Passing of Mr. 
‘Jimmy’ O’Hara

The Ballymena borough has been saddened by the recent death of Harryville native James (Jimmy) O’Hara.
Jimmy O'Hara (second from left) pictured in 1997 along with the then CLB Commandant for the Ulster Regiment  Jim Tweddie taking the salute, also  included  are  CLB Colour Sergeants Ivan Penny and Alastair Nelson.Jimmy O'Hara (second from left) pictured in 1997 along with the then CLB Commandant for the Ulster Regiment  Jim Tweddie taking the salute, also  included  are  CLB Colour Sergeants Ivan Penny and Alastair Nelson.
Jimmy O'Hara (second from left) pictured in 1997 along with the then CLB Commandant for the Ulster Regiment Jim Tweddie taking the salute, also included are CLB Colour Sergeants Ivan Penny and Alastair Nelson.

Like his father before him Jimmy went to work in the Braidwater Spinning Mill on leaving school, moving on in the mid 1960’s to night work with BT in the telephone exchange at Trostan Avenue.

As a young boy at the beginning of 1939 he was asked to join St Patrick’s Parish Church Lads’ Brigade by curate, Rev Whittaker. He rose to the rank of Captain in the 1950’s and, until his illness some years ago, retained a very close link with the organisation.

In his early days as Captain he took the battalion to camp in Glenariffe and was also responsible for the Pipes and Bugle Band which led the CLB and GFS on Church Parade.

During the war the bells of churches all over the British Isles were silent and only to be rung if there was an invasion. St Patrick’s too were silent for this period.

When the end of war was declared in 1945 he was asked to join the ringers along with Sam and Bob Letters and remained so until 1990, travelling all over Ireland during that time and taking part in many competitions.

Jimmy passed away in his sleep on July 6.

He was interred at Ballyclug Parish Churchyard, Ballymarlow, on July 9 following his funeral service in St Patrick’s Parish Church.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Etta wife, daughters Susan and Beth and grandsons James and Andrew.

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