Jerry celebrates the big 8-0
“I never realised I’d get as far as 80,” Jerry Sheedy told The Avondhu, following Covid-style celebrations held at his home in Shanballymore.
Surrounded by his ‘bubble’, Jerry thanked friends and family and all those who sent cards and texts from around the country and abroad to wish him a happy birthday after reaching such a major milestone.
“We had family around us and that’s all I wanted,” Jerry added.
Although a party had been planned for the local hall, similar to that of his 70th which saw over 200 people attend, plans were put on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines. However, Jerry hopes to resume plans for the celebration once restrictions are eased and people can gather once again.
A stalwart in the Shanballymore community, Jerry moved to the village at just nine years old when his family left Killavullen, beginning his journey with the vibrant community of Shanballymore.
“I was involved in everything down the line,” Jerry said.
The late 60s saw Jerry join the Shanballymore Hall Committee where he became involved in reopening the hall which had been closed for some 20 years as the building was unfinished.
“We started the committee and got the hall finished. We’ve had great dances and everything there since,” Jerry added.
At just twelve years old, Jerry played hurling with the U14s with the local club which saw him hurl until the age of 40.
He was also involved in the development of the Shanballymore GAA field which saw the club raise €40,000 for the purchasing of the new field and the development of dressing rooms in 1984.
“We had to draw stones in on a tractor and trailer back then,” Jerry said.
In 2005, Jerry’s commitment to the GAA community saw him make the GAA Hall of Fame.
Ever the community man, the Shanballymore carnivals in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s also played a major role in Jerry’s life. The carnivals attracted huge crowds to the village for varied events including fancy dress parades, live music and hurling tournaments.
At the young age of 16, The carnival was also where Jerry learned to dance and has seen him dancing of a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night ever since.
“We had great carnivals and parades in Shanballymore. All the local clubs had their own teams and there was fierce rivalry among the different clubs. The fancy dress parade on the Sunday night was the main thing.
“There was always great community spirit and always in my time you had no trouble getting people to do a job for you. It’s different now, I suppose people are busier,” Jerry said.
50TH ANNIVERSARY ON HORIZON
The Shanballymore carnivals hold a much greater meaning for Jerry, however, being the place that he met his wife Margaret.
“That’s where I found my wife. She was in the shop with her mother at the Shanballymore Carnival,” Jerry added, telling us that in June, he and Margaret will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary
With Covid-19 changing the face of the world and having a major impact on how local communities such as Shanballymore operate, Jerry said he has been filling his time like many others.
“I’m gone walking mad. I walk three miles every day, I sometimes go up the Ballyhouras. I have a vintage tractor as well that I’ve had for years and I go for a spin in it once or twice a week,” Jerry added.
With such uncertain times, Jerry .noted the importance of family including his wife, brothers, his children and his eight grandchildren.
“We have our family around us so there’s no fear of us. We’re well looked after and that’s all you’d want,” Jerry said.