RIP: Large crowds gather say farewell to talented Longford butcher and 'a real gentleman'

Gerry Kiernan of Leitrim, Coolarty passed to his eternal reward in the loving care of his family following a relatively short illness on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Beloved husband of Dympna and dear father to Philip, Caroline, Aideen and Joey, Gerry was predeceased by his parents Pat and Molly Kiernan of Aughnacliffe.

Gerry was a butcher by trade having started as a young lad in his neighbours Campbells of Aughnacliffe and Granard where he worked for a number of years while still attending the Technical school in Granard, now Ardscoil Phádraig. 

Also read: RIP: Longford shocked by death of great businessman who provided huge employment

Gerry proved to be a very popular young man who made friends easily and of course this was a great asset to have while working in any business and no doubt his ambition was to have his own shop in the future. Gerry continued in the meat business and gained employment in Hanleys of Rooskey where he worked for several years and around this time he met Dympna Brady who was a hairdresser in Granard and they soon were married and set out in life together. 

As time went on Gerry and Dympna purchased Bennett's farm in Leitrim, Coolarty where they built their beautiful new home and they also opened their butchers shop on upper Main Street in Granard which Gerry ran successfully with the help of his son Philip for a number of years right up to the start of Covid. 

In the most recent past few years Gerry worked in Rawles Meat Market in Edgeworthstown and again he proved to be very popular with all the customers who always spoke very highly of him and described as a real gentleman which he was. In early 2025 Gerry became seriously ill but he remained upbeat and was determined to continue on and to enjoy what little time he had left.

Also read: RIP: Longford community saddened by death of kind and dedicated retired Garda Mick Mulroy

Gerry's remains reposed in the House of Bethany in Granard on Saturday evening, January 17 and large crowds gathered to say farewell to a much loved husband, father, brother and friend who will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and on Sunday morning he was removed to his native Aughnacliffe where his funeral Mass was celebrated in St Colmcille's Church and he was laid to rest in the local cemetery.

We offer sincere sympathy to his wife Dympna, daughters Caroline and Aideen, sons Philip and Joey, brother Padraig, sisters Miriam Reynolds, Sheila Farley and Dolores Hughes (Aughnacliffe), sister in laws, brother in laws, nephews and nieces, grand nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.

Also read: Stunning second half performance seals Leinster glory for brilliant Cnoc Mhuire Granard