Mayo GAA club mourns a true stalwart
Gerard Healy outside his home in Charlestown.
One of Mayo's best-known GAA clubs is mourning the passing of an outstanding volunteer and community man.
Charlestown Sarsfields have paid glowing tribute to the late Gerard Healy, from Airport Road in the town, who passed away on Wednesday, January 7th. Gerard (Gerry) had a long and distinguished association with the famous club.
"The Healy name is one which is steeped in our history, and they have been a constant supporter and a driving force behind our club since it’s very inception," said the club in an online tribute. "The late Gerard served our club in many capacities and roles over the years, and gave countless hours to our cause, sat on several committees, and involved himself in multiple club initiatives, but nothing brought him as much joy as leading our U14 Féile boys to the National Finals of 1992.
"Gerard’s sons have continued in their father's footsteps and have served, and continue to serve, both on our club executives and within our coaching frameworks, a tradition their father was very very proud of.
"Gerry (as he was better known) also served with distinction as a postman here in Charlestown for most of his life, a position he is fondly remembered for by many; and was also a pivotal figure in the hugely successful and internationally renowned Western Rose Festival which was a major boost to our area in its heyday of the early 1980s.
"In later years, finding Gerry was easy, as he could be spotted daily in his front garden, offering advice to fellow enthusiasts, and always ready for a friendly word and chat to passers by on Airport Road."
The Healy family also have a long association with the . Gerard's late brother John began his distinguished journalistic career with the in the 1940s and wrote a column for this newspaper in the 1960s and 1970s. Gerard's son Stephen has served as the correspondent in Charlestown for the past 25 years.
Gerard is survived by his wife Emmanuel, sons Stephen, Conor and Donal, daughters-in-law Collette, Amanda, Edel, grandchildren Luke, James, Conor, Emma, Jack, Dylan, Holly, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He will repose at the Horkan Funeral Home (F12D393) in Charlestown this (Friday) evening from 5pm to 7.30pm. Removal from his home on Saturday to St James's Church, Charlestown for funeral mass at 11am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
