Mr. Gerard McCarron, Kinawley

Widespread sadness has been evoked in the parish of Kinawley and surrounding areas following the sudden death at his home on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, of Gerard McCarron. A highly popular weighbridge operator at the Quinn Group, Gerard had a remarkable personality and is remembered for his very kind and gentle nature. His passing has left a huge void within his close knit family, his wide circle of friends and the community as a whole. The fourth of a family of six, he lived at home in Aughaderralummon, Kinawley, with his parents. Born on October 19, 1970, Gerard attended St. Naile's Primary school before moving to St. Aidan's High School. At the age of 16 he went to Fermanagh College to study a HND in Business Studies. Gerard's aim however was to secure employment and at the age of 17 he took up the position of weighbridge operator at the Quinn Group. He started his employment in September 1988 and this was to be his first and only job. Gerard also loved working on the family farm, having a great interest in farming from a young age. In this regard he proved to be a very valuable helping hand to his father in later years. The outdoors gave him great pleasure and he liked walking to keep fit. A devoted son and brother, he would do anything for his parents and siblings. Warm hearted and generous he was the focal point when the family met up as he played such a pivotal role in all their lives. Gerard was a great friend to all who knew him. He was bubbly, intelligent, quick witted and extremely gentle in nature. Above all Gerard was family orientated and was very loving, supportive and protective of his parents and his brothers and sisters. He was immensely well liked not least by his colleagues at the Quinn Group many of whom were his close friends. He enjoyed going out with his friends every Saturday night and attending concerts, being at one in Belfast with his friends only a few weeks before his death. Whilst he spent many hours at work, he found time to relax on holidays. He particularly loved Florida, which he visited on a number of occasions. A devout Catholic, Gerard attended mass on a regular basis. Gerard's home, the removal of his remains and his funeral Mass in St. Naile's church, Kinawley, were widely attended. The funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Hannon assisted by Frs. Kelly and McKiernan. During the homily, Fr. Hannon spoke about the life of Gerard, making particular reference to how he touched so many people in his short life. Staff from the Quinn Group formed guards of honour at the removal and funeral. He was buried in the family plot with his grandparents in the old cemetery adjacent to the church. Gerard is survived by his parents, Benny and Mary E., his brothers, Gabriel, Jude and Aidan, his sisters, Anne and Nuala, sister-in-law, niece and nephews.