. Peter’s College and to Wexford Festival Opera where he served in many roles but above all was a dear friend and respected colleague.
[Full Story in this week’s Echo]