Nobber legend Jimmy Tallon passes away
The north Meath village of Nobber has lost once of its best-known and much-loved characters with the passing of Jimmy Tallon, at the age of 84.
A local legend, Jimmy, known by many as 'JT', was a huge part of the fabric of Nobber where he lived for more than four decades.
A true gentleman, he always had a ready smile and loved chatting with people.
Originally from Lobinstown, Jimmy came to Nobber in 1971 to work with Larry Dillon the local vet. He worked with him for a number of years and after Mr Dillon died, he started working as a painter and decorator and also did odd jobs around the village.
Although he never owned a car, it never stopped Jimmy from getting around and people would come and collect him for his day's work and drop him back home afterwards.
Always willing to lend a hand, up until very recent years, he helped putting up the Christmas lights in the village every year.
Local publican and friend Johnny Keogan also told how Jimmy was a great man to cook and would often be discussing recipes at the counter. From fish to rabbit, he loved to try out different things and always ate healthily with plenty of vegetables. He also recalled how Jimmy loved to play cards and was a great card player.
"He really was one of the fixtures in the village," said Johnny.
Jimmy loved chatting with people and especially on his favourite topics of football and horse racing.
He had his own spot in local pub Dee Local, known as 'JT's Corner' and when Farrell's were running the pub, they even put a sign up to mark it.
Jimmy's nephew Gary Tallon, from nearby Lobinstown, was a great soccer player back in the 1990's signing for Blackburn Rovers during the Kenny Dalglish era and Jimmy travelled to see Blackburn Rovers play at that time and always spoke of Gary with great pride.
A true gentleman, he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Nobber Football Club paid tribute to Jimmy on its Facebook page and offered its condolences to his family. "We are sorry to hear of the passing of Jimmy Tallon (JT) – a legend around the Nobber area. JT loved watching and discussing football with the locals, whether it be about a game played last week or the upcoming championship campaign."
Jimmy is survived by his sister Mary, brothers John, Tom, Paddy and Michael, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Funeral arrangements have been made with reposal to take place tomorrow (Friday) from 4pm to 8pm in nephew Thomas's residence (Eircode C15 DW22). Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 12 noon in St John the Baptist Church, Nobber with burial afterwards in the Cemetery of St Louis and St Mary Rathkenny.