‘A linchpin of our community’ - tributes to Ger Gavin

By Simon O'Duffy

The passing last Friday week of Nenagh man Ger Gavin occasioned great sadness, as well as shock, as he continued to play an active role in the community right to the end of his long life.

Ger died suddenly at his St Conlon’s Road home, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 88.

Life President of Nenagh Éire Óg, he was a successful businessman who, along with his wife Bridie, opened his first shop on Kenyon St in 1979. Specialising in the sale of floor covering and gifts, they went on to establish their House of Gifts shop on Mitchel St in the mid ‘80s before opening their renowned home interior store on Sarsfield St in 1991.

Ger was equally well regarded for his passionate support of his hometown GAA club, with whom he held several roles, including chairman, between 1988 and 1996. “Ger was devoted to Nenagh Éire Óg and worked tirelessly for the club over the years,” a tribute on the club Facebook page stated in the wake of his passing. “He was instrumental in the development of MacDonagh Park in the late ‘80s and into the ‘90s. Ger became Life President in 2010 and up to his passing was still dedicated to all aspects of Nenagh Éire Óg.”

Also among the many leaving tributes on Friday and over the weekend was Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District Cllr Séamie Morris. “He epitomised everything that is good about the GAA and more,” Cllr Morris said of the deceased. “Nenagh Éire Óg has suffered a huge loss today.”

Nenagh Chamber also bade a “heartfelt farewell” to the local businessman, “a true legend”.

At Monday’s funeral Mass at St Mary of the Rosary Church - where Ger and Bridie were regularly in attendance over the years - Fr Michael Geraghty noted how people had lined the streets for the funeral cortège, and mentioned the outpouring of condolences that met the news of his passing.

“He was a friend of so many in Nenagh and beyond,” Fr Geraghty said of the deceased, adding that St Mary’s would have been “overflowing” with mourners were it not for the pandemic restrictions. “He really was a linchpin of our community.”

Among the symbols of Ger's life, brought to the altar by members of his family, were a measuring book and tape, representing his commitment to work. A sliotar and hurley, jersey and scarf symbolised his love of the GAA at both club and county level, along with a jockey cap and colours to signify his interest in horses and racing.

A photograph book capturing many happy occasions shared with family and friends was also brought to the altar, while a prayer book and set of Rosary beads symbolised Ger’s devotion to Church and God.

Fr Geraghty was one of the many people in Nenagh who knew Ger from work he had done in their home, in his case the measuring of floor space to fit a new carpet. He described the experience as a “most enjoyable half an hour”, such was the conversation Ger could hold. He also observed the Nenagh man’s “tremendous faith”.

Ger’s son Brendan, who joined the family business on Sarsfield St in the mid ‘90s, thanked the community far and wide for all the support and tributes that have been made since Friday. He thanked in particular Éire Óg for the observance of a minute’s silence at training on Friday night.

Brendan said his family was “blessed” to have parents who had a “unique bond that rubbed off on us all.

“Dad was so respectful and always had a kind word for everyone,” Brendan said. “He was always full of encouragement and support.”

Brendan considered himself fortunate to have worked alongside his father for the last 25 years. “He was my best friend, an unbelievable role model and mentor. I can only hope to have gained some of his traits.”

Beloved husband of his wife of 57 years Bridie, and loving father of Deirdre, Marion, Claire, Gerry and Brendan, Ger is sadly missed by his cherished family, sons-in-law Peter Moynan, Dermot Dolan and Michael Ryder; daughters-in-law Carmel Deacon and Niamh Droney; his adored grandchildren Sinead, Roisín, Jamie, Niamh, Eva, Mark, Diarmuid, Jill, Liam, Ruth, Rory, Emma and Aoife; sisters-in-law Bridie Gavin and Mai Griffin, nieces, nephews, relatives, kind neighbours and many friends. Burial took place at Monsea Cemetery. RIP.