Gerry was from the parish of Annaghdown, Co. Galway. He graduated from UCD in 1957 and practiced for a time in Dublin. He obtained a DDS from the University of Toronto in 1963 and, on his return to practice in Dublin, joined the staff of the Dublin Dental Hospital from 1963 to 1967. A Clinical Tutor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry he lectured on the subject in Ireland, the UK and on the Continent; was the author of many articles in dental journals and co-author of the "Fractured Incisor". In 1967 he moved his practice to Galway. A member of the Federation Dentaire International since 1960, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of that body in 1967. He became a member of the American Dental Society of Europe in 1967, was President of the Irish Dental Association in 1975; was elected member of the Irish Dental Board from 1978-1985, and in 1982 was elected a Fellow of the International College of Dentistry. In 1981 Gerry became one of the few Irish dentists to be awarded Honourary Membership of the American Dental Association. Subsequently, he used his considerable influence and charm to secure ADA's participation in the joint Trinity 400-IDA meeting in Dublin in July 1992. Since then the IDA has enjoyed a special alliance with the ADA and the ADA has honoured further members of the IDA. Gerry was one of the most highly respected members of the Dental Profession both nationally and internationally. At local level both his colleagues and his patients held him in the highest esteem and his professionalism coupled with his high standards were regarded as those to emulate. Certainly through his influence he brought Dentistry in the West of Ireland to the highest international standards and his colleagues were proud to have him as a friend and mentor. A natural Sportsman, he was on the Galway minor hurling and football teams in a year when they were All-Ireland hurling finalists and football champions. Latterly, he loved his golf but was never more in his element than when organising fishing for his friends on his native Lough Corrib, culminating with a picnic on one of the many islands. Gerry is survived by his wife, Sighle, and their six children. Due to the protracted nature of his illness the family had some difficult times in the past three years; they coped with private dignity. Shortly before he died Gerry attended the wedding of his daughter, Amalee. Showing great resolve he walked her up the aisle and , later, proposed a toast to the bride and groom. It was the last of many great days. Gerry will be sorely missed by all. Courtesy of Connacht Tribune. July 2007 Tweet

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