Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a stalwart of education and football in Fermanagh who died last month. Gerry Regan passed away in hospital surrounded by his family on May 25, 2021

Mr. Regan was well renowned throughout the county for his role as principal and teacher in St. Mary’s High School, Brollagh where he spent most of his career.

Tributes by his family were led by his sister, Maeve Carty. Speaking on her brother’s early life, Maeve said: “Gerry was born and bred in Garrison

“His parents taught in Devenish Two Primary School and both Gerry and I followed our parents into the teaching profession.

“He enjoyed life as a young person in Garrison fishing, helping the neighbours with the hay and playing football in the evenings. He was a great full back for Devenish and the county.”

“There is a story told that one day he was showing the boys how to play football and he kicked the ball straight over the house and when you think that he kicked a ball over a big two storey house, it was a very good kick.

“He had great stories about County Championship wins in the sixties against Roslea Shamrocks, Newtownbutler and Enniskillen and the memorable journey home with the cup and the flags flying and horns blowing. The whole parish came out to meet them. He kept all his medals at home and was very proud of them, with Devenish he won nine county titles between league and championship.”

Gerry studied in St. Malachy’s Belfast before undertaking study at Queen’s University and Trench House for his teacher training. While attending Queen’s University he was on the panel which won the 1964 Sigerson Cup.

A fair man

Speaking on his family life, Maeve said: “During this time, Gerry met the love of his life Claire Richmond, the pair married in 1973 and were proud parents to Orla, Ciaran, Noelle and Colm.”

Gerry began his teaching career in St. Augustine’s High School teaching maths and geography. His next post was in St. Aidan’s High School, Derrylin. He spent the rest of his career at St. Mary’s High School, Brollagh.

His family said: “He did his best for local children and was very well supported by his colleagues and friends. Those who worked with him recalled a fair, helpful, good humoured and kind man.

“Whilst he enjoyed his teaching, he also enjoyed his retirement, and he was a great man for phoning his family and friends.

Gerry’s GAA career saw him play for Clan na Gael in Wimbledon, London and Lámh Dhearg, Hannahstown. Whilst in London he won at least two London Junior Championships and whilst playing for Lámh Dhearg in 1971 the club won both the Antrim Senior Championship and the Antrim League.

Gerry’s funeral was delayed to allow his son Ciaran to come home from Australia. A huge crowd was in attendance along the route with a series of guards of honour including; his teammates from the 1960s in Devenish, current Devenish players, the local angling club, his teammates from the Sigerson winning team and staff and pupils from St. Mary’s High School, Brollagh.

The funeral Mass took place on June 5 at Mary Queen of Peace Church, Garrison. The Mass was celebrated by Father Tiernach Beggan PP. He was buried in the adjoining cemetery. Funeral arrangements were carried out by Peter Carty Funeral Director.

Gerry was predeceased by his wife, Claire. He is survived by his children, Orla (Gareth) Ciaran (Krissy), Noelle (Bernie), and Colm (Doreen), his sister Maeve (Peter), his grandchildren and his wide circle of family and friends.