It is with deep sadness that I write to inform of the passing of Barbara ‘Babs’ McSweeney, wife of NSWAFUA Life Member and Hall of Fame Inductee, Jim McSweeney. Babs had been suffering from illness for some time and Jim had been by her side every step of the way.
Both Babs and Jim have provided many years of support to umpiring in Sydney. Her unwavering support of umpiring saw the NSWAFUA instigate an award in her name in 2011, the Barbara McSweeney Outstanding Support of Umpiring.
Jim was an integral part of the NSWAFUA in his career as an umpire extending beyond 40 years, including over 2 decades of service to the Association, and his support of umpiring continues through to today. Jim can still be found attending the occasional training session at North Sydney Oval and refers to the umpiring group as his second family.
Umpires will wear black armbands at matches this weekend in memory of Babs.
A mass service will be held at St Patricks Catholic Church, Belmont Street, Sutherland on Tuesday, 5th August 2014 at 10am to celebrate Babs’ life.
Our thoughts and well wishes are with Jim and the McSweeney Family.