Pictured Above: Jimmy Dunne.
My reason for writing this story concerns all the talk about Jamie Vardy in the English Premier League scoring eleven consecutive goals, and so equalling Ruud van Nistlerooy’s twelve year old Premier League record; or has he?
I want to tell you the story of the man who scored twelve consecutive goals in the English First Division League, which is now the Premiership. His name is Jimmy Dunne, ‘our Jemmers’ as he was locally known. Jimmy was born on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, around 1895.
In the beginning Jimmy, pictured left, played Gaelic Football. I wonder was it Isles of the Sea, which was a Ringsend Gaelic Football team at that time.
Jimmy lived on Tritonville Road after he finished playing at the top flight of football in England. Jimmy died at a young age (R.I.P.) and his sons, Thomas and Jimmy Junior, often played football with us.
Jimmy Junior was a very good footballer. Thomas (Tommy) was one of Jem Kenned’s Johnsville’s team, who also had Eamonn Darcy in goal. Eamonn went on to play for Rovers in Milltown and was transferred to Old Ham. Ronnie Nolan was also on this team.
But back to Tommy, who went on to play and captain St. Patrick’s Athletic. He may also have become manager of St. Patrick’s up in Richmond Road, their home-ground.
I remember, although only nine years of age, when Jimmy Dunne dropped by for a cup game and the Rovers’ supporters held a protest to have him included on the team.
So Jamie Vardy ran one short of our Jimmy’s record of twelve consecutive goals no matter what they call the top league in England.
By Jimmy Purdy
