Family of tragic ferry man ‘forever grateful' to those who came to help

Sunday World

08-05-2025

HEARTBROKEN |
The death of Charles O'Malley (88) who lost his life when his vehicle entered the water at Glen, on Clare Island on Tuesday afternoon has been met with profound shock and sadness in his native Mayo
Charles O'Malley
The death of Mr O'Malley (88) who lost his life when his vehicle entered the water at Glen, on Clare Island, has been met with profound shock and sadness in his native Mayo.
He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to Mayo University Hospital, where a post mortem examination was due to take place.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses but are said to be treating the matter as a tragic accident.
The 88-year-old from Strake on Clare Island was the proprietor of O'Malley Ferries and through his business activities was among the best known personalities in his native island.
Mr O'Malley's body will be brought by boat to repose at his home in Strake from 9.30pm tonight ahead of his funeral mass and burial tomorrow.
According to his death notice on RIP.ie, Charles O'Malley (better known as Charles Gerry, of Strake, Clare Island, Co Mayo, the proprietor O'Malley Ferries, died on May 6, tragically following an accident, aged 88 years.
He is the 'son of the late Gerry and Agnes and brother of the late Mary Maher, Nora McNamara and Philomena O'Malley.
'Sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife Pauline (née O'Malley), daughters Bernie, Maria, & Cathriona, sons Charles & Gerard, brothers Michael & Josie, sons-in-law Gay & David, daughter-in-law Annmarie'.
The notice also refers to 'Ger's partner Tina, his adored grandchildren Darren (Katie), Niamh, Louise, Cathal, Emma, Farrah, Brayden, Noah, & Cullen, great-grandchildren Charlie & Callum, his brother-in-law Michael Bob, sisters-in-law Ann & Eileen, 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. Read more
Charles will rest in repose at Sweeney's Funeral Home, Louisburgh on Thursday, from 5pm, concluding with Vigil Prayers at 7pm.
This will be followed by removal to his home via Roonagh Pier, where Charles will travel home on his own boat the 'Tormore' to repose at his home in Strake from 9.30pm on Thursday night.
Removal on Friday from his home will be at 12.30pm, to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Clare Island for 1pm Mass of Christian Burial, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.
The notice adds that the 'O'Malley family will be forever grateful to all those who assisted them and Charles on Tuesday May 6, An Garda Síochána, the Coast Guard, Achill RNLI, and the island community.'
In the condolences section, people have left messages to 'Pauline and all the family on death of Charles'.
One offers: 'Our heartfelt condolences to Pauline, Maria, Bernie and Catriona, and a special mention to Ger, Chuck and Michael Gerry, you and all Charles Family and in laws, neighbours, Friends and neighbouring Islands who mourn his loss, our thoughts are with you all.'
Another adds: 'To say we are saddened, shocked and heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of Charles is an understatement.
'He was one kind gentleman and served us all well for many years. We are thinking of you all and pray God will strengthen and comfort you all at this difficult time and in the weeks and months ahead.
'Sincere condolences to Pauline, Bernie, Maria, Charles, Catriona, Gerard and extended family. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.'
Paying tribute to Mr O'Malley, Councillor Chris Maxwell described him as 'a pillar of the Clare Island community'.
'Charles was salt of the earth, a gentleman,' he said.
'People are devastated by this news. He was just a lovely man who had a kind word for everyone he met.'