Sadness at death of Galway super fan

Tributes to the late Gerry Rushe

THERE is widespread sadness in Mountbellew-Moylough, and the wider Co Galway region, following the death of one of Galway’s sporting super fans.

Gerry Rushe was a fanatical Galway football and hurling follower. He passed away aged 73 following a long illness.

Born in 1953, his first All-Ireland final was in 1963, a game in which Dublin defeated the Galway footballers.

Gerry’s love and passion for attending sporting events extended beyond the GAA. He traversed the world following Irish soccer and rugby teams and made many friends along the way.

In 1994 he attended the World Cup in America. Later that year, he and his wife Carmel were married and with a whopping 1,688 people at the wedding.

The massive occasion received widespread media attention as being one of the biggest weddings in the world with two large marquees set up in FFrench’s in Monivea.

Gerry had a uniform for attending Galway games - a Galway hat, pants, socks, tie, shoes, and jersey. He was easy to spot in a crowd.

Tribute from club

Mountbellew-Moylough GAA have paid tribute to Gerry describing him as “one of the greatest characters ever to walk among us.”

There was a minute’s silence at the club’s Minor footballers’ game on Sunday and the club has posted a heartfelt tribute Gerry.

“From the sideline of the local GAA pitch to the biggest sporting stages in the world, he embraced every journey with the same enthusiasm, humour and love of life that made him so special. Whether it was Tuam or Giants stadium, Aintree and Cheltenham, Croke Park or the Aviva or any of the many stadiums he visited travelling across the globe for World Cups and other major sporting occasions, Gerry lived every moment to the fullest.

“Gerry witnessed sporting history unfold in every corner of the world with his many great friends. But while he loved the games, it was the people, the friendships, the stories and the laughter that mattered most. Gerry had a gift for bringing people together. He could light up a room with his wit, brighten a journey with his stories and leave lasting memories wherever he went.

“To say Gerry was a legend is no exaggeration. He was known, respected and loved by countless people, not just in Mountbellew and Moylough, but wherever his travels took him.

“His legacy will live on in the countless stories shared, the friendships he cherished and the memories he created over a lifetime well lived. In the wide world of sport, the legendary Gerry saw nearly everything that was worth seeing.

“Gerry was one of those rare people whose presence made every occasion better, every journey more memorable and every friendship stronger. He was known and loved around the world, and his passing leaves a void that can never truly be filled,” stated the club.

Gerry Rushe is survived by his wife Carmel, his brothers Seamus, PJ, Frank and sister Marion, extended family, relatives and his many friends.

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