Everyone here at Manortown Utd would like to send a big congratulations out to Jimmy Swords on the occasion of his 90th birthday last Sunday.

A true legend of the club in every sense. Jimmy was one of the founder members back in 1969 and filled every role possible over the many years of his involvement with the club.

From trainer, coach and manager of all different age groups to almost every position on the Manortown committee, Jimmy was especially renowned for his organisation of the mini leagues for thousands of boys and girls down the years. Those kids are all adults now and for those that remember him you will never hear a bad word spoken of Jimmy - Kind, caring, passionate, always smiling are just some of ways people describe him. One of life's real gentlemen. Jimmy's blood runs yellow and blue, not red.

Along with his friend Paul Anderson - Jimmy campaigned for years for a community centre to be built in the area. They even went from door to door around Perrystown and Manor Estate looking for donations to get the building up and running.

When the centre burnt down in the eighties they had to start the whole process again. Today the centre houses the Manortown Utd dressing rooms and showers.

In a week where we have two teams returning from a tournament in Barcelona - Jimmy along with Paddy Brennan and Stephen Brady were the instigators of bringing many Manortown teams abroad. Jimmy was involved in teams going to Blackpool and Manchester providing happy lifelong memories.

Jimmy also has the distinction of managing the greatest player ever to play for Manortown, Joey Palmer. It must be true because Joey told us.

Anyway last Sunday in Killiney Castle over 100 relations and friends gathered to honour Jimmy. They came from as far as the United States, Canada, Spain, England and Scotland to celebrate the day with him.

So happy birthday Jimmy and may you have many more. Thanks again for the amazing amount of work you put into the club over the years. You have left a fantastic legacy for a club that is thriving today because of your efforts. May you have many more years of good health.

Jimmy Swords, Manortown legend.

💛💙⚽️

Jimmy celebrates with former Manortown Boy Liam Buckley - manager of the Sporting Fingal team that won the FAI cup in 2009

Jimmy with a young Niall Quinn