BARLA founder member passes away

James Joseph Conlan (Jimmy) 26/5/1925 - 09/03/2008

Widower James Joseph Conlan 82yrs known by many people who simply knew him as Jimmy, peacefully passed away in Longwood Grange Nursing Home, Huddersfield on Sunday 9th March.

A very proud family man who served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War leaves behind his married daughter Jane, her husband Eric, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A stalwart of the amateur game he began his playing career aged fourteen at St Josephs School in 1939 before going on to play for Deighton and Brackenhall. In between those two clubs he formed and played rugby league for the Air Training Corp and Moldgreen.

In 1967 he became the treasurer of the Huddersfield/Halifax League which in 1974 became known as the current Pennine League and as a founder member continued in that position. He became secretary of this League and also the treasurer of the Huddersfield League, positions which he held for 23 years.

Jimmy continued as an active member of the Huddersfield & Pennine Leagues and was a Vice President and Life Member of both Leagues.

He was also awarded the Huddersfield League Sportman Award, Pennine League Sporting Achievement Award and Huddersfield RL Referees Society Special Award for 30 years service.

Jimmy was a founder member of BARLA following a meeting at Greenside WMC, Huddersfield in 1973 which reached its 35th birthday on the 4th March. Jimmy was a Life Member of BARLA and also received the BARLA Silver Boot Award in 1993 for his services to the Association.

BARLA Chair Spen Allison said,