Tributes paid to Athy community stalwart Jimmy Byrne

JIMMY Byrne (77) who was a central part of Athy Civil Defence for most of the last 40 years passed away at the weekend (5 September). 'He was the guardian angel of us all,' said former Head of Athy College Richard Daly. Jimmy from Kilberry worked for Batchelors in Athy for 42 years, but was involved in practically every voluntary group around Athy, according to Patricia Berry. 'Poignantly, Jimmy actually died on National Service Members Remembrance Day,' she said. 'For over 20 years Jimmy was co-ordinator of Athy Tidy Towns River clean-up as well, and he was always very kind to you when you turned up on a committee.' she explained. 'I was with him for 19 years on the Athy Town Promoters committee, and he was with Darkness into Light for 11 years. 'He was a SIPTU shop steward for 29 years, and was part of the North Barrow branch of the Inland Waterways, as well as his residents' association in Kilberry. 'In 2017 he was given a Local Hero Award by Athy Municipal District for services rendered, and was a very special member of so many committees'. Commander Byrne was a member of the Civil Defence for 32 year and a devoted member of the community of his home town of Athy. Athy Civil Defense Kildare's Chief Fire Officer Niall O'Riordan said: 'Jim's commitment went far beyond simply answering calls and providing assistance at events'. 'As a commander, Jim Byrne gave his time, knowledge and experience to the service of his community. With over 3O years of service, Jim built friendships, trust and close working relationships with emergency services across county Kildare and the communities we are all privileged to serve.' Terance Flanagan, Jimmy Byrne, Wayne Malone, Mark Wall and Patricia Berry Assistant chief fire officer (ACFO) Dermot Scully, Kildare Fire Service also paid tribute to Jim's commitment and dedication to Civil Defence. ACFO Scully said: 'Jim Byrne was respected by so many within Kildare County Council, the volunteers of Kildare Civil Defence and the Civil Defence organisation nationally. 'Jim's knowledge will continue to guide future volunteers through the many other volunteers he has already mentored. 'His influence will continue to be felt with us here in Kildare Fire Service and Kildare County Council.' Civil Defence are an organisation under the auspices of both the local authority and the department of defence. CFO O' Riordan added 'While we are saddened to hear of the passing of Commander Jim Byrne, his service will continue with the people he trained.' ACFO Scully added 'It is evident that Jim was a well respect and notable member of the civil defence throughout Ireland'. 'The colleagues he worked alongside, the friendships he made and the boat crews he helped shape for many years to come will have all benefited from Jims's wealth of knowledge and experience in the civil defence and as a person.' Jim made many friends in various committees, organisations and services he interacted with along his way in life. He was well known and well respected in the civil defence and wider circles he was involved with. He was admired by many and will always be remembered as someone who was always in great form and could tell a good joke or story. Also paying tribute to Jim Byrne was Shannon Reid, assistant civil defence officer (ACDO) for Kildare, who regarded him as a good friend, and says she's been lucky to have known Jim and that he has been a huge support to her in her role. ACDO Reid said: 'Jim has committed over 30 years to Kildare Civil Defence, particularly to the community of Athy and to the Kildare Boat Unit." 'I've been so lucky to have known Jim for a number of years, but particularly over the last four years in my role with Kildare Civil Defence,' she said. 'Jim has been a huge support to me on a daily basis as a volunteer, but more importantly as one of my good friends. 'Jim was always at the end of the phone for advice, his expertise and always some sort of joke. 'His experience, knowledge and guidance cannot be replaced but can be seen through his years of service, the people he has helped, the people he trained and the people who are better at what they do because Jim took the time to be there to show them.'