Mr. Gerald Gabriel Dolan

Editorial Department • Published 19 Apr 2012 13:00

A highly respected member of the Enniskillen community, Mr. Gerald Gabriel Dolan, best known as Gerry, passed away peacefully at his home on March 16, 2012. His death, at the age of 62 years, followed a four and a half year battle with leukaemia, which he bore with great courage.

Gerry was well known in the business community throughout Northern Ireland as the Managing Director of Dolan's Filling Station on the Dublin Road and Dolan's Centra and Post Office, the Diamond, Enniskillen.

A son of Brigid Dolan and the late Edward Dolan, and brother to Eamon, Brendan, Aidan, Bridie, Maureen and Carmel, he was born in Tattymacall, Lisbellaw.

He spent his formative years in Enniskillen attending Christian Brothers' Primary and subsequently progressed to St. Michael's College, Enniskillen. After leaving school he worked for the Civil Service and then Monaghans, Enniskillen,

In 1971, he took over the family mechanical workshop business on the Dublin Road from his father Edward. Under his astute leadership he expanded the business several times during his lifetime into a supermarket and filling station. In 2003, he purchased the retailing business, Wellworth's, located in High Street, Enniskillen and developed it into a large modern retail complex housing a Centra, Post Office and Off-Licence. This was a testimony to his personality. He was always passionate about his business as he loved people and his business kept him in touch with those locally and further afield.

Gerry met his future wife Mary McCarney from Cavanacarragh in September 1971. The couple had two sons, Niall and Cathaoir.

In his spare time, Gerry enjoyed cycling, motor sport, photography and gardening. He also enjoyed spending time in Donegal where he had a holiday home. Gerry gained immense pleasure in spending time with his family including his five grandchildren, Aoibhin, Garbhan, Odhran, Cadhla, and Diarmuid.

Gerry's funeral service, which was officiated by Canon Peter O'Reilly and concelebrated by Fr. Martin O'Reilly, Fr. John Halton, Fr. Brian D'Arcy and Fr. Chris O'Donnell was held in St. Michael's Church, Enniskillen, on Monday, March 19. Among those in attendance was Fr. Noel McGahan. Interment followed at Cross Cemetery.

Gerry is survived by his loving wife Mary and devoted sons Niall and Cathaoir, his daughters-in-law Irene and Leish and his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his mother Brigid, brothers Eamon, Brendan and Aidan and sisters Bridie, Maureen and Carmel. Also surviving Gerry are his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and the wider family circle. He was predeceased by his father Edward.

Gerry was a keen fundraiser for charity and in his memory, donations in lieu, if desired, are being directed to Queen's University Belfast Leukaemia Research Fund, c/o Dolan's Filling Station, Enniskillen.

The funeral arrangements were by Enda Love and Sons, Enniskillen. The month's memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Church, Enniskillen, on Saturday, April 21, at 6pm.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 19 Apr 12

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