Clare community mourns another tragic loss

THE tightly-knit community in Broadford was united in mourning following the death last week of a popular plumber in a tragic road accident.

Ger Gunning, (47) Kilbane, Broadford, was killed when he was a passenger in a van that struck a ditch at the junction of Old Cratloe Road and Woodcock hill Road on Thursday.

Community activist, PJ Mason said the deceased was one of the nicest people you would meet and was always willing to help out with Broadford GAA.

Mr Mason said the Broadford area has been hit hard by tragic deaths in recent years.

In a tribute posted by Broadford GAA club, the club said it mourns the tragic passing of its former underage player and current coach.

“Ger was part of the well known Gunning family, owners of the renowned Gunnings Bar in Kilbane.

“Ger played to minor level for Broadford, winning U14 and U15 championships with the club. He is remembered as a tigerish corner back who didn’t like to concede a score.

“In later years, alongside his brother JJ, Ger became very involved in underage coaching and training in Broadford and was a very popular coach among the players of our U11/ and U13 teams.

“Ger’s two sons, Dillon and Adam are currently active members of our underage teams, and Ger rarely missed an opportunity to support them.

“Ger will be remembered as a very popular and good humoured member of our club, he will be sorely missed by all that knew him.”

The club extended its deepest sympathy to the Gunning family on his untimely passing.

John Casey of John Casey Motors Limited, who was one of the people who arrived on the scene of the accident, said the driver of the vehicle did everything humanly possible to try and resuscitate the deceased.

Mr Casey recalled the driver provided CPR before and after a local resident, Barry Gore, administered a defibrillator.

Describing the incident as very “tragic and sad”, he estimated the ambulance arrived on the scene between ten and 12 minutes.

He said it should be compulsory for all motor vehicles to be fitted with airbags for the driver and passenger as standard.

Stating there was no airbag for the passenger in the van, which was not extensively damaged as the driver and passenger doors still opened after the accident, he said he was 100% sure the deceased would still be alive if an airbag was fitted for the passenger’s side.

He confirmed there was an airbag on the driver’s side.

Mr Gunning is deeply missed by his heartbroken family, wife Jennifer, adored sons Dillon and Adam, parents, John and Eileen, mother-in-law Mary Considine, brothers Thomas, JJ, Seamus and Andrew, sister Marian, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

His remains reposed in St Mary’s Church, Kilbane, on Sunday. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, which was followed by burial afterwards in the church grounds.