Tributes pour in for Ger Henry

Tributes pour in for Ger Henry

Michael Commins

NEWS of the death of Ger Henry (47) of Facefield, Claremorris, on Sunday caused widespread sadness and sorrow throughout the entire region. Ger had been coping with an illness for some months. He died peacefully in University College Hospital Galway surrounded by family and friends.
Ger, an accountant by profession, was widely known throughout the south Mayo area and further afield through his extensive involvement with the GAA over the years. He was a prominent member of the Mayo Gaels GAA Club and was especially noted for his administrative skills. He loved the football scene and attended most of Mayo’s matches over the years, often in the company of his great friend Toby McWalter from Balla.
Ger was married to Ailish O’Brien from Brize and they have a family of seven children. Her father, Paddy (Pake) O’Brien died just four weeks ago.
“Ger was an absolute gentleman and there is a huge sense of loss throughout the community. The hearts of all go out to Ailish and the family and to all the Henry and O’Brien families on their great loss. They are both very well known and hugely respected families in the area. The grief of the community is palpable,” said a friend yesterday (Monday).
James Duggan, chairman of the Mayo Gaels club, said Ger Henry was an incalculable loss to his family and the Mayo Gaels club. “Ger was still a big driving force in our club. Only last Tuesday, he rang me about matters relating to underage players. He was at the heart of so many of the developments in Mayo Abbey over the years. He was extremely capable and was a man of tremendous vision. He is a huge loss to the club and, on behalf of all in Mayo Gaels, I extend our deepest sympathy to Ailish and the family, and to the Henry and O’Brien families on their great loss.”
A huge crowd attended the removal ceremony in Balla on Monday evening and burial took place in Balla Cemetery following Requiem Mass at 11.30am today (Tuesday). Colleagues from Mayo Gaels GAA Club formed a guard of honour on both days.
Ger is deeply regretted by his wife Ailish and family, Ross, Briona, Lorcan, Roisin, Orlagh, Cormac and Ruairi, his father Tom and mother Noreen, brothers Tom and Martin, sisters Helen Lynch, Una Henry-Parkinson and Mary Dempsey, mother-in-law May, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.