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Avondhu columnist Jim Lysaght, who has been announced as Grand Marshal for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Fermoy. Photo: Declan Howard Photography

It's a significant honour and one that is considered to be very deserving in the case of Avondhu columnist, Jim Lysaght, who was chosen this week as the Grand Marshal for this year's St Patrick's Day Parade.

John Murphy and Donal O'Lochlainn of the parade's organising committee made the announcement at the Rowing Club's weekly quiz in the Grand Hotel which this week was in aid of the Loreto Parents Association.

That it was a popular choice was evident in the resounding round of applause which greeted the news.

Jim has organised the weekly quiz for over three decades in the town, raising substantial amounts of money to aid local charities, schools and clubs. It was considered a fitting means of honouring the well known writer, columnist, local historian, nature lover, boatman, fisherman and clubman.

Jim though, while delighted with the honour, was quick to deflect praise from himself in organising the quiz, saying it was a means of appreciation of the work the Rowing Club does in organising the popular quiz. He pointed out that he has the invaluable help each week of Claire Murphy, Carmel Towey, Mary Geary and Mary Falvey and the back-up team of Danny Higgins, John Murphy, Pa Granville, Jim Baylor, Paul Kavanagh and Jim Hackett, among others.

The quiz is something of a labour of love for Jim. He says great friendships have been built up over the years and it has fostered tremendous goodwill between them and local community groups. They schedule the various schools, clubs and local charities to benefit from the quiz six months ahead.

They have regulars who have taken part in the quiz every week since the start, stalwart supporters who enjoy it so much they haven't let storms or floods stop them from attending.

Jim is laid up at present, recovering from an illness but he's on the mend and looking forward to getting back out and about where he's happiest - among nature, especially as the spring flowers arrive. As for the St Patrick's Day Parade - "I'll be there" be vowed.

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