Gerry O Malley

Launch of Gerry O Malley Memorial this Saturday

Gerry O Malley

The launch of the Gerry O Malley Memorial will take place in Hamrocks Lounge, Brideswell on Saturday next, December 17th, at 9pm.

The idea for a tribute to Gerry O Malley came from Charlie Finneran, a personal friend of Gerry. Charlie invited Gerry’s family, friends, former teammates and acquaintances who have been inspired by his story to attend a meeting in Cam Community Centre last October.

Tales of Gerry were relayed at the Meeting and from this, ideas spawned on how best Gerry’s legacy was to be preserved for future generations. The suggestion of honouring the great sportsman and respected elder-statesman of Brideswell and County Roscommon was unanimously supported and a Committee to drive the project was formed.

Charlie Finneran was elected as Chairperson, Fiona Gavin as Secretary, Tom Harrison as Treasurer, Donal Hamrock as PRO and committee members include Andy McDonnell, Chrissie O’Malley, Tom Lennon, Aidan Curley, Paddy Harrison, Mary Dolan, Liam Fallon, Frankie Donnelly and Tomás Beades.

For readers who are unfamiliar with Gerry O Malley’s exploits he has been regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His heart was always in the right place in his native community, encouraging and enabling local development. Despite his high profile, most will remember Gerry as a friend, one who dealt with the trials and tribulations of life in a very human, heroic manner. In his later years he loved reminiscing with supporters about games gone by.

This is a project which springs from the community, and will remember Gerry’s contribution to sport and his locality will provide a permanent reminder to the youth of the area about the importance of living up to the legacy that he has left. When South Roscommon had no area for football or hurling Gerry provided his own land which in itself became a famous landmark in South Roscommon and it is fitting to respect a man that brought so many people together when times were a lot harder than now.

The community in South Roscommon has really bought into this once off project that will leave a legacy of memories. The Gerry O Malley Memorial Committee would welcome and be grateful for any financial assistance the public can give to this project. Although a ‘light has gone out in the south’, they feel that it is important to rekindle forever the spirit of this man, his grit and determination as a great athlete and his indomitable spirit as a human being. The Committee believe that it is important for generations to come that this spirit is fittingly remembered.

As mentioned above the launch of the Gerry O Malley Memorial project, which will feature a number of special guest speakers, takes place this Saturday. There will be a cheese and wine reception on arrival and all are welcome.