There is sadness in Laois this week with the news of the death of Gerry Conway from Portarlington, a giant of a figure in the local traditional music community.
A much-loved and widely respected figure, he was a driving force behind Portarlington and Laois Comhaltas for over half a century. His wife Shirley was also hugely involved too.
His enthusiasm and kindness instilled a love of Irish traditional music to the many students he taught over the years, across the county and beyond.
Gerry was also a highly-regarded employee of Odlums for many years, where he worked in the labs.
Gerry passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family at home.
Greatly missed by his loving wife Shirley, sons John, Malachy, Alleyn, Ivan and daughter Laura, son in law Paul, daughters in law Sinead and Róisín, grandchildren Oscar, Adam and Cate, his sister Angela, niece Michelle and nephew Ian, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Gerry will be reposing at his residence in Avondale in Portarlington on Tuesday from 4pm to 9pm, with recital of the Rosary at 7pm.
Removal by Whelehan Funeral Director’s on Wednesday morning at 11.30 to arrive at Saint Michael’s Church Portarlington for 12 noon Requiem Mass, which can be viewed on https://www.mcmedia.tv/camera/st-michaels-church-portarlington
Interment will follow in Saint Michael’s Cemetery. House private on Wednesday morning please.
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