GERRY Moley was a true Gael and a devoted Crossmaglen Rangers man.
He was also a man of great faith, courage and compassion but above all, a family man.
Born in Cregganduff in 1935, Gerry had four sisters and four brothers.
He married Rose McShane and they settled and reared their five boys in the centre of Cross, The Square, where they opened ‘The Glen Cafe’.
We all have fond memories of getting delicious burgers and chips from Rose who could often be heard singing while she cooked.
Gerry and Rose’s other business was Moley Coaches which made them a household name the length and breadth of the country and it was here that so many of us have such fond memories of Gerry, whether it was driving the school bus, bringing teams to matches (sometimes a very difficult and dangerous job when the Troubles were at their height) or driving bus loads of young revellers to places like the Oasis in Carrickmacross.
I can recall victorious teams returning to Cross with the silverware on board, Gerry doing the laps of The Square, the bus horn blowing and the occupants shouting “Just one more lap Gerry!"
One of the highs in his life was driving the bus to the All Ireland club final in 1997.
Gerry had never driven a team to a final in Croke Park before and his two sons, Miceal and Patrick, were both part of the squad.
This was to be the biggest bus journey of his life, not to be remembered for the distance but the significance of the occasion and what a proud evening it was for him to drive into the Rangers Hall escorted by the fire brigade with Andy Merrigan on board.
Another success that pleased him immensely was when Armagh lifted Sam in 2002.
Gerry was a true Irishman - he loved Ireland, its people, culture and above all its music.
He also loved a good yarn and easily could have gone down the road of storytelling.
Rose and Gerry both had deep faith and went on many pilgrimages, venturing as far as the Holy Land where I believe they prayed a lot but that the craic was 90 in Jerusalem.
He also enjoyed fun with his beloved 13 grandchildren and three step-grandchildren whom he doted on - Granda Gerry to them was a legend.
Gerry was devastated when Rose, his soul mate and best friend, took ill. His dedication, love and care for her was phenomenal and he was broken-hearted when she died in April 2012.
The outpouring of sympathy from near and far since news broke of Gerry’s own passing are also well deserved and fitting for a true gentleman who touched so many lives and a life lived so well.
We hope that all these kind gestures and beautiful words will give comfort and strength to his family in the days ahead.
Gerry you will be sorely missed but your legacy will live on and will remain an inspiration to us all.
Gerry Moley died on April 26 aged 84. He is survived by his children Gerard, Miceal, Francis, Paddy and Paul, sisters Kathleen and Mary and brother Gene.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Róisín Murtagh, PRO, Crossmaglen Rangers
