South Limerick in shock at death of much loved teacher

Role as one of the founder members of the Knocklong branch of Mitchelstown Credit Union in the local village.
Finance manager, Eimear Sugrue paid this tribute on behalf of Mitchelstown Credit Union this week,

"Ger Power was a founding member of Knocklong Credit Union branch in May 1984. Along with Denis Richardson, Tom Fitzpatrick, Margaret Harty, Jim Mullins, Bill Power and many other stalwarts of the local area, he took the initiative in contacting Mitchelstown Credit Union to discuss the feasibility of setting up a credit union branch in Knocklong."

Michael Hennessy, former manager of the Credit Union recalled, "When we received the initial request for a credit union service, we were not very enthusiastic. However, having met the people from Knocklong, especially Ger Power, our scepticism was immediately changed to unconditional enthusiasm for the project. It was clear to us that the people involved were fully representative of the community, and, in Ger Power, they had a community leader of incomparable energy and ability."

Ger was elected chairman of the local credit union committee, and was to remain deeply involved, as the branch was set up and operated from the community hall. He, later oversaw the development of the new office, and was proud to be MC at its official opening by Limerick hurling All Star, Ciaran Carey on September, 1996.
Eimear Sugrue added, "Its is true to say that the outstanding success of the Credit Union is a product of a lot of hard work and dedication by a lot of people. It is also true to say that Ger Power's contribution was above and beyond the call of duty. As one local said -if the credit union is good enough for Ger Power, then its good enough for me'. That was the true measure of the man."

"Everyone involved in the credit union were devastated to hear of the sad loss. He is fondly remembered by all as the authentic voice of Knocklong and the surrounding area. The sincere sympathy of everyone in the credit union goes to his wife Kathleen and her family. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis."
Limerick county councillor and former All Star hurler, Michael Houlihan of Kilmallock, also paid tribute to Ger.

"It was a privilege to have known and be associated with Ger Power. He will be fondly remembered for his gentle manner and enormous contribution to the community in so many ways. When the awards for service to fellow man are being handed out Ger will be there among the All Stars. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife Kathleen, their family and extended family."

A kind and unassuming individual by nature, Ger Power's influence extended into almost every aspect of community life in South Limerick.
His loss will be felt most extremely by his heartbroken wife and family and also by the Countless people that he helped and assisted in so many different ways.
The esteem in which Ger Power was held was reflected in that fact that removal of his remains from Davern's Funeral Home, Hospital on Friday night of last week was delayed by several hours such was the extent of the large crowd that attended.
St Joseph's Church in Knocklong was packed to capacity at least half an hour in advance of the scheduled start of the 11.30 am funeral mass on the following day, Saturday November 13.

The rain that fell on a dark November day mirrored the abject air of gloom that prevailed and tears of utter heartbreak flowed freely as Ger Power was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. South Limerick has lost a good one, and that's for sure!

Courtesy of The Avondhu 18/11/10 Tweet

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