James you were a true gentleman. You were a lovely person to work with and started a lot of laughs in the staff room. You will be sorely missed by the pupils you taught and the people you worked with. May these messages bring your family some comfort. …

A blow in like ourselves you made such an immense impact on all our lives. From the ladies football with Maxine, to helping our children fulfill ambitions on the football and hurling field. You gave your time to everyone and always with a smile. It was about taking part and not necessarily the winning which is a measure of the man. You have laid roots at ours and other clubs that will grow in the coming years and be a testament to you. You will not know the legacy you leave behind but our club and our children will always remember you.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family🔵⚪️🔵⚪️…

I had the pleasure of meeting James over 20 years ago whilst playing hurling at university at jordanstown.  They were great times and memories that will last for a lifetime what an absolute gentleman taken far too soon. We also met up again when he settled in Randalstown and it wasn’t long before we were back hurling again with the creation of the reserve hurling team which James was instrumental in.  An absolute gentleman with the personality to accompany it may he rest in peace 🙏…

On behalf of our school community I would like to extend our deepest sympathies.  We had the great fortune to have had James as a coach in our school.  He was incredibly popular with the children and staff and everyone looked forward to him coming along each week.  He had a great gentleness and patience and a real gift for making lessons fun and for getting the best out of every child.  We will also remember his big smile and will never forget the joy he brought to our school.  He was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed.  May he rest in peace. Noel McCann…

James was such a great character around our club and without a shadow of a doubt one of the most hard working and dedicated coaches I have seen and had the pleasure of working with. The changes he brought into our underage structure are second to none and the work he done at senior and u21 has shown in their success. I can remember first meeting James and speaking about the various clubs he had worked with both here and in England and the messages that have been posted over the past few days show how much gratitude and love the man had from so many right across all the schools and clubs he was associated with. I remember the night we won the intermidate hurling final this year and he said to me up at the club with his thickest Belfast accent “I’m not from the club, but I love this club” and it’s safe to say Tír na nÓg loved him, a man that won’t be replaced. Rest easy James. …

I’m still struggling to come to terms with the news I received just after 11am on December 26th.  A role model, a hero to many, a legend and a real good friend. You done over and above for every one of us and we are so thankful, you had a real special bond with everyone you met and that’s because of your real bubbly personality.  On a personal level you done so much for me and we done so much together and loved every minute of it, especially strictly come dancing. You were always texting me seeing what the craic is and sending silly stuff which is why we all loved you, but if something needed done you done it, and done it right. You will always be in my heart aswell as everyone else’s, thanks for everything you done for us and behave yourself up there RIP my friend, look after us all especially your mum and dad 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️😍…

We have thought long and hard on what to write, to be honest it’s not something that we ever thought we would be doing. No words will do justice on how much of an impact you made, not only on myself and Jp but the wains too. Even now, Clodagh and Connall are telling us stories of you moving to Poland to sell ice-cream and singing the gummy bear song (which I cursed you up and down about lol).  Your infectious smile and all the help/guidance you gave me, will never be forgotten. Malahide will forever go down as one of my fondest memories/day and I will raise a toast to you with our special “holy water”.  Unfortunately for me, I’m not stuck with Jp even more now lol. You never realised the impact you made on him. All the advice, guidance, tips and just being somebody for him to vent to or bounce ideas off. In his words “he owes you so much”.  Whitehill will not be the same without you “waa waa”, a hole that will never be filled. However, all the memories that we have all created with you over the years will help each and…

This is an impossible task, no words I can find will fully do justice to the memory of James. he arrived in Erdington and transformed the outlook of the Erin Go Bragh club. His positivity and love of helping people lead to tons of titles but more importantly he created a community. We were neighbours for years, and shared far too many nights out, the craic was class his music however was god awful!!!  I was gutted when James left my club to reform James Connollys but his Midas touch struck again, he almost singlehandly created another community. that was his gift, he had the ability to bring people together, how could you not follow that man into battle love you big man.  I’m sure his busy arranging training up there now… save me a hurl mate …

James’ passing is heartbreaking. Newly arrived from Ireland, James made an instant, good impression. As Head of English at Manor High School, I understood that ours was not the easiest of schools to adapt to. But James did! James quickly got the measure of the pupils, and the staff, fitting in easily with both.He had a ready wit, and general good humour, which endeared him to everyone. The kids loved him, and he could “win round” some of the most demanding of individuals.James was keen to be successful with his students and his career, so it was not surprising, but sad, when he eventually decided to move on to another appointment. James left behind a rich legacy of laughter, results and strong friendships, with both pupils and staff. However, James would always be a Manorite, one of us. Goodbye my friend and thank you for all of your hard work and for just being you. You leave such a wealth of wonderful memories….xxx…

James i cannot believe that you have gone,a true gentleman who would do anything to help anyone,as a lot of these messages on here can testify. Life has dealt a cruel blow by taking you away too soon. I offer my sincere condolences to your family at this difficult time. You  have definitely made your mark James as the people who have met you ,ncluding myself will always have nothing but  fond memories .God Bless James RIP …

James, I can’t believe you are gone. You will be sorely missed by so many. You were a great man! Full of fun, and always there to lend a helping hand. I’d worked and coached alongside you for a little while in Birmingham, when my own team (John Mitchels Ladies) were looking for a new Manager/coach. I knew there would be no better man to ask, and without hesitation you excepted. I’ll remember all the fun we had, and through your hard work and encouragement all the games we won. I’ve never seen a big man with the flexibility you had, and was always fascinated watching you stretch 😊 Honestly you were one of a kind. RIP McVeigh forever loved and missed x…

What James brought to Tir Na NÓg will never be overlooked or matched. There is no doubt his can-do attitude was one of the main driving forces behind  the senior hurlers championship success of 2020. I remember someone asking him at training how he thought we would fair out against our opponents in the semi final. His response simply being: “I’m just thinking about winning the final at the moment, mate.” It was that sort of determination we lacked for so long.  James dedicated himself to making others around him better themselves whether it was on the pitch or off it. He really was one of these guys you could ring any time of the day or night if something was bugging you. A mentor, but also a well sought after friend. I will always remember with fondness the four weeks of yoga at the club just before lockdown. The craic had them nights would be hard matched. James was always at the heart of that craic. I speak for so many when I say you will be sorely missed. R.I.P James….

James – I have great memories of working with you in Birmingham as captain of John Mitchels ladies team when you managed us. The time you gave to the team and the voluntary hours you put in was just fab and the reason we made the All Britain final. Loved your energy and passion for football. 💙 God bless 💙…

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam!Devestated to hear this news- a great guy, a greater Gael!I helped him start camogie and hurling in UU Magee College, without him it would never have gotten off the ground.We had some craic taking camogs to tournaments to Dublin etc, fundraising nights in the union.Plus all the work he did while Clubs and Societies VP.Regret losing contact after James went to England and I went to Australia.Condolences to all his family and friends Worthy of everlasting remembrance.Don’t have any photos to hand, will pass them on when I do….