TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who died after his car entered the water at Clare Island in Co Mayo on Tuesday afternoon.
The deceased has been named locally as Charles O’Malley, 88, better known as Charles Gerry, of Strake, Clare Island.
Charles O’Malley, better known as Charles Gerry, sadly lost his life this week[/caption]
Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene of the fatal accident at Glen after the alarm was raised.
A Garda spokesperson said: “A car entered the water at approximately 1pm on Tuesday May 6 and the driver, a man aged in his 80s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Locals said that Mr O’Malley was a ”thorough gentleman” who welcomed everyone to the island.
He was a great fan of country music and was also very good to visiting priests.
Paying tribute, family friend Fr Patrick Mullins, from Tuam, Co Galway, said: “I always had a word with him when I visited the island and he was always in great form.
“A great loss to his family and Clare Island.”
Another family friend, Fr Denis Craney from Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, said: “He was a great man to chat and tell a story.
“We also worked together as trustees of the water scheme.
“He served the priests of the parish very well over many years and I know he was delighted when he was presented with the Bene Merenti medal from the Pope for his years of service.
“May he rest in eternal peace.”
‘SADLY MISSED’
Mr O’Malley is survived by his wife Pauline, daughters Bernie, Maria and Cathriona and sons Charles and Gerard.
His death notice on RIP.ie notes he is “sadly missed and remembered with love”.
He will rest in repose at Sweeney’s Funeral Home in Louisburgh on Thursday from 5pm, before concluding with vigil prayers at 7pm.
This will be followed by removal to his home via Roonagh Pier, where Charles will travel home on his own boat, the ‘Tormore’, and will repose in Strake from 9:30pm on Thursday night.
His funeral mass will take place at 1pm at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Clare Island, and will be followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.
INFORMATION APPEAL
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Clare Island, which is just south of Achill Island, has a small population of around 138 people, according to a census from three years ago.
It is however, the largest of the Mayo offshore islands at 8km long and 5km wide.
The island can be reached by a passenger only ferry from Roonagh Pier in Co Mayo.