MR. GER DURNEY

Leinster Leader

Mr. Ger Durney

Naas Man’s Sudden Death

The death took place suddenly on Tuesday afternoon at his residence, 33 St. David’s Terrace, Naas, of Mr. Gerald Durney, who was the esteemed foreman at the Leinster Leader Ltd. He was in employment with the firm for nearly forty-nine years, the last thirteen of which were as foreman.

Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Durney, he was a native of Naas and was educated in the local C.B.S. Having joined the Leinster Leader Ltd. as a youth, he served his time in the composing department.

A very keen G.A.A. supporter, Mr. Durney was one of the founder members of St. David’s Club, a minor football club formed in Naas around 1930, and was elected its first treasurer. During its short term of existence, this club won the Minor Championship, in 1932, the first year of that Minor Cup, presented by the late Mr. Chris Sylvester, was competed for.

In 1933, St. David’s amalgamated with Naas Gaelic Football Club and it was in the same year that they acquired the Father Brennan Memorial Park, Naas. Since then Ger had been treasurer for most seasons, a position he also held this year. So keen a supporter of G.A.A. was Ger that he hardly missed a competitive match in the Father Brennan Park, where he usually acted as gate collector.

His advice and assistance to the minor teams, both hurling and football, were always most valued. His interests were not confined to G.A.A., for he was a committee member of St. David’s Boxing Club, Naas.

At the removal of the remains on Tuesday night, members of Naas G.A.A. Club flanked the hearse and on arrival at the Church of Our Lady and St. David, Naas, the guard of honour acted as pall bearers. The remains were received by Rev. L. Newman, C.C., Naas.

Following Requeim Mass this Thursday morning celebrated by Very Rev. P. Harris, P.P., interment was in St. Corban’s Cemetery, Naas, where Rev. L. Newman, C.C., officiated, assisted by Very Rev. P. Delaney, P.P., Bohermeen. Staff of the Leinster Leader Ltd. formed a guard of honour.

Mr. Durney is survived by his sisters, Peg, Naas; and Lil, Manchester; brothers, John and Willie, Naas and David, Cortown, Kells, Co. Meath; sister-in-law, Mrs. M. Durney, and other relatives. He was president of Naas Branch of the N.G.A. (National Graphical Association) and a minute’s silence was observed by his fellow employees on Wednesday afternoon. Naas Urban Council, on Tuesday night, voted sympathy with his relatives.