‘His guidance, his stewardship and most of all his friendship will leave a lasting legacy’
Jack Hickey – RIP(Image: Cove Sailing Club)
The Cobh community is today paying tribute to a man who was deeply devoted to his hometown’s maritime history and was entrenched in many of the area’s clubs and organisations.
Former Irish Naval Service member Jack Hickey passed away yesterday, Saturday, January 17 in Cork University Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a short illness.
Jack was beloved by his neighbours and was an active member of several Cobh clubs and organisations, who have paid tribute to him online.
Cove Sailing Club wrote: “Jack was an extremely dedicated member of our club and gave countless hours of his time, knowledge and skills to progress our Marina. Weather it was moving a breakwater, realigning anchors in the depth of winter or providing a committee boat for racing Jack was always there.
“Our deepest sympathies to his wife, sons and grandchildren and great friends. Our little club is in a better place thanks to Jack and we will miss you greatly. Rest in peace and Bravo Zulu.”
Jack was also the chairman of the American Pier Cobh Association – a group that raised money to restore and repair American Pier, which was used by the US Navy in 1918 to land serviceman. The pier was later used by generations of local families for swimming but over time fell into poor condition.
The group paid tribute to him in a post on Facebook, saying: “He was the heart beat and driving force behind the American Pier Cobh repair project. On our journey when things seemed to reach closed doors, Jack would insist that we simply try another avenue to achieve success. His guidance, his stewardship and most of all his friendship will leave a lasting legacy.”