'One of the best known natives' - Man who died in tragic road traffic incident on Mayo island named

The man who died in a tragic incident on Clare Island on Tuesday afternoon has been named as Charles O'Malley, better known as Charles Gerry.

The 88-year-old from Strake on Clare Island, was the proprietor of O'Malley Ferries and was one of the best known natives of the famous Mayo island.

Charles Gerry's vehicle entered the water at Glen on Clare Island around 1pm on Tuesday afternoon and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

There has been great shock and sadness on the Mayo island and across the county in general at the sad passing of Charles Gerry, who was synonymous with island life in Mayo.

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He was the son of the late Gerry and Agnes and brother of the late Mary Maher, Nora McNamara and Philomena O'Malley.

He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife Pauline (née O'Malley), daughters Bernie, Maria, and Cathriona; sons Charles and Gerard; brothers Michael and Josie, sons-in-law Gay and David; daughter-in-law Annmarie; Ger's partner Tina; his adored grandchildren Darren, Niamh, Louise, Cathal, Emma, Farrah, Brayden, Noah, and Cullen, great-grandchildren Charlie and Callum, the extended O'Malley families, cousins, and a wide circle of friends, the Island community, and the many generations of people he skippered to Clare Island.

Charles will rest in repose at Sweeney's Funeral Home, Louisburgh on Thursday (May 8) from 5pm, concluding with Vigil Prayers at 7pm, followed by removal to his home via Roonagh Pier, where Charles will travel home on his own boat the 'Tormore' and will repose at his home in Strake from 9.30pm on Thursday night.

Removal on Friday from his home at 12.30pm, to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Clare Island for 1pm Mass of Christian Burial, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery. May Charles rest in peace.