Mayo tributes to popular Clare Island personality on his death following accident

The death of Charles O'Malley (better know as Charles Gerry), Strake, Clare Island, has evoked a huge sense of loss and sorrow across west Mayo.

The proprietor O'Malley Ferries, he died in a traffic collision at Glen on the island yesterday. He was aged 88 years.

Paying tribute to him, Councillor Chris Maxwell described the deceased as 'a pillar of the Clare Island community."

He stated: "Charles was salt of the earth, a gentleman true and true.

"He was a wonderful seaman and a tremendous storyteller. He was a great friend of our family and I always enjoyed his company.

"The news of his passing came as a great shock and we are deeply saddened. It's the end of an era for Clare Island in many respects. God rest his soul."

Son of the late Gerry and Agnes and brother of the late Mary Maher, Nora McNamara and Philomena O'Malley, he is sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife Pauline (née O'Malley), daughters Bernie, Maria and Cathriona, sons Charles and Gerard, brothers Michael and Josie, sons-in-law Gay and David, daughter-in-law Annmarie, Ger's partner Tina, his adored grandchildren Darren, Niamh, Louise, Cathal, Emma, Farrah, Brayden, Noah and Cullen, great-grandchildren Charlie and Callum, the extended O'Malley families, cousins, and a wide circle of friends, the Island community, and the many generations of people he skippered to Clare Island.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family on their loss.

Many fond tributes are being paid to the deceased on social media.

"He was a wonderful family man, kind and loving," one stated.

Another said: "He was a great friend to many and always so helpful to everyone visiting the island."

A further tribute observed: "A kinder man you could not meet who was always immensely proud of his Inishturk connections."

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

His remains will repose at Sweeney's Funeral Home, Louisburgh, tomorrow (Thursday) evening from 5 to 7 p.m. before being removed to his Clare Island residence.

Requiem Mass takes place in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Clare Island, on Friday at 1 p.m. with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.