The Late Jer Foley

Jer Foley, The Lake, Cromane Upper, passed away peacefully at home, after a short illness, surrounded by his family on November 21st 2009. His passing leaves a massive void in the lives of his family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues.
Jer was born in Cromane on August 21st, 1949, to Michael and Cathy Foley. He was one of six children, John, Mike, Mary and Tom and Patrick, who died at infancy. He was educated in the local national school and after this he attended Killorglin Technical School.
Upon leaving. Jer spent many a day fishing with his father and working on the buildings. In 1969 he was highly involved in the Cromane Group Water Scheme which made a huge change to the lives of local people.
From an early age Jer displayed a great interest in farming and the land, but like most young men and women in the '60's, he was obliged to emigrate to England and spent ten very fulfiling years in London.
Here he worked in the buildings and without fail sent money home each month. He was a very proud Irishman and in particular, a proud Kerryman. He eventually returned to Ireland in 1979 to care for his ageing father. From 1979 to his retirement before his illness, Jer worked once again in the construction industry in which his principal skill was that of paving and kerbing.
Jer had a huge love for all things natural, in particular Lough Gaineamháin, the Natterjack Toad and the Kerry Slug. His second love was his affection for reading and documentaries.
Jer was deeply respected by his local community and did so much work for local causes. He was the chairman of Cromane Community Council and assistant treasurer of Cromane GAA up to his death, as well as an active member of Cromane Rowing Club. Among Jer's achievements with Cromane Community Council was the total refurbishment of the old Cromane National School to the present local community centre and installation of emergency alarms for the elderly.
Jer never missed a night at the Cromane GAA lotto and was always available to collect money at the gate for games. He was one of the main volunteers in the construction of the GAA dressing rooms and was highly involved in the field development. Jer also did much fundraising for the emigrants abroad which was a cause very close to his heart.
Jer had a huge love for life and always had a positive outlook. He was a great brother, uncle and role model and enjoyed the laughter that he shared with all his family, in particular his nieces and nephews. he was very proud of all their achievements and was always on hand with good solid advice.
A deeply religious man, Jer always displayed great faith. He was a man of great strength, courage and dignity, and fought his short illness with confidence right up to the end. The family would like to thank in particular Dr. Sheehan and her team at the Palliative Care Unit and Oncology Department in Kerry General Hospital.
Jer had touched the lives of many and was always held in high regard by his family, friends, neighbours and in particular, his work colleagues. Jer's death has left a huge void in the hearts of his family. He will be sadly missed by his brothers John, Mike and Tom, sister Mary, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, fourteen nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Courtesy of the Kerry Eye
17th December 2009 Tweet

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