By Frank Delargy
Gaels from Antrim Town are mourning the passing on Sunday morning of their hugely popular and well known club stalwart Jerry Holyoake. Known affectionately as “Jerry from Kerry” the native of Listowel was easily identifiable at games across the county and further afield with his unmissable rich Kerry brogue and larger than life personality.
A gentleman possessed of quick mind and equally sharp quip, Jerry will be remembered for his invaluable contribution to the revival of St Comgall’s following a regrettable period of decline. He will be remembered fondly for his significant participation during early phase engagement with landowner Mrs Pauline Sloan with the purpose of exploring the possibility of selling land for the development and promotion of Gaelic games in the area.
Jerry was part of a delegation of club officials invited to meet with Mrs Sloan on December 27th 2005 that set in motion the consent in principle required to explore the possibility of obtaining ideally placed land in the middle of the county that would in turn be developed into the excellent facilities we see today at Dunsilly.
Jerry threw his unbridled passion into the white and green of St Comgall’s, no task too much, combining the sourcing of willing participants, coaching at underage, fundraising and lotto ticket selling activities and doing whatever was necessary to see Gaelic games restored and flourish in his adopted county town.
Some of Jerrys best years were spend travelling the country roads following Antrim County footballers to far flung grounds across the county with lifelong friends and fellow committee members James McCorley and Maurice Ashe, including years in or around the basement divisions when Antrim support was limited. His greatest days out were delivered by the outstanding Antrim hurling team of 88/93 and of course the unforgettable performances of Liam Bradleys Antrim team in 2009, when they took Jerrys Kerry to the pin of their collar in that memorable afternoon in O Connor Park, Tullamore. That was a day Jerry from Kerry simply couldn’t lose… but that day he was very proud to be Jerry from Antrim.
Jerimiah Holyoake was a one off, a Kerry wit and raconteur, with a base line passion for fair play and integrity, demanding it from those around him.
There will be a noticeable void in Gaelic circles in Antrim town without Jerry, but a small consolation to his grieving wife Ann (nee Crilly) daughter Clodagh, and sons Ruairi and Sean will be that Jerrys contribution to the GAA community in both Antrim town and county will be genuinely remembered with sincere appreciation.
Requiem Mass will be held on Wednesday 27th September in St Comgall’s Church, Antrim, at 10am. Committal will take place on Thursday 28th September at John Paul Cemetery, Ballybunion Road, Listowel, Co. Kerry at 11.30am.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam
Jerry Holyoake standing directly under the tunnel in Dunsilly at the first on site meeting with landowner Mrs Pauline Sloan. Also in photo from left James McCorley, Ruairi Holyoake and Gerry Magee.
The Vision beyond the tunnel.
Left to right – James McCorley, Jerry Holyoake, Mrs Pauline Sloan, Gerry Magee and Sean Holyoake.
Job Done.
Jerry proudly representing St Comghalls GAC Antrim at the official launch of the Dunsilly GAA centre Of Excellence. Picture includes Colin Donnelly Antrim GAA Chairman and Pauric Duffy, Director General of GAA