Sad passing of great community man

Deep regret has been expressed in clubs and organisations in Nenagh following the death of Ger McCarthy, who contributed so much to the community in a voluntary capacity over his lifetime.

Ger (59) was particularly well-known for his involvement in Nenagh Choral Society (NCS), who said that it was with the deepest sadness that it learned of his death. “Ger’s contribution to NCS over many years has been enormous as an actor, chairperson, committee member and Scouts’ Hall director,” the society stated on its Facebook page.

In extending sympathy to his family and relations, the society members said they would offer them continued support and prayers at this saddest of times and wished Ger “eternal happiness”.

As a mark of respect to Ger, who was Chairman of The Scouts Hall Board of Directors, and who for many years wrote the hall’s notes for this newspaper, the bingo in the hall on this Wednesday was cancelled as a mark of respect.  The board said Ger would be “sorely missed”.

‘TRULY SHOCKED’

The Nenagh Éire Óg club was among many organisations and individuals who took to social media to point out all the good things about Ger.

“We were truly shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Ger McCarthy,” it said. “Ger has been a lifelong supporter of Nenagh Éire Óg, hurling in his younger years, and then becoming involved as mentor and manager to many teams over the past number of years.  Ger was a great clubman and will be sadly missed by all. We were truly shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Also expressing its sympathy was Nenagh AFC who pointed out that Ger was a former club member and valued supporter. They also pointed out that his son Conor, was part of thier U17 National Cup winning side in 2016.

‘A GENTLEMAN’

Alan Kelly, TD, described Ger as “a gentleman”. He said he had worked with him on many issues down the years. “The Scouts Hall wouldn’t  be what it is today without the work of Ger. Condolences to all his family and all the clubs and organisations he was so involved in,” said Mr Kelly.

Cllr Séamie Morris said Nenagh had tragically lost one of its greatest community workers.

“He served many, many clubs and organisations in the town with passion. By God did he love Nenagh - if you saw him on a sideline you would know,” said Cllr Morris, who expressed his deepest condolences to “his beautiful family and to his many friends.”

Vinny Savage of the North Tipperary/Midlands branch of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust expressed his condolences on behalf of the Trust. “For many years Ger organised some sponsorship for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. We will be in Lourdes this Easter and we will remember Ger and his family in our prayers. Rest in peace my dear friend,” wrote Vinny.

Ger, who lived at Hawthorns, Summerhill, died peacefully in the tender care of the staff of the ICU at Limerick University Hospital on Saturday last, March 25.  He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Annette and cherished daughter Laura and son Conor. He will also be missed by his father Jimmy, sisters Claire and Helen and brother Paul, father-in-law Joe Moloney and mother-in-law Noreen, sister-in-law Kathryn, brother-in-law Nigel, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins relatives kind neighbours and his many friends. Ger is predeceased by his mother Breda.

In testament to the esteem in which Ger was held, large crowds attended his  Reposal at Ryan’s Funeral Home on Monday last and again at the Requiem Mass in Saint Mary of the Rosary on Tuesday. Interment took place afterwards at Lisboney Lawn Cemetery.