JJ LONG.

On the 21 April 2011, JJ was involved in a serious farm accident which has left him with serious and permanent injuries. He is currently in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoighaire and hopes to return home shortly. As a result of the injuries he sustained his family home will have to be modified, extended and adapted to meet his daily needs and condition. Other medical aids and a vehicle will also have to be purchased.

JJ resides at Pullerick. He is married to Phil, and they have 4 children, Trish, Edward, Seán and Liam.

JJ first involvement with the community was with Kilmurry GAA. He played football with Kilmurry and hurling with Cloughduv. His first experience of GAA administration began in 1964 when he became Chairman of Kilmurry Minor Club (Coolduve) and held this position until 1977. In that year, he became Chairman of Kilmurry GAA and thus began a period of unprecedented success for the club both on and off the field. While he was Chairman, the club won 4 Mid-Cork Junior Football titles, 2 County Junior Football Championships, 4 Junior Leagues, 2 Intermediate Leagues, and 2 Muskerry Cups. The club also contested two Intermediate Football finals.  The club had for many years being trying to purchase its own playing facilities and largely due to JJ's promptings and drive this objective was achieved in 1981. He also oversaw the subsequent development of the present playing field and dressing rooms. His fundraising ideas were new at the time and all monies were raised without recourse to any borrowings, a truly remarkable achievement for such a small club. He showed great leadership and was an exceptionally hard working Chairman and he oversaw the development of the club until he resigned in 1999, making him the longest serving Chairman the club has had. He then became Vice-Chairman of the Muskerry GAA Board in 2000 and went on to become Chairman in 2010, a position he holds to the present day.

Outside of the GAA, he has served the community in other ways. In December 1993, he was appointed as the Patrons Nominee on the Board of Management of Kilmurry N.S., becoming Chairman in 2001 until his retirement in November 2007.

In 1994, St. Mary's Church in Kilmurry required a new roof and a sum of over £100,000 needed to be raised and JJ was elected Chairman of a very hard working  committee and again due to his drive this target was raised.

Outside of his enormous voluntary contribution to the Kilmurry community over the last 50 years, it is the countless acts and deeds of kindness which nobody only the beneficiaries know about that sets him apart and makes him such a respected member of the community.

A fund raising committee has been set up to raise the required funds  and the JJ Long Injury Fund will be launched in Kilmurry GAA hall next Thurday night at 9pm by his long time friend Bob Ryan, Chairman of the Cork GAA Board. The first event to raise these funds will be a golf classic to be held in Macroom Golf Club on Thursday 19^th and Friday 20^th July next. A team of 3 for €250 (meal included) can be entered. Other fund raising events will be held during the year. Your contribution to this fund would be greatly appreciated.