Donegal Kurling League pays tribute to the late Jean Wilson

Members from Jean’s household, representatives from the county’s eight kurling golf equipment and employees from the Donegal Sports activities Partnership met in Letterkenny this wee, to recall her life and instances, and keep in mind the massively constructive affect she had in selling the sport of kurling.

Jean, the driving drive behind the Raphoe Kurling Membership, died in 2021, remembered for her form and caring nature that endeared her to all who knew her.

Talking at this week’s gathering, Karen Guthrie, Group Sports activities Improvement Officer with the Donegal Sports activities Partnership, stated it was becoming that Jean is being formally honoured for her contribution to kurling.

“The members thought it could be applicable that the league trophy be named after Jean and that her contribution is recognised. The Donegal Kurling League can be ten years previous subsequent 12 months which is a big achievement, and I’m positive there are a few of you right here right now who have been concerned again initially,” Karen commented.

“Jean contacted Donegal Sports activities Partnership in 2014 and indicated that she needed to start out kurling in Raphoe. We bought some tools for the membership and set about getting a league going which was made up of 4 groups – Stranorlar, Raphoe, Killygordon and Lifford.”

“We now have a brand new kurling group in Glenfin and that brings the variety of groups as much as eight. We now have as much as 140 individuals taking part each week for 14 weeks twice a 12 months which is large. It’s our greatest energetic seniors programme within the county and that each one began with one dialog with Jean Wilson. So, we’re completely delighted to honour her and her contribution,” she added.

“Once I began with Donegal Sports activities Partnership Jean was so good to me. Any time you known as to the home you bought an enormous hug and the kettle was at all times on. Jean was such a heat particular person and so regular. She might degree with anyone of any age.
“When she took a wee step again she was comfortable to take a seat and watch from the sidelines and let everybody else play alongside. It’s beautiful to recognise the league going ahead in Jean’s title and I’d prefer to thank a few of Jean’s household for coming alongside right now,” the event officer stated.

Talking on behalf of the Wilson household, Jean’s daughter, Lorna McSparron, stated her mom was a particularly decided girl. When Jean retired, Lorna stated her mom discovered a brand new zest for all times. She was an enormous supporter of the Voice For Older Folks and subsequently acquired concerned in kurling.

“Kurling was a social factor and it was additionally train. It gave her a complete new lease of life. She liked kurling, the enjoyable everybody had and the good sense of group it gave. She was a fantastic inspiration to all and at all times had time for everyone,” Lorna commented.

“She could be buzzing if she might see this right now. She liked individuals and getting teams going. She’d even be very humble about all of it, and quietly proud. She was at all times a carer and was at all times seeking to enhance the life-style of older individuals. And she or he was additionally good at her personal self-care.”

Jean’s daughter-in-law, Tracey Johnson Wilson, her granddaughter, Julie, and nice granddaughter, Ellie Might have been additionally in attendance on the gathering this week celebrating Jean.