Shock as popular rugby player Mark killed in taxi crash
WICKLOW is expected to come to a standstill as the funeral of Mark Gerety takes place on Saturday morning.
The 39-year-old, who hails from The Rise at Friar’s Hill in Wicklow town, died following a car crash in Dublin in the early hours of Friday morning.
Mark was a passenger in a taxi which was involved in a collision with another vehicle at 1.40 a.m. at Summerhill Parade in the north inner city. He was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver of the taxi was treated for minor injuries. The driver of the other car was uninjured, according to gardaí.
Mark has returning home his job as a bar man when the accident occurred.
It is understood that his parents, Paul and Anne, were on holiday abroad when they were informed of Mark’s tragic passing.
Born and bred in Wicklow town, Mark was an avid sportsman and was a particularly talented rugby player, playing for both Wicklow Rugby Football Club and Arklow Rugby Football Club.
He played for Wicklow RFC at every level from minis rugby all the way through to the youths and on to senior rugby for many years.
As an under-13 player he played at Landsdowne Road in a Leinster Final in 1990.
In 2006, he won a South East medal for the first team.
Both rugby clubs posted tributes to the deceased after learning of his death.
Marcus Prestage of Arklow Rugby Club, wrote: ‘Long-term members of the club will remember Mark fondly. Mark joined us from Wicklow Rugby Club in 2002. A hugely committed and aggressive winger, he regularly played on the first team and was part of the Town’s Cup-winning squad in 2004. Off the pitch, Mark was an absolute gentleman who was always happy to help the club out in any way he could when asked.
‘As a club, we always remember our own and are truly sorry to hear of this tragedy. A number of members have spoken to me about Mark Gerety over the weekend and all remarked what great guy he was.’
Mark is survived by his parents Paul and Anne, sister Nicola and brother Andrew.
He will be reposing at McCrea’s Funeral Home, Wicklow, on Friday evening with a gathering of family and friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Removal will take place on Saturday morning at 9.15 a.m. to Wicklow Parish Church arriving for a 10 a.m. funeral service, which will be followed by a cremation service at 12.30 p.m. in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harolds Cross, Dublin.