Lanesboro Ballyleague mourns death of wonderful character and proud Tyrone native Gerry Rooney

The shock of a relatively sudden death brings great grief to an area and this was the case when the news of the death at Mullingar Regional Hospital on Tuesday, March 12 of Gerry Rooney, Lough Ree Park.

Gerry, a native of Cookstown, Co Tyrone was predeceased by his parents Bob and Bella, his sister Molly and his brother Sean.

He moved to Ballyleague in 1982. He became a very popular figure in our community as Gerry as a great conversationalist and a wonderful character.

He loved to be out and about and cherished all his gardening work whether it was at his home, or in his estate.

He worked in Atlantic Mills (Burlington) until it closed and afterwards with FÁS in Derryhaun.

Gerry’s passion and pride of his home community and county was clearly evident and especially when Tyrone were playing and winning where he would be driving up and down the town with his flags flying. He loved the banter of it all and the slagging was always great fun whether it was a win, lose or draw. 

Gerry was a real family man and never forgot an occasion be it with his own kids or his siblings. Pride in his family was always to the fore and he cherished all their achievements. The next generation, the grandchildren were his pride and joy and they were treated royally and with his usual devilment.

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Gerry would shop a number of times a day just to chat and have the craic with all those that he met. He loved the injection of fun into conversations and be it on him or others he lightened the hearts of everyone.

Gerry was very loyal to his local community and was a great supporter of local events.

Gerry will always be fondly remembered and sadly missed by everyone that knew him.

His remains reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Thursday last, March 14. Removal of his remains took place from his home on Friday to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for Mass of the Resurrection. Burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert Cemetery.

To his sons Damian, Paul and David, his daughter Mary, his brothers Robert and Brendan, sister Anne, daughters-in-law Jaime, Karo and Bernadette, son-in-law Brían, grandchildren Eleanor, Rosabel, Lily and Edith, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.

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