Skip navigation 
Previous Page
14
GENERATION & WHOLESALE MARKETS
February/March 2014 • www.esb.ie/em
Appreciation: Gerry Monaghan
IT WAS WITH A sense of shock that the news of the sudden passing of Gerry Monaghan was greeted in the Erne Stations and across the wider company on January 7th. Gerry started work as an Electrical Apprentice at 16 years of age, he had worked in the plant all of his career - as an Apprentice, Electrician and latterly as a Plant Operator, giving more than 35 years of service.
He was one of the main stays of the power plant, his technical ability was second to none and through his working life he was a contributor to practically every major project to the stations’ operation from the major unit overhauls in the 1980s and 1990s in Cliff and Cathaleen's Fall, to the first Generation Plant Automation Programme, that led to the remote operation of the power plant at Erne.
His was the cool collected character, never thrown by the crisis, always reliable and a good friend. As a single man, he stayed in Ballyshannon. Popular, he became well known in the surrounding area but Gerry was a Convoy man at heart. When he settled with his wife Mary, it was back in Convoy that they made their home.
As with many in Donegal he enjoyed his football and kicked ball and collected medals with St Mary's of Convoy. His skills on the field earned him the nickname ‘Bomber’ and ever the loyal Clubman, he made his mark off the pitch, coaching and fundraising. A great follower of his county, championship matches were rarely missed, many the time at the break in Cliff canteen, the table became the pitch in Clones, debate raging as to how the team would be laid out and on many other days how the game should have been played.
Indeed his interests were many, well read, he could debate on any subject. On taking VS he took up scuba diving, became a serious walker and with his wife Mary, took advantage of their time to travel. He remained an active member of the St Mary's Club, ever more involved with coaching and team management - the days were not long enough for Gerry's interests.
As the news of his tragic passing spread, his friends and colleagues recalled the man - over the summer he met many of his old work mates in MacCumhaill Park, Bal-lybofey, Clones or Croke Park. No more would we hear a call from the crowd - “How are things?”, recalling old stories and characters. One of the last days when he met many from his work days, was at the end of November - Aodh Ruadh of Ballyshannon played Burt in an under 21 final, the game played in Convoy. Gerry was in the crowd, joking, having the craic, watching the game and deploying his famous wit.
But the loss to his friends is insignificant compared to the loss to his family - his wife Mary and sons, Mark and Conor. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers at this time as they try to come to terms with his passing.
It was in great tribute that the community of Convoy showed their appreciation at his funeral. The town came to a stop, escorted by an honour guard from St Mary's Club, carried by family, friends and work mates, a large crowd followed Gerry to his final place of rest.
We extend our sincerest sympathy to Gerry's family and friends. We will all miss this bright, intelligent, good hearted man. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
From ‘all in the Erne’.
Ex ESB man Launches book on quarrying history
THE BOOK The Marble of Clon-macnoise, Limestone Quarrying at Clerhane, (Clorhane), Shannon-bridge, Co. Offaly by Declan Ryan, published by Offaly County Council, was recently launched.
The book describes Clerhane townland and the surrounding area and tells the story of the quarries, their owners and the craftsmen who worked there from early records, to their heyday, decline and eventual closure. The type of stone, the work of cutting and carving and the resultant output and the many fine buildings to which they contributed are also examined.
John Feehan, Syngefield, Birr, says: “Of the many quarries that operated in Offaly before stone-craft declined and almost ended with the arrival of modern concrete, few enjoyed greater prestige than Clerhane, whose crinoidal limestone is one of the most beautiful of Irish building stones. In his meticulous study of the stone industry at Clerhane.” John continues: “Declan Ryan has painstakingly salvaged all that survives from oral record and tradition and the documentary record, and set this against the physical background of the quarries themselves and their geographical context. In highlighting the achievement of the quarrymen of Clerhane this lovely book will do much to draw appreciative attention to this aspect of the environmental heritage of one of the most remarkable places in Offaly, and stimulate comparable attention to other facets of that heritage.”
Declan's book is now available to buy in Shannonbridge, the OHAS on Bury Quay, Midland Books on High Street, Robbyns Bookshop off O'Connor Square all in Tullamore. Alternatively send €10 to Offaly County Council and a copy will be sent out.
Coffee morning for Dóchas
A COFFEE MORNING was held recently to raise much needed funds for Dochas-Offaly Cancer Support Group. Dochas offers support to cancer patients, their carers and families. The event was hosted by ESB Fisheries Staff in Belmont. Co. Offaly and was generously supported throughout the day by current and retired staff and the local community in Belmont, Ferbane and Cloghan. Coffee and biscuits for the day were kindly donated by Bew-ley's and their representative Seamus Gannon was on hand to help out at the event. Cakes and pastries were donated by Catherine Keane's Store in Banagher while flowers, streamers and balloons were donated by Gem Hardware in Cloghan. ESB Management made a generous contribution and an amount of €1,250 was presented to Dochas representatives Mike Flynn and Gerry Murray. ESB Fisheries would like to thank all who attended at the event and who gave so generously to this worthy cause.
SANTA AT AGHADA
ON DECEMBER 20TH, Aghada continued its age-old tradition of its Santa visits to local schools and playschools. Santa was ably helped by both current and retired Aghada staff with special mention going to Anthony Lynch without whom the magic couldn't have happened. Pat Wall and Pat O'Brien were Santa's helpers on the day and ensured no child was missed in spite of the busy schedule.
Over 800 children from Whitegate National School, Scoil Iosagain Aghada, Saleen National School, Aghada Parish Play School and ‘Small Ones’ Play School in Saleen got to meet with Santa and his merry band of helpers. Well done to all involved on such a wonderful event!
Michael Storan wins ITBA senior bowling championships
Pictured is Michael Storan after winning the ITBA Senior Bowling Championships in Dublin two weeks ago, his second time winning it in three years. This tournament is run over one weekend every January and bowlers from Ireland who are over 50 can play it. It comprises of singles, doubles and trios and the top eight men on total scores will play a seven game round robin. The winner is the person who has the best total score after 19 games.
Michael (Haulie) is Safety Services Officer at Ardnacrusha Station.
The connected world
Page 23
