The club would like to offer it’s condolences to the family of Jim McNamara who died on Thursday morning last. While Jim is best known for his long association with Donore Harriers he was a member of Raheny Shamrocks from 1981 to 1984. Jim lived in Coolock from the mid 1970s to the early 1980s. During that time he regurlarly trained with the club. People must remember that during that time Donore Harriers were by far the best middle and long distance club in the country. Jim was a real benefit to all us young runners in the club. He showed us all what hard training was all about and what was needed if we were to be successful. It is ironic in last November’s Dublin Senior Cross Country Raheny Shamrocks won the team event and Donore Harriers were second. Jim McNamara’s legacy lives on.
During his 3 years plus with the club Jim won his first International Masters Championships. In 1982 he won the European 1,500m and 5,000m titles and in 1984 he won the World 5,000m and was 3rd in the 1,500m. He was also selected as the Club Athlete of the Year in 1984. By this time he had moved back to his beloved Cabra. He rejoined Donore Harriers. We always felt we had only got him on loan. While he was with the club he was always available for selection and we won many team honours. The highlight being the 2nd place finish in the National Road Relays in 1983. No one felt any malice towards Jim when he went back to Donore but were thankful for having him as long as we did. Jim always had great affection for the club and always told me it was his second favourite club.
Irish athletics has lost one of its greatest ever athletes and one of its nicest people. He didn’t get the name of “Gentlemen Jim” for nothing. May he rest in peace.
