Latest news with #CharlesGerry
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Heartbroken family of ferry operator who died after car entered water issue emotional message ahead of special funeral
THE heartbroken family of a well-known ferry operator who died after his car entered the water on Tuesday have issued an emotional thank you message. Charles O'Malley 1 Charles O'Malley sadly passed away after his car entered the water on Tuesday afternoon Credit: The 88-year-old, who was better known as Charles Gerry, was sadly A notice online told how he will be "sadly missed and remembered with love" by his wife Pauline, daughters Bernie, Maria and Cathriona, sons Charles and Gerard and brothers Michael and Josie. It said Charles will also be mourned by his grandchildren and wider family, alongside his "wide circle of friends, the Island community and the many generations of people he skippered to Clare Island". Following the tragic accident, Charles' family issued a special message of thanks to all those who assisted them and Charles on the day of the incident. READ MORE IRISH NEWS It said: "The O'Malley family will be forever grateful to all those who assisted them and Charles on Tuesday May 6th, An Garda Siochana, the Coast Guard, Achill RNLI, and the Island community." Charles reposed at Sweeney's Funeral Home in Louisburg yesterday, concluding with vigil prayers at 7pm. This was followed by removal to his home via Roonagh Pier, where Charles travelled home on his own boat the 'Tormore'. Removal from his home today will take place at 12:30pm, to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart on Clare Island for a 1pm mass. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Boats will depart Roonagh Pier at 10:45am and 12pm today and leave from Clare Island at 4:30pm, 6pm and 8:30pm this evening. Charles' family has requested family flowers only, with donations to the Charles, who was the proprietor of O'Malley Ferries, has been remembered by mourners as a "wonderful seaman" who "always had a smile and a warm welcome" for those visiting Clare Island. I'll never forget his big smile and hearty welcome every year I returned to Clare Island". Mourner One person said: "The loss of Charles Gerry to our Island is immeasurable. "A man whose work ethic built up a powerhouse which now continues on by his sons and daughters and, especially, his grandchildren. "He has skippered us all - 4 generations - with that glint in his eye and laughter. "My love to Pauline and all his family. As my late father used to say 'we'll never see the likes of him again'." Another mourner added: "Charles Gerry always had a smile and a warm welcome for me every time I went into the island. "His gentle presence will be very much missed. Ar dheis Dé ar a anam." A third said: "Charles will be missed by so many. He was warm and kind - a true gentleman. "I'll never forget his big smile and hearty welcome every year I returned to Clare Island; even as far back as when I was a kid, going back to the island with my mother." A spokesperson said: "Anyone with any information is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Thorough gentleman', 88, who died after car entered water in Mayo island accident ‘remembered with love' by family
TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who died after his car entered the water at Clare Island in Co Mayo on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased has been named locally as Charles O'Malley, 88, better known as Charles Gerry, of Strake, Advertisement 1 Charles O'Malley, better known as Charles Gerry, sadly lost his life this week Credit: A Garda spokesperson said: 'A car entered the water at approximately 1pm on Tuesday May 6 and the driver, a man aged in his 80s, was pronounced deceased at the scene." Locals said that Mr O'Malley was a ''thorough gentleman'' who welcomed everyone to the island. He was a great fan of country music and was also very good to visiting priests. Advertisement Read more in News Paying tribute, family friend Fr Patrick Mullins, from Tuam, Co "A great loss to his family and Clare Island." Another family friend, Fr Denis Craney from Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, said: "He was a great man to chat and tell a story. "We also worked together as trustees of the water scheme. Advertisement Most read in Irish News "He served the priests of the parish very well over many years and I know he was delighted when he was presented with the Bene Merenti medal from the Pope for his years of service. "May he rest in eternal peace." 'SADLY MISSED' Mr O'Malley is survived by his wife Pauline, daughters Bernie, Maria and Cathriona and sons Charles and Gerard. His death notice on notes he is "sadly missed and remembered with love". Advertisement He will rest in repose at Sweeney's Funeral Home in Louisburgh on Thursday from 5pm, before 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', and will repose in Strake from 9:30pm on Thursday night. His funeral mass will take place at 1pm at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Clare Island, and will be followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery. INFORMATION APPEAL Anyone with any information is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. Advertisement Clare Island, which is just south of Achill Island, has a small population of around 138 people, according to a census from three years ago. It is however, the largest of the Mayo offshore islands at 8km long and 5km wide. The island can be reached by a passenger only ferry from Roonagh Pier in Co Mayo.
