Ballindine farmer dies in farmyard tragedy

TRAGIC ACCIDENT The late Gerard Naughton.

Michael Commins

IT was with profound shock and sadness that news of the tragic death of Gerry Naughton was received throughout the Ballindine area last Wednesday evening. He died from injuries sustained in the farmyard at Killeen while carrying out work on the wall of a shed. It is understood that part of the wall collapsed during the work process.
Medical teams as well as ambulance and Fire Brigade services rushed to the scene of the accident after the alarm was raised but they were unable to revive Gerry following the wall collapse.
Gerry (50) was one of the foremost farmers in the region. A man of quiet and gentle disposition, he had an instinctive fondness for the land and farming.
Local PP, Fr Martin O’Connor, said Gerry was a great neighbour who was devoted to his family and his community. “Gerry was a very enterprising farmer who was greatly regarded here in our area. He was a renowned hard-working man who was passionate about the rural way of life. He reclaimed land over the years and was always there to lend help and advice to others involved in the farming scene.
“He was very much the ‘go for’ man when neighbouring farmers needed some help with cows or sheep. Gerry was salt of the earth in that regard. He was so meticulous in everything he did as was regarded as one of most dedicated farmers in the region.”
There were large attendances at the funeral ceremonies over the weekend as the local community rallied around Anne Marie and their young family of three children. Emma is in Junior Cert year in Mount Saintt Michael, Claremorris, while Aidan and Alaine are both in Ballindine NS. Aidan is one of the class due for Confirmation in the parish on February 14 while Alaine was a member of the First Communion class in the school last year.
Reposing was in Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine, on Saturday evening with removal to St Joseph’s Church, Ballindine. Interment took place in Ballindine cemetery following the funeral Mass at 1pm celebrated by Fr Martin O’Connor, PP. An overflow congregation attended the Mass.
Gerry, who was predeceased by his parents James and Nora, is deeply regretted by his wife Anne Marie (nee Gallagher from Mayfield, Claremorris) and their family, Emma, Aidan and Alaine, the family circle, neighbours and friends.