South Galway mourns sad passing of popular auctioneer Many tributes have been paid on the death of popular Gort auctioneer Joe McInerney, whose business extended to all parts of South Galway and North Clare. Joe combined his professional talents with a genial manner which endeared him to all who knew him. Sport was his hobby and he was a pioneer in the local world of golf. He was also active in many charitable and voluntary organisations, and often gave individuals a helping hand for which he never sought recognition. A native of South Park, Ardrahan, Joe's early interest in sport emerged on the hurling field. He was a substitute on the Ardrahan side that won the county senior title in 1949. For several years, he played with the Ardrahan team that dominated the South Galway Board championship through the middle of the last century. After he went to live in Gort he turned out for the local club there as well. Joe began his career as District Rate Collector in 1952. This gave him a comprehensive insight into rural life and he made many friends during his part of this working life which ended in 1982. He had also established an auctioneers office at Church Street in Gort in 1962. In later years he would vividly recall those landmark occasions, when an acre of land realised £1,000 or when £100 was paid for grass grazing. In latter times, he concentrated on the letting of grass on the eleven months system. He had, over the years, extensive lists of letting and this continues today through his family company. Joe was also appointed a Fellow of the Institute of Auctioneers and Valuers of Ireland (IAVI). Later in life he also became an agent of the Irish Nationwide Building Society. In the formative years of the Gort Credit Union, Joe provided the services of his office for the Union to allow it to conduct its business with the public. In more recent times, he assisted Kinvara Credit Union in its project to build offices at Main Street in the town. Joe loved to play golf and he was Captain of Gort Golf Club in 1973 and President in 1987. He was a member of Lahinch Golf Club and he took an active role in the affairs of Gort Golf Club at the time the club held the course at Laughtyshaughnessy. Joe was a founder member of Gort Lions Club and was its inaugural President in 1992. He took a key role in its projects one of which was the collection of funds - eventually totalling £63,000 - in aid of Gort Heritage Town. In the middle of last year, Joe was a founder member of the Gort Cancer Support Group. The massive attendance at his funeral in Gort on both days was testimony to the high regard in which he was held. A Guard of Honour was formed by members of the Ardrahan Hurling Club, Gort Hurling Club, Gort and Ennis Lions Club, Gort and Lahinch Golf Clubs and Gort and Kinvara Credit Unions. Mourners included Lions Club District Governor Peter Connolly and International Delegate Terence Mangan and the Captain of Lahinch Golf Club Padraig McGann. Chief celebrant at the Requiem Mass in St Colman's Church, Gort was the Fr Joe Keogh, former PP of Ardrahan, assisted by Fr Cullen, PP, Kiltoom, Athlone; Canon Michael Kelly, PP, Gort; Fr Pat Whelan, PP, St Patricks, Galway; Fr Vincent Lawless, PP, Kiltulla; Fr Richie Higgins, PP, Ardrahan; Fr Paddy Callanan, PP, Kilbeacanty; Fr Adrian McGrath and Fr Joe Roche PP. Hymns were sung by Colman Sherry and liturgical music was played by Mary Kealy, Jack Sherry and Kate Sherry. Burial at Gort Parish cemetery took place following Requiem Mass. Joe McInerney is survived by his widow Sadie (nee Keary, Kilconieron), daughters Mary and Anne, sons Gerard, Jarlath, Enda and Austin; by his brother Miko and by his grandchildren, relatives and friends. - courtesy of the Connacht Tribune, 11th January 2008 Tweet

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