Gerry O’Brien RIP – Ardscoil Rís & St. Vincents GAA Club

March 4, 2018 Peter Smyth

Gerry O’Brien RIP

We have just heard of the passing of former teacher Gerry O’Brien, who died this morning. Gerry was synonymous with Scoil Mhuire and Ardscoil Ris for more than forty years from the late 1960’s. Teaching was a true vocation for Gerry, who was a deeply spiritual and humane man. He loved nothing more than talking to and about former students, thrilled by their successes. To those students he was always Gerry, never Mr. O’Brien! He retired from Ardcoil about fifteen years ago but dropped in regularly to see his friends. He is fondly remembered by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his former students and colleagues alike. He was also closely associated with St. Vincents GAA club and served as chairman of the club for a period in the mid 1990’s.

Rest in Peace Gerry.

Ar dheis De go raibh do Anam uasal.

All involved with the Club are deeply saddened at the passing of Gerry O’Brien, RIP. Gerry was a former Chairman and mentor with St. Vincents and, over the years, worked with so many teams both in the Club and in Ard Scoil Rís where he was equally popular with those he taught and trained. As a supporter, many of us will remember him pacing the terrace in Parnell Park, taking occasional glances at the pitch to see how his beloved St. Vincents team was doing that day, and how he would laugh out loud when the game was over and we’d won! In 1990 he mentored the then Marino Camogie Club to its first senior c’ship success and won the hearts of all involved with the team. At its 25th Anniversary celebrations in 2015 the whole panel came together to the great delight of Gerry. Of course he wasn’t allowed home that night until he had entertained us with his sparkling rendition of “Happiness”! Somehow I think that tune will be playing in peoples’ heads over the coming days.

Over the years, in conversations with various people around the Club, you would discover how many good friends he had in St. Vincents and it was no wonder! He was a truly unique, special man who endeared himself to all he met.

You will be so very sadly missed Gerry. Rest in peace dear friend, you deserve to. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.

Funeral Arrangements:

O’Brien, Gerard (Gerry) (Clontarf and Traverstown, Nenagh, Tipperary) (formerly of Ardscoil Rís, St. Vincent’s GAA Club and Turvey Golf Club) – March 2nd. 2018 (suddenly) at the Mater Hospital, Dublin. Sadly missed by his loving brother Dinny, sister Tess, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Reposing at the Kirwan Funeral Home, Fairview Strand on Tuesday, March 6th, from 6pm until 7.30pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, March 7th, in Church of St. John the Baptist, Clontarf at 10am. Funeral thereafter to Glasnevin Crematorium. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to the Heart Foundation.