Sgt James (Jimmy) Connolly , Deceased

eddieo

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 8, 2005
458
0
The Old Sod
Tonight at 10.46pm, Sgt James James Connolly passed away from a massive heart attack at the Mater Hospital Dublin. Jimmy was 46. A 22 years vet of the irish Army and with me at the Baodoia Road Ambush. His death was sudden but sadly not unexpected


Jimmy was my brother in law... After Somalia he changed to the extent that he developed a drinking problem... His marriage to my sister fell apart about 5 years ago.... he was a good guy... despite his problems with alcohol he was one guy you could always count on in a time of need.

His daughter, my niece asked me tonight if I would allow him buried in my dress uniform.. He long since disposed of his.... I was happy to oblige.. I was onto the barracks arranging a guard of honor for him... They are making the relevant arrangements. Every serviceman, retired or serving has that right here.

Tonight Im raising a glass to a warrior...

Gents,,, please raise a glass tonight to Sgt James (Jimmy) Connolly late of 2nd Inf Batt, B Comp.

Dictum Meum Pactum
 
Re: Sgt James (Jimmy) Connolly , Deceased

I raise my glass with you and share the dark draught of sorrow.
May his best days be those dearest remembered. Many condolences.

Semper Fidelis
 
Re: Sgt James (Jimmy) Connolly , Deceased

I can say without reservation that Somalia definately twisted my head around some. That place, that rotten gawddamn place...

I'll knock back one tonight and think kind thoughts...

No pain where you are my warrior friend.

Semper Fidelis
 
Re: Sgt James (Jimmy) Connolly , Deceased

My condolences with you and your family Eddieo. I'm very sorry to hear that a good dependable man passed away. My apologies for seeing this a day late, but I will still kick back a glass of fine scotch for him tonight. Thank you for your service, and may you Rest In Peace Sgt James James Connolly. *raises glass*
 
Re: Sgt James (Jimmy) Connolly , Deceased

I did a ring around of all men to let them know last night and got through to our Sgt.Maj... Mick told me that their part of the convoy got the brunt of the attack.. They hit us from 2 directions. For every one of them we got there was 4 in their place... some only had panga's.. The fighting got so bad at one stage that Mick gave the order to fix bayonets... Then it got really bad... Im amazed to this day we had no KIA's......

The next time I seen him I was in the hospital with a bloody big hole in my leg...Jimmy contacted my sister and let her know.

That fucking place... I know many a man thats completely fucked up because of it.... I think he lost his nerve after that... he wasnt the same when we got home... Then the drinking got out of control... he wouldnt talk about it even to me..

My brother is home from the states for a few weeks because of my mother.... Got my No 1's out of the wardrobe last night.. need to clean them up and get them to the undertakers...
 
Re: Sgt James (Jimmy) Connolly , Deceased

James's body was released today from the morgue.

COD was a blood clot from the leg causing heart attack...

Im feeling pretty guilty at the moment that we didnt have more contact after him and my sister broke up..

He is being buried in my dress Uniform.. Got the regiment Beret for him as well... Had to keep back my campaign ribbons and medals as well.. Barracks is providing a guard of honor and shots over the graveside and the Last Post... Undertakers tomorrow, cremation on saturday morning..

NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT !