Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club is delighted to announce that Jimmy McGarry has been awarded Honorary Membership for 2026, in recognition of an extraordinary lifetime of service to the club, both on and off the field.

Born in 1951 in the Dicksboro parish of St Mary’s, Walkin Street, Jimmy’s association with the club spans almost six decades. His earliest recorded involvement dates back to 1969, a landmark year when Dicksboro reformed after a prolonged period in the doldrums. That year, the club entered Minor Hurling and Football teams — and famously completed the double. Jimmy lined out at half-back on the hurling team, alongside his brother Seanie, under coach Sam Oakes and manager Mick Devane.

Jimmy’s talent earned him trials with the Kilkenny U21s, but an unfortunate injury during a trial match brought that chapter to an early end. He continued to play Junior Hurling with Dicksboro, including a memorable — and infamous — 1971 Junior match against Newpark Sarsfields in Nowlan Park, which was abandoned following crowd trouble and later replayed.

In 1973, Jimmy was part of a Junior County Finalist team, narrowly losing out to Ballyhale Shamrocks. He also represented the Kilkenny Senior Footballers in a National League match that same year.

Remarkably, Jimmy joined the Dicksboro Executive Committee in 1972 as Vice Chairman, at just 21 years of age. Throughout the 1970s he played a central role in the club’s administration, working closely with chairmen including Mick Devane, Jack Deloughry, Billy Bourke and Tommy Martin.

In 1980, aged only 29, Jimmy became Club Chairman. His tenure is most remembered for the vision and leadership that led to the purchase of the club’s permanent home in Palmerstown in 1981. At a time of national economic uncertainty, Jimmy rallied the club, addressing a meeting of over 150 members in the Metropole Hotel, outlining the urgent need for Dicksboro to secure its own grounds.

The land was purchased for £43,570, safeguarding the club’s future and laying the foundations for generations to come. On 30 September 1981, Palmerstown officially became the home of Dicksboro GAA Club — a milestone achievement for which Jimmy’s leadership was instrumental.

Jimmy continued to contribute on the field, captaining Dicksboro to a County Junior Football title, and later lining out with the Confederation Team in 1992, aged 41. He also served as a selector with the senior team in the mid-2000s, including the 2005 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship success.

In 2016, Jimmy rejoined the Executive Committee as Grounds Chairman, a role he has fulfilled with dedication for the past decade. His care, expertise and tireless work in maintaining the club pitches — along with the challenging task of managing pitch usage — is widely recognised and deeply appreciated throughout the club.

With approximately 57 years of service to Dicksboro GAA Club, Jimmy McGarry’s contribution is truly exceptional. The club extends sincere thanks to Jimmy, to his wife Trish for her patience and support, to his children Mark and Kate, and to the wider McGarry family.

Dicksboro GAA Club is proud to formally recognise Jimmy’s lifelong commitment by awarding him Honorary Membership, a small token of appreciation for an immeasurable contribution.

Ladies and Gentlemen, our 2026 Dicksboro Honorary Member — Mr Jimmy McGarry.