PEOPLE THROUGHOUT New Ross are in mourning this week following the passing of Jimmy Furness – one of the town’s most respected and well known residents.
Educated in Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Jimmy (78) spent almost his entire life living in Mary Street but in the last year was residing in Hospital Road.
He passed away in Wexford General Hospital on Saturday following a short illness.
From one of the town’s most respected families Mr. Furness was involved in everything from swimming to pantomime and such was the regard in which he was held by those who knew him that he was given life-long honorary membership of New Ross Pantomime Society.
His love for his family was all-encompassing and in addition to his siblings he adored his nephews, nieces and other relatives.
A real character he had a great way with people and always looked on the positive side of life.
Mr. Furness’s positive outlook was such that his glass was always half-full.
His brother, former New Ross Town Coucillor, Victor Furness, said he was privileged to have been part of his life: “He was a very special person and had a very special way about him that endeared him to everyone.”
“I was honoured to have him as a brother,” he added.
Mr. Furness represented Ireland in the Special Olympics which was a pivotal moment in his life.
However, it was for his love of New Ross that many people close to him will best remember him.
When the New Ross & District Pipe Band won back-to-back world championship titles in recent years it made Mr. Furness very proud because of what it meant for the town and the people involved.
A flag-bearer with the local scouts he was also selected for the prestigious role of Grand Marshal during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Ross; it was a role that he fulfilled with dignity and pride alongside his friend, Kitty Warren.
He never missed a St. Patrick’s Day parade in the town and looked forward to it every year.
Perhaps, that was one aspect of his personality that best exemplified his overall outlook. He always looked to the future and certainly never dwelled on the past.
As his brother, Victor, pointed out: “He was 78 but he just talked about being 79. He was always looking ahead.”
Well travelled Mr. Furness was due to go to America next year and it was a trip he was very much looking forward to making.
A very keen sports enthusiast he was a devout follower of the Wexford Senior Hurling team and enjoyed the banter regarding near rivals, Kilkenny.
He also predicted that Wexford will win the All-Ireland senior hurling title again in 2016.
Mr. Furness was also a supporter of Shamrock Rovers A.F.C. and had a particular fondness for swimming.
He was also a keen supporter of the Kerry Senior Football team and had viewed their enthralling first All-Ireland semi-final clash with Mayo this year with great interest.
Possessed with an inherent kindness Mr. Furness saw good in everyone and that outlook endeared him to everyone he came into contact with.
Sometimes prone to quirky events in his life on one occasion he had taken a friend’s racing dogs for a walk.
The event was recalled by Victor: “It was a very foggy night and having been gone for quite a while the family became concerned. The Gardai arrived at the door and when we asked if it was about Jimmy the Gardai answered that it was, however, they said that Jimmy was fine but in the fog had missed his turn off and had gone more-or-less the whole way to Waterford.”
Victor went on to comment that the Gardai said: “Jimmy is fine but the dogs will probably never race again they are so exhausted.”
Describing his brother as “a lovely character” Victor said: “He was a special man and I am proud to have been part of him. He was a lovely character and was loved by everyone.”
Mr. Furness is survived by his brothers, Victor, Nicky, Tom and Pat, sisters, Monica, Rose, Mary, Josie, Helen, Frances, Ann and Kathleen.
He was pre-deceased by his sister, Patty.
His Requiem Mass took place on Tuesday, September 2, at 11 a.m. in the Parish Church, New Ross, with burial afterwards in St. Stephen’s Cemetery.
The Echo extends sympathies to the bereaved
