Balla mourns death of Gerard J. O'Mahoney

The death has occurred peacefully at the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, surrounded by his heartbroken family, of Gerard J. O'Mahoney better known as Gerry, Ardcronin, Balla, Castlebar, and formerly of Athea, Co. Limerick and Wimbley, London, U.K.

Gerry was born in March 1945 in Athea, Co. Limerick. He was one of 14 children, the 10th child of 11 boys and three girls. His father worked for the County Council and his mother was a homemaker.

Gerry loved sport and in particular football and hurling for which he won many trophies in his youth. He joined the Irish Army at the age of 16 years and on leaving the army he travelled to the UK where he met and married his beloved Bridie in 1965.

On returning to Ireland he settled in Mayo where he made many friends, especially in his work as a taxi-driver. He was well respected and loved by all. He was very proud of his three children and he cherished his adored grandchildren.

Predeceased by his loving wife Bridie (neé Togher, Belmullet), his parents Patrick and Mary, his brothers Jack, Jimmy, Richard, Michael, Thomas, Patrick, Joseph, and his sister Mary McGarthy.

He will be sadly missed by his loving son Gerard, daughters Marion and Sharon, daughter-in-law Irene, son-in-law Stephen, his brothers Tim, Daniel and Christopher, his sisters Julie Barrett and Anne O'Mahoney, his grandchildren Luke, Bridget, Oliver, Emily, Liam and Louise, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, relatives and many friends.

Gerry's funeral will arrive at St. Cronan's Church, Balla, this Saturday morning, August 20, for Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Afterwards he will be laid to rest in Balla Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.