55. Gerard 'Gerry' Mulholland (Jarír al-Majar): Part 1 - Wake

Episode 55 is the first part of a two part celebration marking the first anniversary of the passing of the remarkable Jarír al-Majar (Gerry Mulholland). It is a snapshot of memories recorded by some of the friends and family of Gerard Mulholland at the O'Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Galway on Saturday, 13 May from 4.18 p.m. to 7.37p.m. One year ago today exactly. These memories are presented in the chronological order in which they were recorded, interweaved with recordings of Gerry from the internet.

Both episodes were published in The Galway Podcast soon after recording and, of all the 46 episodes published so far on The Galway Podcast, these are the two of which I am most proud. I felt at the time that they stand as though they are movies for the ears. I still feel that way.

Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and who made recordings of Jarír’s music available on the internet as well as through private messages. Huge thanks to Eamonn, Marion and all the Mulholland family for their blessing for this project to have been given the go ahead, and a huge, special thanks to Breda, Gerard’s twin. I went to visit Breda to get her blessing to publish these episodes on The Ireland Podcast. Breda was very happy to do so. She wrote a beautiful poem for the anniversary notice in the local paper which follows at the end of this message. Perhaps you can tell from the fluidity that it came out in one sitting.

 

I worked closely with Breda to ensure that Gerard’s memory be treated with the utmost respect that he deserves. It was Breda's grace, dignity and compassion that has made this project a very special one for the memory of Jarír al-Majar. 

 

A final word of appreciation to Jarír al-Majar. The ripples continue after the stone lands at the bottom of the water bed. You were, and continue to be, an inspiration.

 

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ. Alhamdulillah. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.  May he rest in peace. 

 

Fender Jackson

--

Gerard

Your smile as you came in the door,

alas, it is to be no more.

The ivory keys you made them dance,

your songs and poems,

our lives enhanced.

You had so much love to give,

embrace, you shared throughout the human race.

Sometimes I think,

thank God you're gone,

to not bear witness to all this wrong.

A more gentle soul did not abide,

a void so big you left behind.

Soar high above and don't look down,

the life you lived has earned your crown.

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