Publican Gerry was ‘a most generous man, who helped so many people’

TRIBUTES have poured in for publican Gerry Colgan, who along with his brothers Pat, Frank and the late Joe, ran a significant number of bars, including Decies County Bar in Ballyfermot, the County Bar in Lucan, Spa Hotel in Lucan and the West County in Chapelizod.

Lucan resident Mr Colgan passed away on October 7 after a short illness, surrounded by his family at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown.

He was warmly remembered by people as a great supporter of local initiatives, and benefactor to people going through financial difficulty, along with his sponsorship of some 20 sports clubs, with GAA teams prominent among his generosity.

Noreen Fogarty, a lower Ballyfermot resident and captain of the Decies County Bar darts team, was one of many who attended funeral service on Monday, at St Mary’s Church, Lucan.

“It is very sad, he was a most generous man, who helped so many people.

“His wife Dolores died seven months ago,” said Noreen.

“He always gave me money to help the homeless, with other charity events, and he paid for our women’s dart team annual dinner, which was due to be held this Thursday, but we cancelled it out of respect for Gerry.

“Another person having financial trouble with a house, Gerry gave him a cheque on condition that nobody knows.

“The priest was under orders at the funeral to say no names.

“Gerry was a big GAA man, he’d often be talking to me about it, and I’d go home to my husband and ask, who this player is he was on about.

“Gerry helped 20 different teams. I knew he was good, but I didn’t realise how good he was.

“He was a beautiful man. Himself and his brothers ran a lot of bars in their time and helped so many people.”

A message on RIP.ie said Gerry was a “beloved husband and best friend of the late Dolores, much loved and cherished father of Ciarán, Yvonne and Frank and a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren Danny, Bobby, Clara, Andy, Gerry and Freya. Predeceased by his brother Joe.

“Sadly missed by his loving family and friends.”