The tragic death of a "gifted" footballer, hurler and "lovable character" who was killed in a car accident in Meath has left two GAA clubs "devastated".
James 'Jimmy' Baugh was a passenger in a van which was involved in a single vehicle fatal road traffic collision in Crossakiel, Kells, Co Meath at 11pm on Sunday night.
The driver of the van was taken to Our Lady's Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth with serious injuries.
The 25-year-old from Crossakiel was a hugely popular teacher in Dunshaughlin's Community College and played hurling and football with Kilskyre Hurling and Ballinlough GFC.
He is survived by his parents Billy and Mary, sister Susan, aunt Ann, relatives and friends.
In a statement, Ballinlough GFC described James as "a loveable character with a cheeky smile and an exceptional ballad singer."
"Jimmy was a gifted footballer, playing for Ballinlough from a young age, going on to captain the side at U-17 level when winning the Division four league title and from there onto the adult team.
"Hampered by injury through his early years, Jimmy gave his best in every game he was fit to play and only a couple of weeks ago, he was the standout performer for Ballinlough when (the club) lost out to Trim in round one of the league.
"A tight, tenacious defender who could rove up the field when necessary, and a man who, if he gave you a shoulder, you'd know all about it.
"He was equally at home with a hurl and helmet as well as a football and he lined up for Kilskyre on many occasions taking up the wing back position in winning teams.
"He was also an accomplished handball player but off the field and courts, Jimmy was a lovable character with a cheeky smile for everyone.
"He loved the craic with the lads and having a laugh. He was an exceptional singer of ballads after a bit of coaxing, but once he started there was no stopping him and you could hear a pin drop when he gave a rendition of House of the Rising Sun or a Luke Kelly classic - not to mention the fact he was also the undisputed King of the Jukebox with his song choices.
"He was a loyal friend to those who knew him and a welcoming stranger to those yet to have the pleasure of spending time in his company."
"He was truly one of life's very fine young men and he has departed this earth far too soon."
Meanwhile a "devastated" Kilskyre Hurling club said: "Jimmy was a brilliant individual who had time for everyone, young and old. He had one single attribute that stood out more than anything else - he did not pretend to be something he was not.
"There was no show, no pretence, just honest to God Jimmy Baugh and that's the legacy he will leave behind - a legacy all teenages and young adults could take a lesson from. Be yourself, not what others want you to be.
"Hurling and football in the parishes of Kilskyre and Ballinlough are all the poorer for this untimely loss both on and off the pitch. What Jimmy brought to the pitch was grit, spirit and doggedness but always with a smile."
