Kerry and Rockwell mournes Dr. Jim Brosnan (1948)

Monday, 16th January 2012

Rockwellians and Kerrymen, and in particular the communities of Dingle and Moyvane, is this week mourning the sad passing of Dr. Jim Brosnan (1948), Spa Road, Dingle who died before Christmas.Dr. Jim was captain of the Cup winning Rockwell SCT in 1948. He also played Hurling ona Rockwell team. His sons Conor(1986) and Barry(1986) went on to play on the Rockwell Senior Cup winning team of 1985. His Son Sean was a graduate of the class of 1999.



Dr. Jim, who has been lauded as one of the most transformative figures in the history of the GAA in Kerry, made a profound impact on those he encountered during his lifetime in his capacity as one of Kerry's footballing greats, in his role as an administrator within GAA circles in Kerry and as a medical doctor. Moyvane native Dr. Jim Brosnan won All-irelands with Kerry in 1953, 1955 and 1959; replicating this success as county minor coach winning the All-ireland in 1962 and 1963. The son of Moyvane legend Con Brosnan, Dr. Jim was regarded as a powerhouse attacking force on the pitch – so much sought after were his talents that he was brought home from the USA to line out for Kerry against Dublin in 1955. Indeed his free taking and points from play are still a talking point in GAA circles.


Dr. Jim went to Dingle in 1959 where he began practicing as a doctor in general practice and subsequently as medical officer at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, a role he undertook in 1972. He soon came to prominence in Dingle's GAA circles, serving as Chairman and amalgamating Na Piarsaigh and Srid Eoin to form CLG Dingle – Daingean U Chis in 1967 – the first team fielded, captained by Mike Slattey. His service on the Kerry Board as Chairman is also well documented and his input saw the development of the current structure of the County League, first initiated in 1971. Dr. Jim is also remembered for his work in the development of Austin Stack Park in Tralee. Dr. Jim served the people of West Kerry in his capacity as a doctor until his retirement at the age of 75 in 2005 and was also a founding member of the Dingle Medical Centre, which he helped establish it alongside Dr. Finbarr O'shea, Dr. Margo O'shea and Dr. Micheal Fanning. Many tributes have been paid to Dr. Jim; former Kerry County Board Chairman and current Chairman of the Munster Council Sen Walsh described Dr. Jim as a great GAA man and a man before his time, adding that "no challenge was too great for Dr. Jim Brosnan." Crowds gathered in Dingle to bid Dr. Jim a heartfelt farewell as he embarked on his final journey, among them former team mates, Kerry county board members and players past and present, alongside current County Board chairman Jerome Conway."He truly was a Kerry great and was also recently named on the Sigerson Team of the Century a few months back – testament to his talents as a footballer. "Dr. Jim Brosnan was an iconic figure when it comes to Kerry football and in Dingle we saw him as an inspirational individual. He will be truly missed but his memory and legacy will live on."

Hugh O Flaherty, FormerHigh Court Judge, gave this tribute:
Jim Brosnan blazed like a great meteorite across the sky in that 1955 All Ireland final against Dublin. Kerry were struggling up to half time and when the second half started Jim fired over two points in quick succession. He appeared to be going for goal on each occasion but probably under instruction from Dr Eamon o Sullivan the trainer he took his points and when they went over I think the game was in the bag then. Of course his father Con had been a great midfielder with Bob Stack and he was part of that legendary back ground. However Jim and his brother Mick were legends in their own way, full spirited footballers but scrupulously clean. Its hard to understand having been such a great administrator with the Kerry county board that he did not become the first Kerryman to become GAA President, that of course fell to Sean Kelly which he performed with great distinction. Jim Brosnan would have made a wonderful president of the GAA and that was the association's loss.
Following removal from O'Connor's Funeral Home on Monday, Dr. Jim Brosnan was laid to rest in St. Brendan's Cemetery, Milltown, Dingle on Tuesday following Requiem Mass at in St. Mary's Church. He is survived by his loving wife Kitty, his sons Dr. Conor (1986), Barry (1986) and Sean (1999) , his brother Jerry, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
To listen to an interview he gave before he died: http://terracetalk.com/interviews/137/Dr-Jim-Brosnan

His brother Dr. Mick Brosnan (1950) passed away last year. Obituary here: http://www.rockwellunion.com/news/general_art-obituary_dr_michael_brosnan_class_of_1950.html
Source: http://www.kerryman.ie/sport/gaelic-football/no-challenge-was-too-great-for-dr-jim-brosnan-2957431.html



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