Ger Dempsey  RIP

It was with deep regret on Tuesday, 25^th July that we learned of the passing of Ger Dempsey, Tinteskin, Kilmuckridge.  He was a familiar figure at all GAA events travelling the length and breadth of Ireland to support both his club and Wexford.  Ger was “Mr. GAA” who was a player, mentor and administrator.

He began his hurling in the late forties and won his first medal in 1951 playing at centre half-back when Buffers Alley overcame Blackwater in the Hurling Championship in Bellefield.  The following year that winning team had been promoted to senior ranks and were narrowly beaten by the great St. Aidans in the Co. Senior Final.  He was a stalwart on that occasion and was selected to play for Wexford in the Leinster Championship. Ger was part of the winning team that defeated Craanford in the Gorey District Final of 1959 playing as corner forward but unfortunately were beaten by The Shamrocks in the Co. Semi-Final.  His last appearance in an Alley jersey was when he came on as sub-goalie in 1963 when the Monamolin/Kilmuckridge men were defeated by Davidstown/Courtnacuddy in Bellefield.

When Ger hung up his boots he didn’t retire from the GAA but got heavily involved in administration serving as Secretary, Treasurer and was Buffers Alley’s Co. Board Rep. for twenty-five years.  Up to the time of his death Ger held the role of Vice-President of the club. He had a real love for underage hurling and trained many winning teams in the golden era of the 80’s.   He also was involved in the Rackard League and was always readily available to transport children from Monamolin and Kilmuckridge schools to these matches for years.  Ger was the sole selector for the Buffers Alley team that won the inaugural Kilmacud Crokes Seven A-Side Hurling in 1973.  17^th March 1989 was a very special day for him when many of the hurlers he had nurtured for years brought back the Tommy Moore Club All-Ireland Cup to Buffers Alley.  Another proud day for Ger was September 1^st 1996 when his son Tom played an important role in Wexford’s All-Ireland hurling success. 

He was quick to discuss every aspect of a team, debate the possible selection, assess the ability of the forwards, worry about the quality of some of the players and plot how he would like to see them lineout.  He had a massive knowledge of hurling and loved to visit his friends on a Sunday evening to discuss the matches of the day. He set a standard that few could follow.  First to meetings, first to training, to matches and any event he was involved in.  Ger has left us a rich legacy of community tapestry woven through young boys sparkling with enthusiasm as they head for the playing fields.

The players and officials from Buffers Alley and from around the county held Ger in high esteem and the huge crowds who turned out to pay their respects at his funeral bore testimony to that.   Buffers Alley extend their sympathy to  Susan, Majella, Mary- Lou, Tom and their families and his sister Madge on the sad loss of Ger.  

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a Anam.