Gerry was a devoted family man
Gerry Lee, Carnbeg, Doylesfort Road, Dundalk, who has passed away, was a devoted family man, and a well-known and popular figure in greyhound racing and Gaelic football circles.
Aged 78, he died at home on 9 December, 2020, in the care of his family.
Originally from Carnbeg, Gerry was born on 18 January, 1942 to parents Annie and Tommy Lee, one of five boys.
He was the last surviving member of his family generation, having been predeceased by his brothers, Tommy (England), Anthony, Patsy and Noel.
After attending the De La Salle school in Dundalk, Gerry went on to work as a plasterer throughout his life.
He married Rose Kemp and they had a family of five, settling in Williamson’s Place.
Sadly, Rose passed away in September, 1978, leaving Gerry with a young family of four to rear, his son Ronald having died in infancy.
The family moved to Gerry’s home place in Carnbeg, where his parents helped with the children as he went out to work. And he worked hard to provide for them.
A keen footballer as a young man, Gerry was proud of the Junior Championship medal he won with Dowdallshill in 1970. He lined out at full-forward on the team which beat St. Patrick’s in the final.
He later played for Dundalk Young Irelands. However, Gerry is probably best known as an owner, breeder and trainer of many successful greyhounds over the years.
His greatest day in the sport came in 2005 when Bower Buster made it to the final of the Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup at Gerry’s local track, eventually finishing third to Mabels Dilemma.
His sons Aidan and Gerard maintained the family interest in greyhound racing with runners carrying the ‘Lynnway’ prefix achieving plenty of wins for the Carnbeg kennel.
Gerry enjoyed attending Dundalk Stadium, the old track at The Ramparts, Shelbourne Park and Drumbo Park, among other venues; and catching up with his friends for a chat. He loved the craic and camaraderie.
Over the past year when things were difficult for everyone and Gerry bravely battled ill-health, he liked to keep in touch with the longtails by viewing the races on the IGB website.
He had also liked to drop into the Lisdoo on a Sunday night for a drink in the front bar where again he relished the bit of banter.
Gerry was predeceased by his parents, brothers and son, Ronald.
He is survived by his sons, Aidan and Gerard; daughters, Rosaline and Olivia; Aidan’s partner, Leontia and Gerard’s partner, Ciara; grandchildren, Rebecca, Aoibheann, Nicole, Dylan, Caitlin and Gerard; sisters-in-law, Marie, Jenny and Kay; nephews, nieces, relatives, great neighbours and friends.
Gerry was brought from his home on 11 December to the Mortuary Chapel in Dowdallshill for a private funeral Mass celebrated by parish priest Fr Mark O’Hagan.
The first reading was given by Gerry’s grand-daughter, Rebecca and all of his six grandchildren led the prayers of the faithful. Music was provided by Paudie Breen. The coffin was carried by sons, Gerard and Aidan and nephews, Brendan and Anthony; and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
Although COVID-19 restrictions meant Gerry’s funeral could not take place in the normal way, his family took great comfort from the number of neighbours, former football team-mates and greyhound racing friends who lined the route and stood outside the church and graveyard. It was an indication of how well Gerry was liked by so many people.