Write a commentDan Gebski interviews Gerry Coyle
Gerry Coyle is not only a local Hero but he is also an amazing Dad, Granda, community worker and a man who is helping others in need. Let me show you a little more about this absolutely fascinating person.Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. I am very honored to have this opportunity.
DG: Could you tell me more about yourself? Your background? Including childhood and family?
GC: I was brought up in Drumalane Park and was part of a family of 11 including my late mother and father. There were 5 sisters (2 sadly passed away) and 2 brothers. I like many others of my generation I had a very happy childhood even though times were hard for most. There were no community centres but we didn’t need them as our area was one big playground with numerous street games like skipping, rounders, hopscotch and caddy. After leaving school aged 15 I had several jobs but was delighted when I started working at Newry docks as my father and his father were dockers and this meant I was carrying on with family tradition. After I got married I moved to another area but my heart and soul remained in Drumalane and in 1984 I returned to where I was brought up and will always love. I have 3 children as well as 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. I love them all so much and family means everything to me.
DG: Who is a Hero for you in simple words?
GC: There are many heroes in life especially during the present Covid19 crisis but my Hero is my Mother and all Mothers.
DG: I know you are working as a community worker and helping people find their accommodation while they have been temporary homeless. Could you tell me more on that?
GC: I joined the Drumalane Quayside Close Community Association in 1986 and with the exception of 1 year I have remained a member ever since. I am presently the Chairperson and was several times over this past 34 years. Our main focus is and always has been to help improve the quality of life in our area through collective efforts. Over those many years we faced many challenges and overcame them with the same determination and commitment we have now. All the successes we have had would not have happened without the co-operation and support of our residents and many others. Regarding advising and helping people get much needed homes this has become a passion with me over this past 25 years and I would prefer not to give a number to those who now have homes on account of my help as it is not about me it is about them and I am just happy that the vast majority that I helped are now in a better place in life. As you know Dan housing is a basic human right and it should be both affordable and of high standards. I will never give up in helping those who are in housing need.
DG: One of your passions is hiking. I have seen you doing a lot of that. Can you tell me why walking? and have you any other hobbies?
GC: I started hiking about 14 years ago and my first international trek was to Peru. I wasn’t exactly in great shape then and thought that would be my first and last trek but it also became a passion with me and I realised that to do more I must prepare and train for at least 6 months before any other treks. Since then some of them include: Everest Base Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro, The Sahara Desert, The Great Wall of China, The Grand Canyon and Ben Nevis 4 times and to conquer my fear of heights a Tandem Parachute jump. By doing these I was able to raise thousands for well known charities and good causes and that made it all worthwhile. Walking/Trekking is an excellent way of not only keeping fit but also helps clear the mind and gain a more focused mental attitude. My main hobby is going to the Gym but also listening to my favourite music as I go on walks etc.
DG: Do you think Newry is a Diverse City Gerry?And why?
GC: I think it is a Diverse City Dan and this is reflected in how many different cultures and nationalities there are here and how they all have become a part of Newry’s society and the contribution they make to life.
DG: Can you tell me is there anything on your bucket list you haven't done yet?
GC: Always wanted to go to the Summit of Mount Everest but at my age doubt that will happen but who knows. Would like to be underwater in a cage with sharks swimming close.
DG: Do you think foreign nationals need a voice while living in Newry? And if so why do they?
GC: Yes. They are an integral part of our society and deserve the same type of equality that everyone else in Newry has. In a democracy everyone should be allowed to have a voice and be able to express their views, concerns and opinions. If foreign nationals have issues that need to be addressed they should have a voice and ensuring that is heard.
DG:Thank you Gerry and let me tell you this. If at least one out of 10 people living done what you are still doing, our lives would be fulfilled with more support and help to each other.Thank you for being our Newry Hero. Good health Dan.
