The Late Gerry Cribbin The death occurred, on Thursday, 17th February of Mr Gerry Cribbin, Tooraree, Ballyhaunis. Gerry had been in the General Hospital, Castlebar for a number of days and news of his sudden and unexpected demise was met with disbelief and sadness in his home town and further afield. He was in his early seventies. Gerry was a man of many talents and interests, but he will be particularly remembered as an authority on the archaeology and history of the Ballyhaunis area, and indeed of County Mayo. Unassuming and retiring, he never sought special recognition for this gift and shared generously his encyclopedic knowledge on those subjects. Any newly discovered earthwork or unexplained old artefact found in the area was inevitably reported to him, and he was always able to offer an explanation as to its origins and significance. He was clear and concise speaker, but more importantly he was a good listener from an early age: he knew the important questions to ask and it was this, combined with his remarkable memory that accounted for much of his considerable store of local history and genealogical information that he garnered from older generations. For many years he was an active member of the Mayo Archaelogical and Historical Society, based in Castlebar, and regularly attended their many lectures and outings. In fact, no field trip was complete without Gerry whose good humour and story-telling ability added considerably to the enjoyment of the day out. His eagle-eye for spotting archeological features was legendary, and he made many significant discoveries in his lifetime - too many to record here. He was founding member of the Ballyhaunis Heritage Society, active from 1984 till 1989, and later became a member of the Annagh Magazine Society when it took over the production of the annual parish magazine from Junior Chamber in 1990. For the past fifteen years he worked tirelessly, sourcing articles and photographs, identifying those featured in old pictures, collecting sponsorship selling and delivering magazines. In recent years he contributed a number of well researched and informative articles on a broad range of subjects. He was a founding member of the Waldron Clan Association and played a major part in the success of their two Gatherings and ten publications to date. In the early nineties he struck up a friendship with members of the academic staff of University of Manchester. Over the last decade he worked with them on many different projects including excavations on Kiltullagh Hill and he co authored a number of papers on the important findings made there. He contributed too the post-graduate studies and projects of many students from Manchester University and other institutions since then. Gerry involved himself in many worthy organisations and projects in his native parish and county. In the homily at his funeral Mass, Canon Cooney credited Gerry with having instilled in him the idea of adding a spire to the parish church: Gerry it was who first gave him a 'Western People' cutting from 1903 containing a sketch of the church as it would appear complete with such a spire. Gerry threw himself into the fundraising effort which became the Ballyhaunis Millennium Project and followed every step of the undertaking to completion with enthusiasm. More recently, Gerry contributed the section on Annagh ( Ballyhaunis) parish for the forthcoming illustrated history of the Archdiocese of Tuam, edited by fellow Ballyhaunis man Fr Kieran Waldron. Sadly Gerry did not see the book come to fruition, but readers with an interest in the parish of Annagh can rest assured that their parish's history will be accurately recorded therein for posterity. Gerry was largely self educated but, in recent years attended University College Galway where he graduated with an Honours Dipolma in Archaeology in 1998. His academic achievements rest lightly on his shoulders, however, and he never drew attention to them. Retiring by nature, he took up public speaking with reluctance, but once the talk started flowing, his grasp of history and archaeology was immediately apparent. While antiquarian matters were never far from his mind. Gerry had to earn a living and this he did as a tradesmen and painter. A neat and tidy worker, he could turn his hand to any construction or repair project. In his younger days he worked for many years in the putting up of hay-sheds around the country. A talented handball player, he participated in competitions and tournaments around the country. He was a founder member of the reformed Ballyhaunis Handball Club in the late 1970s and was active in teaching the game to the younger generation. He had a great fondness too for traditional music and song and regularly attend fleadhs, concerts and musical events around the country. He is survived by his brothers Jack (Australia) and Tony (London); nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Removal took place from Donnellan's Funeral Home to St Patrick' Church, Ballyhaunis. Funeral Mass offered by Canon Joseph Cooney P.P. (Chief celebrant) assisted by Fr Kieran Waldron, P.P. Killererin, Fr James Cribbin., C.C. Ballina ( cousins of the deceased), and Fr Kieran Burke, C.C. Ballyhaunis. Burial took place in the parish cemetery. May he rest in peace. Fr Burke composed the following tribute which he read at the graveside. A Poetic Tribute to Gerry Cribbin (RIP) Farewell, you did the people of this Annagh Parish proud, During your earthly life, in truth, you stood out from the crowd, Your knowledge deep, it was profound on distant days of yore. But now you're journied on, and reached the great eternal shore. Your faith, it was a fortress in the ups and downs of life, You were committed to it, and your troubles it made light. You were indeed a gentleman, your learning you wore light, Your unassuming spirit it shone out, both clear and bright. You left behind a written store, it's a true legacy, On topics of great interest, most of all, on history. T'was well you knew the ringforts, and the monuments of old, And holy wells and ancient walls, which Church sites could unfold. Indeed you were most helpful, when your saga advice was sought, Twas much appreciated, for such things can not be bought. Full oft' did you contribute to the Annagh Magazine, Your articles appeared therein - by many eyes were seen. Your many friends will miss you, for you'll not be coming back, You little dog will also, that Jack Russell - little Jack! For now that you've passed over, many hearts are sad and sore, You left this world so quickly, sure we'll see your likes no more By Fr. Kieran Burke Courtesy of the Western People March 15th 2005 Tweet

Most Read Stories