Sleep Tight Ger Lawlor

Everyone in the parish of Newmarket-on-Fergus was sent into a state of shock on Friday morning when news broke of the sudden passing of Ger Lawlor.

Ger was a recognisable and popular figure in Newmarket-on-Fergus and beyond, anyone who has heard the tragic news has instantly been taken aback to hear a fit and active man that took care of himself so well is no longer with us.

Down through the years, our club has had a mixture of good and bad times. All the while, Ger was always there behind us, he was at Fr Murphy Memorial Park religiously whether it was watching the U14 Hurlers, the Senior Camogie team or the Intermediate Hurlers he gave his support to any team or anyone wearing the CLG Cora Chaitlín crest come hail, rain, snow or sun.

He was a refreshing character in that he called it as he saw it. Ger didn’t tell people what they wanted to hear, instead he told them what they needed to hear. Honesty pulsed through his veins and he never held back from giving his opinion, this trait is what made every interaction with Ger a memorable one.

Not alone did he give his opinion, but Ger gave so much to so many people. His fundraising efforts for Our Lady’s Children Hospital, Crumlin were nothing short of heroic. Year on year he raised funds for the hospital by cycling whether it was on the road, in Sky Court Shopping Centre or climbing the Alps (minus the bike).

Wearing the club colours he played hurling at all underage grades and also lined out at Intermediate and Junior. He won an U15 championship in 1966 and a year later collected the U16 equivalent. Ger was a prominent handballer in his day and was a regular visitor to the alleys to see how the current crop and the next generation were faring.

From 2003 to 2006, Ger served as Field Maintenance Officer with our club and it would be an understatement to declare that our facilities were as good as they could be at the time because of a certain Ballycar resident. Pitches were always lined with flags out and dressing rooms immaculately clean during his time in the role, when a new lick of paint was required there was no delay in getting the job done, he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

We extend our sympathies to Ger’s family and friends at this difficult time. He was extremely proud to see how much his two children, Fearghal and Áine have done with their lives and seeing them represent the club down the years brought him a great deal of satisfaction. 2016 saw Fearghal return to action with our Junior Hurlers and to say this brought a smile to his father’s face would be putting it mildly, that extended to a beaming smile following their League Final success with Fearghal scoring 1-01 on the day.

Chances are when you walked through the big gate at Fr Murphy Memorial Park, you would have spotted Ger, now he’s headed for big gates elsewhere but we know he will always be with us in spirit supporting us on whether it’s at the pitch by the big gate or elsewhere.

Sleep tight Ger, RIP.

Funeral Details:
Ger Lawlor, Ballycar, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare and formerly of Aerlingus. February 16th 2017 unexpectadly at home. Husband of the late Patricia. Deeply regretted by his son Fearghal and his partner Leanne, daughter Áine and her partner Damien, brothers Donal and Michael, sisters Anne, Bridget and Mary, sisters in law, brothers in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Reposing in Carrigoran House, Newmarket on Fergus on Monday, 20th February, from 6pm to 7:30pm with removal to Newmarket on Fergus Church. Funeral Mass on Tuesday, 21st February, at 11am. Burial afterwards in Fenloe Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Crumlin Children’s Hospital.