Profoundly deaf Gerald was one of town’s first tattoo artists

GERALD Grimes, who died suddenly at his home at Hughes Park on 20 March, 2017, was a member of an old and respected Dundalk family, widely known in the street vending of newspapers, an occupation in which his late father Thomas engaged outside churches on Sundays.

Gerald, or Mungo as he liked to be called, such was his great love of the rock group Mungo Jerry, was a colourful character.

He was a highly-talented artist, and one of Dundalk’s first tattoo artists, and very much immersed in the culture and music of his era. He was a member of the Teddy Boys.

Profoundly deaf from a young age, he was well educated, a scholar and philosopher who studied different religions, and idolised the Argentinean- born revolutionary Che Guevara, who later became a pop culture hero.

Mungo was an avid reader, and had a collection of books which ran to thousands

He had a particular fascination with the Middle East, especially Egypt and Arabia, which was reflected in the decoration of his home and love of the film ‘Laurence of Arabia’.

It is believed it was the last film which he was able to hear. ‘Gladiator’ was another film for which he had a particular liking.

He always held the ambition to be a soldier which was indicative in his dress, preferring to wear combat gear.

He was precluded, however, from serving in the Irish as well as the British army due to his disability, but availed of th e opportunity to join the Croatian army as a volunteer in the 90s. He fought for a couple of years in the conflict against the Serbs.

Mungo was determined not to allow his disability to hold him back, and he took part in tough physical sports, such as mixed martial arts, kick-boxing and boxing, before they became as popular as they are today.

He attended the Avenue Road gym, where his real talent as an artist was there for all to see, his murals of a muscle man and woman on the front door.

He was, for all that, a kind, caring and helpful individual to his family, with a nature that appealed to children, such was his wonderful imagination and talent as a story-teller.

Born in England, his father Thomas was from Hughes Park, and his mother Sheila was of English nationality.

His sister Josephine, Culhane Street, is the only survivor of five siblings. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Christopher and Thomas; and sister, Theresa.

He attended schools to help him with his hearing loss in England and when back in Dundalk. His parents moved to town to help care for his grandparents.

Gerald’s speech was highly developed, and he was very adept at lip-reading. But he will be most remembered for his ability as a tattooist, and carried it on until very recent years. He had a great love of painting and sketching, and his own body was extensively tattooed.

The advent of the internet and texting was a big boon to Gerald, discovering an avenue he never had, to connect with and make new friends who had similar interests.

He also re-connected with old Teddy Boy followers, travelling to a reunion in Battersea in England in 2015, and was to travel again this year.

All these old and new friends, but especially his family will greatly miss Gerald, particularly his children, Joseph, Maxine, Roisin and Rory; nieces, Lena, Sharon and Megan; and nephew, Christopher; sister, Josephine, and other relatives.

After reposing at McGeough’s Funeral Home, Jocelyn Street, Gerald was taken on the Wednesday to Saint Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown, where the Mass was a beautiful tribute of his life. Father Padraig Keenan PP was the celebrant and delivered a very apt eulogy.

The music captured his taste. ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ had great meaning for Gerald, as it was played at his brother Christopher’s funeral, and ‘ Time to Say Goodbye’, which honoured his late mother.

Items symbolising his life taken to the altar included a tattoo machine, an Egyptian statue and army combat jacket. These were presented by Roisin, Rory and Leon Morrissey.

The Readings were given by nieces, Lena and Sharon, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by Megan Grimes, Siobhan Breen, Edel Morrissey, Linda Zadani and Sarah Gray.

The Offertory Gifts were brought up by Lena and Megan.

A reflection after communion was provided by son, Joseph.

Burial took place in Saint Patrick’s cemetery, Dowdallshill.

Month’s Mind Mass is on Easter Sunday, 16 April, 2017, in Saint Fursey’s Church at 11am.