By Dan Walsh
Tributes have been pouring in from the rowing and regatta community lamenting the sad passing of Jim ‘Nim’ Dunne, Park, Bree, who is regarded as one of the greatest and most passionate members of the river sport throughout his lifetime.
Nim’s local club, in a statement on social media said; “Edermine Ferry Rowing Club are deeply saddened to announce the untimely passing of one of our club stalwarts and founder, Nim Dunne. A man who was deeply passionate about rowing and the club will leave a long history and many a story behind him.
“We are today sharing our sympathy with his beloved wife Breda and their family, Maura, Helen, Clodagh Tom, Pat, and extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís.
At his Funeral Mass today (Monday) Nim’s Lifetime Achievement award was brought to the altar and members of Edermine Ferry Rowing Club formed a guard of honour.
A native of Borrmount, Nim became associated with rowing when the Edermine Regatta on the River Slaney was revived in 1974, by a committee from Edermine and Oylegate.
In 1977 Nim was chosen for the first ever award for rowing in the Bree Parish Awards.
Nim Dunne (and Tom Dempsey) were unbeaten in the senior pair-oar for many years at the regattas at Edermine, Killurin, Ferrycarrig, Wexford and other venues. They were a legendary duo in the tough river sport and Nim never lost his passion for rowing and continued to compete into the veteran stages.
He also officiated at the Edermine regatta up to this year and retained a love of rowing and a devotion to his local club. Nim will be sadly missed throughout the community and deepest sympathy is extended to his wife, Breda, their children, extended family and friends. R.I.P.
FAMILY NOTICE; JIM ‘NIM’ DUNNE, Park, Bree, Enniscorthy, November 24th 2023; Sadly missed by his beloved wife Breda (Bolger), his children Maura, Helen, Clodagh, Tom and Pat and their partners Pat, Mat, Hugh, Anne and Colleen, his grandchildren Nicole, Rachel, Katie and their partners Davis, James and Tommy, Arthur, James, Aoife, Paudie, Tom, Niamh, Jim and Ned and his two great grandchildren Darragh and Éabha and also Robert and Nathan, his brother John, sisters Margaret and Josephine, brother in law and sisters in law, nieces and nephews and his many many friends. May he Rest in Peace
Reposing at his home (Y21 A6K5) today (Sunday) from 2pm to 8pm.
Removal on Monday to the Church of the Assumption, Bree arriving for his Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Bree Cemetery.
WexfordLocal.com 