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.