Family, friends and work colleagues were deeply saddened when news filtered through of the death of Jerry Horgan, Old Golf Links, Tralee on July 1. Jerry, a man who immersed himself in the growth of Tralee and the county in general, through his involvement in the Manpower Service and FAS, died peacefully at home in the loving care of his wife Sheila and family. For Jerry the three most important things in his life were his family, work and sport - though not necessarily always in that order. His wife Sheila originally from Castlemaine, lived not too far from his own home place of Ballyfinane. Jerry and Sheila, who celebrated their ruby (40th) wedding anniversary two years ago, were a very devoted couple, blessed with a family of whom they were immensely proud. He respected their individual talents, but also had a great bond of togetherness which kept them very close. The Horgan children knew the importance of being reared in a house where love and support were always given. A good foundation and education were the keys to their future lives and imbued his children with a love of learning. When the children grew up, went on to further education and married, Jerry's guiding hand and support was ever present. The arrival of grandchildren brought a new dimension to his life - they knew that grandad was always there for them. Indeed when Jerry was sick at home with his family caring for him, it was the sound of the grandchildren's voices which brought a smile to his face and lit up his eyes. He always look at his watch when they entered the room - for he was a stickler for timekeeping - telling them it was great to see them at any hour of the day. His passing leaved a void in their lives, but his spirit will forever be imprinted in their minds and hearts. Memories of happy and loving times spent in grandad's company, can be stored away, to be opened and rekindled when his name comes up in conversation. Jerry, was a carpenter by trade, was a forward thinking man, who achieved much in his life, through the opportunities which were afforded to him. He joined the National Manpower Service - which later became FAS - in the 70s and immediately saw the benefits which accrued when different organisations came together. Through his enthusiasm and hard work, the first manpower Office was opened in Tralee in the early 70s. Jerry was instrumental in organising training courses and more importantly delivering jobs for many people in a diverse range of occupations. There were many who could honestly say that Jerry gave them the push needed to forge ahead. They came in large numbers to pay their respects at his removal and Requiem Mass. Dr Sean McBride who worked in tandem with Jerry for many years spoke highly of his deceased colleague. He said: "Jerry was always the type of person who was well ordered and followed the rules. The people he served whether apprentices or those in adult training, they always came first. If disagreements arose and decisions had to be made, Jerry always took into consideration the consequences it would have on those affected. His decision making was forthright and honest, he was brilliant in those situations, the deciding line was what was best for the client. "We often agreed to disagree and would discuss matters over a cup of coffee, away from the office. With a common sense approach, though never breaking the rules, he would always sort it out. "Jerry attended many award ceremonies over the years at which a number of dignatories would be present. But he always found time to go and chat with the fathers and mothers,husbands and wives of those receiving the awards. "He kept the place running with a very big heart, full of humanity. In a bureaucratic system, he was involved in decentralisation long before it became the buzz word. The needs of Tralee and Kerry were slightly different from the other parts of the country, but Jerry managed to steer a steady course. His contribution was immeasurable, he will be sorely missed," concluded Dr McBride. Jerry was always busy whether with his family, work or sport. He was passionate about everything he did,believing that one should do their best ability, or don't do it at all. He gave of his time freely to various committees and sporting interests, He was a very genuine and sincere man who was wholeheartedly involved in whatever he did. The john Mitchels Club knew of Jerry's passion for the game of football. He had many successes as a trainer and mentor at underage level. He was honoured to serve the club as vice-chairman in the late 80s, a position he held with pride. The black and amber of the Rock was worn by his youngest son also named Jerry. Jerry snr would attend the training sessions and games on Sunday mornings and other youngsters listened to his words of encouragement and advice. He enjoyed the banter associated with all family and sporting occasions, whether it was the 31 card drives or the craic at the greyhound track. He loved the odd flutter with the promise that one day the accumulator would come up trumps! At the removal of Jerry's remains from Hogan's Funeral Home to St John's Church on Tuesday, July 2, a guard of honour was provided by John Mitchels Hurling and Football Club. Requiem mass was celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10 o clock. Gifts brought to the altar to celebrate Jerry's life were - the Irish Independent newspaper, a family photograph and a watch. Time may have stopped for Jerry in this life but he surely received the cead mile failte in his heavenly home. The Communion Reflection chosen by his family and which was most appropriate to Jerry was a song called 'Father', which was dedicated to a man so sadly missed. Following Mass the funeral cortege proceeded to Kiltallagh Vemetery, Castlemain, where Jerry was laid to rest. He is sadly missed by his loving wife Sheila, family, grandchildren, sisters, aunt relatives and friends. RIP Courtesy of The Kerryman. 18 July, 2007. Tweet

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