Tributes paid to a man who was the ‘heartbeat’ of the Glenfarne community - the late Gerry Finneran
In a special tribute from the Glenfarne Community Development Trust and the Rainbow Ballroom of Romance it was noted: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of our friend, Gerry Finneran’s passing.
“Gerry passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Dermot (Louise), Fiona (Eugene), Blaíthin (Alan), his grandchildren and all extended members of the Finneran family.
“Gerry has long been a hero for the parish of Glenfarne, having lived all of his life here. He was an electrician by trade and also a very capable handy-man who often generously put his skills to good use in the Ballroom of Romance, not to mention all the community activities in the parish.
“Gerry had a keen interest in heritage and culture from a very young age and always made himself available to help and organise traditional music concerts of song, dance and drama. As a founding member, he helped to coordinate the annual Gala Festival for over 50 years in Glenfarne. He would organise the annual Comhaltas bus tour whenever they stopped off at the Rainbow. Gerry was also a committee member of the Leitrim Guardian and wrote many articles for the magazine.
“Several years ago, when the Glenfarne Community Development Committee decided to open up an exhibition at the Ballroom of Romance, Gerry made his comprehensive showband memorabilia collection available to the public, which offers an invaluable insight into the history of the Rainbow Ballroom as well as Glenfarne and its surrounding townlands.
“The GAA was another big part of Gerry’s life, and at the club level he was present for both good and bad days. From the 1960s – 1980s, Gerry coordinated Scór and Scór nÓg at club level, a talent competition highlighting the heritage and cultural side of the GAA. Gerry was one of Leitrim GAA’s best supporters and could be seen in every county where Leitrim played, not forgetting trips to New York and London.
“Gerry will be fondly remembered as a dedicated advocate for the preservation and promotion of Irish culture and heritage in Glenfarne and beyond.”
Tributes paid at Council meeting
At Monday's meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District tributes were also paid to Gerry.
Cllr Sean McDermott recalled the “enormous contribution” Gerry had made to the local community and the wider North Leitrim area over the years.
“He was the heartbeat of our community and a great ambassador for Leitrim whenever he went away,” he said.
Noting Gerry's tremendous love of not just Leitrim, but traditional music, Cllr McDermott said he had provided a lifetime of service to the community.
He said that Gerry was part of the committee which founded the Glenfarne Gala Festival over 50 years ago adding that the museum in the Rainbow Ballroom of Romance wouldn't have been possible without the memorabilia Gerry made available for display.
“He was also a great supporter of Leitrim GAA and he'd travel to every match, no matter where it was. He even went to New York and London,” noted Cllr McDermott.
A motion of sympathy was then proposed and carried.
Funeral details
Gerry will be reposing in the Rainbow Ballroom, today, Wednesday May 17 from 4pm to 6.30pm, and from 7pm to 9pm.
His Funeral mass will be held in St Mary's Church (F91CA27) on Thursday, May at 12pm followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Any musicians attending the funeral mass are asked to bring their musical instruments.
Family flowers only please - donations in lieu if desired to North West Hospice and the Irish Cancer Society.
Video link for funeral mass: https://vimeo.com/826953390 .
The editor and staff of the Leitrim Observer would like to extend our sympathy to Gerry's family. Gerry has been a friend to the paper for many, many years.
Rest in Peace Gerry.