Jimmy Dolan - Ferbane, Ireland - 20th.century

Jimmy Dolan looms large on my private calendar of ordinary saints. He encouraged me to play football. He would borrow a pair of football boots and a jersey for me, which only the exceptional family could afford in those days. He was the local postman. He always encouraged us to play a clean game. He rubbed his hands vigorously when he was excited.

I never heard a foul or condemnatory word from his lips. He fought to get his charges on the county minor team. This honour was paradise on earth for a young person. Through football I met many friends. But perhaps even more blessed, football, gave a healthy self confidence, which proved a great support during dark and cloudy days of failing exams, and feeling inadequate.