Ex-pat’s passing evokes memories of old Galway
It is an iconic picture with echoes of a different time – and it was. The year was 1968 and a group of Connacht Tribune staff, with a few others, were enjoying a couple of pints and songs in what was then Patsy Glynn’s pub on Mary Street – when who walked in but Galway’s own Hollywood legend, Peter O’Toole.
It was six years after Laurence of Arabia had catapulted the man with Clifden roots to movie stardom, earning him an Oscar nomination as the film itself won Best Picture at the 1962 Academy Awards.
But the world also knew that O’Toole loved nothing more than an impromptu session – which is what he walked into that January day in 1968.
Among the musicians – seated behind O’Toole in this photograph – was Jack Geary, a native of Nuns’ Island, whose own life journey would take him to the land where O’Toole was so famous. And the music would continue to be a cornerstone of his life.
So it was with sadness that his native city learned of the death of Thomas “Jack” Anthony Geary, now aged 77, of Seattle, Washington, when he passed away on May 6, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jack was born on June 12, 1944, the son of John “Jack” Geary and Sarah “Sadie” Geary. He attended Saint Patrick’s Primary School in his youth, then graduated from Saint Joseph’s ‘the Bish’ in 1961.
He attended UCG where he earned an BA degree in English and History, followed by a Higher Diploma in Education in 1965.
Throughout his years in formal education, Jack was enthralled by recreational activities like rowing and rugby.
He won five rugby championship cups, one during secondary school and four while attending college.
While Jack was a gifted student and sportsman, most people will remember him for his lifelong passion for music, which he enjoyed up until his final day.
Read the full tribute to Jack Geary – and three pages of obituaries – in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie