The death took place of Josie McInerney, Church Street, Gort. He was a prominent businessman and sportman and he died at University Hospital, Galway, during Christmas week following a short illness. He was aged 77. A native of Ardrahan, he moved to Gort in 1957 and opened a retail business at the Square before he established the firm known as Joseph J McInerney, Auctioneers, at Church Street in 1962. He was later to set up an agency of the Irish Nationwide Building Society. The business flourished over the years as transactions in property became more numerous. He enjoyed an excellent relationships with his clients and had a great rapport with the people of South Galway and North Clare over his half century in business. The professionalism with which Josie carried on his business was acknowledged some 10 years ago when the distinction of Fellow of the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute was bestowed on him. He was also a Commissioner of Oaths. Josie was particularly well known for his lifelong love of hurling and golf. He played senior hurling with his native Ardrahan from 1949 to 1956 and also served as club secretary for some years. He won a county championship medal with the team that emerged victorious over Loughrea in the 1949 Galway county final and played at full forward in the drawn 1956 final against Turloughmore. Strange as it may seem, that controversial final was not replayed and the title was awarded to Turloughmore. Different versions of what happened following the drawn game are often told. His playing career with Ardrahan paralleled that of his brother Miko, who also played with Galway from 1950 to 1954. A keen golfer, he played at the local course for several decades, along with Lahinch and other courses in Galway and Clare. He served in the positions of captain and president of Gort Golf Club and played a noteworthy role in the club's progress particularly in the decades of the 1970s and 1980s. He was also a noted and popular figure on the cards circuit, one of the great social traditions of Irish life. Josie was a founder member of Gort and District Lions Club and he played a leading role in many of its projects since it was formed in 1992. He was the club's first president and also held the positions of secretary and treasurer. Ennis Lions Club sponsored the Gort club in that formation year and members of the club attended his funeral. District Governor of Lions Clubs International for Ireland, Pat Connolly, was also in attendance. By nature, Josie was quiet, modest and unassuming. He had a steely determination to do his work properly, both in his business and in the sporting organisations in which he was involved. He frowned on half measures and anything less than 100%. He had an unwavering belief in proper behaviour on and off the field. In all aspects of his life, he had high standards and was a true gentleman and an inspiring friend and colleague. His pleasant and gracious manner endeared him to all who knew him. He was a man of great wit and humour who always had a quip or joke when the opportunity presented itself. He suffered some health problems in recent years but bore them with courage and never allowed them to cloud his optimism for life. During the weeks in December when he was coping with his illness, he maintained the same positive outlook until just a few days before Christmas when he became more severely affected. News of his passing was received with regret in Gort and the surrounding areas. Canon Joseph Keogh, former PP Ardrahan was chief celebrant of the funeral mass at St Colman's Church, Gort. In his homily, he recalled that Josie McInerney had the gift of being a pleasant man, easy to get on with and was also gifted in the sporting arena as a fine hurler and golfer. On behalf of the family, his daughter, Anne, delivered a reflection at the end of the mass. She spoke of the loyalty which Josie had to the clubs he joined, particularly Ardrahan GAA Club, Gort Golf Club and Gort Lions Club. "He took huge pride in playing for Ardrahan, especially playing with his favourite hurler, Miko (brother)," she said. She also recalled his involvement with the local golf club and his dedication to playing the game. Colman Sherry sang at the mass and Mary Kealy and Katie and Jack Sherry played music. The huge crowds who attended his funeral was testimony of the esteem and affection in which he was held. As a mark of respect, a large guard of honour was formed at both the removal from his home on Saturday and after the mass on last Sunday week. The coffin was draped in the blue and white of Ardrahan GAA club. Participants in the guard of honour included officers of Galway County Board; members of Ardrahan and Gort GAA Clubs; Gort Golf Club and Gort and Ennis Lions Clubs. Josie will be much missed by his wife, Sadie; sons, Gerry , Jarlath, Enda and Austin; daughters, Mary and Anne; brother, Miko; grandchildren; daughters-in-law; son-in-law; nieces, nephews; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law and many friends. - Courtesy of the Clare Champion, 18th January 2008 Tweet

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