The late Gerard Cox The death, which took place in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast of Gerard Cox, Derrygonnelly shocked and saddened the entire community, and far beyond. The deceased was a devoted family man, and he leaves behind his wife, Mary (nee Gallagher, Garrison), his daughters, Mary (Jones), Siobhan (Maguire), Michelle (Campbell) and Geraly, and his grandchildren, Christopher, Stephen, Adrian and Megan Maguire, Colm and Sarah-Jane Jones, and Aoife Campbell and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He was the only child of the late Tommy and Jane Cox, from Drumadillar, Derrygonnelly. He attended the local St Patrick's Primary School when the late Master Tom Fee was Principal, A GAA man like himself in later years. On leaving school, Gerard worked, in turn, in two local stores, Storey's Shop and Ernie Parke & Sons, grocery and hardware. In January, 1967 he started working with Dickson Bros at their Drummee Quarries alongside his late father, Tommy, Gerard as a tarmac spreader operator and his father a roller driver. In later years, Gerard operated a digger in the quarry and did some rock drilling. He remained in the company's employment until the business closed in 1987. A few years later, Gerard ventured in to the tarmac business as his own boss. However, his plans had to be drastically changed when, in November, 1933 he had to have a by-pass operation to correct an arterial disease and, a few years later, he developed Crohn's Disease. This finally prevented Gerard from continuing to work. But he was to find work of a different kind later when, in the mid-90's, he took up as grounds-keeper for Derrygonnelly Harps GFC. It coincided with a blossoming of the club's usage, and the introduction of Sunday morning football, ladies team and in early 2000, a third adult team and a second pitch. It all made Gerard's job even busier, but in keeping with is trademark, his dedication and devotion to his job was beyond and above the call of duty. Both pitches became synonymous with all that was considered desirable in a club's grounds, and were the envy of many. His interest in the Harps, of course, began much earlier, as a player. He was a physically strong and very capable fullback who won an Intermediate medal in 1963 and continued playing in to the early 70's. His friendly manner easily transported itself everywhere and to anyone he met, his wit and craic making him a welcoming someone to brighten up a full day. His funeral Mass, in St Patrick's Church, Derrygonnelly was very largely attended. His four daughters carried their father's remains from his late home to the end of the avenue and the 'carry' resumed as far as the new football field, his brothers-in-law, John and Eamon Gallagher and two sons-in-law, Gerard Magurie and Charlie Jones taking over and then handing over to the Harps GFC players and officials for the final 'carry' to the end of the playing field at Ramper Cross. Mourners then escorted the hearse the rest of the way to the chapel where, awaiting the cortege, was a Harps GFC guard of honour comprising members of all the club's teams. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Damian McGovern, Derrygonnelly. Courtesy of the Fermanagh Herald 26/07/2006 Tweet

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