Gerry Enright

REPUBLICANS in Ireland and the USA were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Gerry Enright, Limerick and New York on September 3, 2021

Gerry was born into a musical, Republican family in Killeedy, County Limerick. Like many young men of his generation, Gerry left home as a young man in search of work in England and later on in Germany, Australia and eventually New York City. Gerry was raised in Sliabh Luachra which is rich in traditional Irish music. At a young age Gerry learned to master the bodhrán and played in several bands in Dingle.

In New York City, Gerry became involved with Cumann na Saoirse Náisiúnta/National Irish Freedom Committee. He participated in numerous NIFC events over the years, including Easter commemorations, attending and auctioning Republican memorabilia at annual Pearl and Michael Flannery Testimonial Dinners, Fenian commemorations, as well as contributing to NIFC and CABHAIR, leafletting at the British Consulate, letter-writing campaigns and participating in musical entertainment atseveral Republican functions.

Gerry taught bodhrán and tin whistle to young Irish Americans in the Bronx and Yonkers for many years. Through NIFC, Gerry met and spent time with many US-based stalwart Irish Republicans, including Séamus Ó Dubhda and Mike and Tom Costello. Séamus was an important mentor to Gerry and taught him much about Irish history and Republicanism. After 30 years in New York City, Gerry moved back to Co Limerick in July 2018 and he resided in Drumcollogher and taught music to children and to support Irish culture and Republicanism.

He was a big fan of the GAA and was delighted when Limerick won the All-Ireland hurling Championships in 2020 and 2021. He was a very fitting USA honoree at the CABHAIR Testimonial function in Dublin in May 2019. His funeral Mass took place on September 8 at St Ita’s Church, Ashford followed by a private cremation at Shannon Crematorium. SAOIRSE and CABHAIR extend deepest sympathy to his wife Jane, brothers Martin and Patrick, stepdaughter Kathy and her husband, their sons, Joseph and Jack, cousins Garrett and Phyliss and extended relatives and friends.

Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasail.

Saoirse-Irish Freedom

Deireadh Fómhair/October 2021