St Peter's College - Dunboyne, Co Meath

Gerry began his career in O’Connell’s CBS in 1982 and spent sixteen years there, teaching maths, Science and Chemistry. During that time, he earned a reputation as a hardworking, inspiring teacher, who brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm to his work. Students and teachers alike, who turned up in large numbers at his funeral, remember well his dedication to the academic and pastoral dimensions of his job. His positive outlook on life never deserted him, even in the final stages of his illness.

 Gerry moved to St Peter’s Dunboyne in 1998 and picked up where he had left off, teaching students of all ability levels with equal care and commitment to high standards. Outside the classroom he introduced many students to Tae Kwan Do / Kick Boxing and shared this interest with them as many worked their way to joining him at black belt level. He also brought many groups to outdoor pursuit centres, reflecting his own lifelong interest in hiking and hill-walking.

Gerry packed a lot into his fifty years.  He travelled the world, often leading groups on walking tours in Europe and further afield. His philosophy was to live life to the full, enjoy nature, people and culture and never stop learning. He took up Spanish a number of years ago and loved to use it when he travelled. And even when his illness had begun to show itself, he undertook a masters in Guidance and Counselling  in Trinity College and was conferred with honours, in St Francis’ Hospice, a week before his death. It was a fitting tribute and honour to an outstanding educationalist and promoter of lifelong learning.

Gerry was laid to rest on Sunday, February 28^th, in his mother’s home place of Belmont, Co Offaly. He will be sadly missed by his girlfriend, Mary, his cousin Vincent and the numerous relatives, friends and colleagues who were privileged to get to know him during his short, but very full lifetime.

Ar Dheis De go raibh a N-anam