The iconic Mayo island of Clare Island came to a standstill on Friday afternoon, as its people came together to pay tribute to one of their most well-known sons, Charles ‘Gerry’ O’Malley.

Charles Gerry, as he was known, died tragically on Tuesday, May 6, following a tragic incident where his car entered the water in Glen.

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The 88-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene of the tragic incident, while his body was transferred to Mayo University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Mr O’Malley was one of the most renowned faces of the island and was the founder of O’Malley Ferries.

Many of those who were within the Church of the Sacred Heart on Friday, as well as among the sizeable group outside the church who joined his wife, Pauline, his children, Bernie, Marie, Cathriona, Charles Junior and Gerard, to pay their respects, would have made the journey from Roonagh to Clare Island on Charles Gerry's fleet.

As the funeral procession made its way up the road to the church, a guard of honour was formed by members of the Clare Island and Louisburgh GAA clubs, where he played football alongside one of the priests celebrating the service, Father Austin Fergus.

Behind the pallbearers came Charles Gerry’s grandchildren carrying a floral wreath bearing ‘Grandad’, as well as a wreath depicting a currach boat.

Firstly, Father John Kenny called Charles Gerry’s granddaughter, Emma, to the altar to introduce those bringing forward symbols of all that he held dear in life.

Firstly, Marie brought up a Bene Merenti medal, awarded to Charles Gerry by the Pope for his years of service to the Church.

Cathal brought forward a chisel, representing Charles Gerry’s love for craftsmanship.

Charlie brought to the altar a picture of the Clew Bay Star, his great-grandfather’s first new-build boat to Clare Island. Emma reminisced on the happy days of her grandfather’s many happy days spent fishing west of the head.

Michael brought forward a model of a traditional currach boat, a symbol of Charles Gerry’s love of the sea from an early age, and his love of currach racing, where he won many ‘Tostál’ Cups.

Brayden brought forward a model boat, which was one of the many models his grandfather built for his many grandchildren, in a bid to pass on his love of the sea through the generations.

The next memento, a ten-millimetre spanner, was brought forward by Noah. The spanner was a symbol of another of Charles Gerry’s passions, which he passed down to his sons, his mechanical expertise.

Charles Gerry’s tablet, which he spent hours searching for marine traffic, tracking the fleet of O’Malley Ferries, and listening to traditional music in the kitchen, was next to be brought forward.

Farrah brought his grandfather’s mouth organ up the aisle, representing his love for traditional music and dance, which earned him national acclaim.

Finally, Niamh brought forward Charles Gerry’s diary, which he used to record the happenings of every day, and it was mused that he kept records of the weather going back to before records were kept.

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In his eulogy, Father John Kenny paid tribute to the pivotal role which Charles Gerry played in his family, as well as in serving the people of Clare Island.

“His work as a ferryman was not merely a job, but a calling, a vocation, a way of bringing people together and ensuring their safe passage.”

Father Kenny also spoke fondly of interactions with Mr O’Malley, and spoke of the scenes as the flotilla touched down on the island he called home.

As a pod of dolphins rose from the ocean, one of Charles’ grandchildren exclaimed that ‘Grandad sent all the sea animals after us.’

Father Kenny also spoke of the dedication to serving the community with ‘steadfast strength’.

“Our focus today is not on how he died but how he lived,” he stated.

At the end of the service, three of Charles Gerry’s family stepped forward to honor a staple of their family.

First, one of his granddaughters stepped to the pew to read a touching poem.

Next, Brayden, aged nine, spoke on the kindness and generosity of his grandfather in his own eulogy.

“Now he’s our angel looking over us to ensure we’re okay, and he’ll always send down messages to us,” said Brayden.

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“Our family chain is broken"

Finally, it was the turn of Charles Gerry’s daughter, Cathriona, to offer some words in memory of her father.

Cathriona extended her thanks to those who tried to save their fellow islander in his moment of need, as well as those from Achill lifeboat, the Westport Coast-guard, the rescue helicopter staff, and An Garda Síochána.

She also thanked the islanders who rallied around the family in their darkest hour to offer their comfort and support.

“We will be forever grateful to you for your efforts,” she stated.

Cathriona also paid tribute to her father and his powerful nature in life, noting his love of the ocean from the age of ten, when he started fishing with his own father, Gerry.

She spoke of his time playing Gaelic football, his care and love of his people, and the fierce pride he felt for his sons and daughters, while he passed down his knowledge and boundless skillset through the generations.

“Our family chain is broken,” she stated. “You were the best of the best and salt of the earth. We love you, we’ll miss you, and we’ll miss your warm, warm welcome and radiant smile at the top of the quay to welcome us every time.”

Lastly, Cathriona paid tribute to the courageous actions of her brother Gerard, who entered the water to recover the body of his father.

As mourners filed out of the pews to the funeral in the adjoining cemetery, the notes of Charles Gerald's beloved traditional music could be heard far and wide, piercing the crashing of the breaking Clew Bay waves which he knew so well.

May he rest in peace.