Stalwart of Sinn Féin party Gerry Carroll is laid to rest

The death has occurred of Gerry Carroll, who was a beloved member of the Sinn Fein party for over fifty years.

Gerry, of Grange Heights Waterford, and formerly of Narabane, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side at the Oak Ward at UHW on Monday November 4.

The family expressed that they would like to thank the Staff in the Cherry Ward and the Oak Ward, University Hospital Waterford for the wonderful, care and support given to Gerry and his family. It was all greatly appreciated.

Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday (6th November) in St. Senan's Church, Kilmacow at 11am, immediately afterwards Gerry was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

At his funeral mass, the tricolour draped the coffin of the man who was described as 'a true comrade' whose 'life was Sinn Fein'.

In her touching eulogy, Gerry's daughter Martina said: "No matter how big and small, Dad played every part. As for his love for Catherine, you could see how much they both loved each other."

"Looking at the crowd here today and the crowd who came to house last night, just goes to show how much Dad was loved by everyone, and he loved you all too.

"He was one of a kind and Dad fought a hard battle to the end."

Expressing his condolences, local Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane said last week: “We have found out the very sad news that a very dear friend of mine and a longstanding member of Sinn Fein, Gerry Carroll had passed away.

“Gerry has been a member of Sinn Fein for over 50 years and all the time I’ve been involved in politics Gerry was one of the hardest workers that we’ve had and one of the best members that we’ve had.

"He was always there to put up posters, to canvas, to sell the Easter Lily. He sold An Phoblacht for years, and he was just one of the staunch members who never lost faith in Sinn Fein, never lost faith in a united Ireland, always was campaigning for justice on every single protest ever in Waterford on any issue, from healthcare, to housing, to radiotherapy.

“Gerry Carroll was always out and Gerry Carroll was always on the streets standing with the people of Waterford.

“We have lost a very true friend. My condolences to his wife Catherine, to his children and to his family and all of us in Sinn Fein will sorely, sorely miss Gerry Carroll. May he rest in peace.” 

In condolences expressed from the public, Gerry was described as 'a staunch and true Irishman with an endearing personality' and someone who will always be remembered as a 'lovely, bright, bubbly person, with a great sense of humour', who committed years of 'trojan work' to the Sinn Fein party.

Gerry will be sadly missed by his loving wife Catherine, his son Fergal, daughter Martina, son-in-law Simon, his adoring granddaughters Chloe, Molly and Saoirse, he will be fondly remembered by his stepchildren Laura and Tony and their children Charlotte, Alex, Nathan, Robyn, and Dylan, his brothers Sean, Seamus, Patrick, Brian, Brendan and his sister Bernadette, extended family and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents Jimmy and Bridie Carroll, brother Dominic and sister Mary.