Tributes poured in this week for the late city businessman George Herterich who died suddenly on Tuesday.
Mr Herterich passed away after a short illness, just few few years after the death of his beloved son George. Junior.
Anthony Ryan of Ryan’s fashion and homeware stores, recalled a man of vision and personality who had great communication skills.
“It is difficult to believe he is dead. He was one of the pivotal business people in Galway throughout the development of Galway through the modern era. His family were in business as butchers for years in Shop Street. George was a people person, he had great communication skills and was a great family man. He was also very involved with the Galway Golf Club and the Augustinian Church.”
Mr Ryan says he always put customers first. “He was one of the generation of businessmen like my late father [Paddy Ryan] who left us a great heritage. George had a very strong work ethic and vision and was totally committed to the city. He was a rock of sense and always saw the sensible option.”
He said his sympathies go out to the late Mr Herterich’s wife Carmel. “He and Carmel suffered the loss of their son a few years ago and everybody’s sympathy goes out to her now.”
Eoin McCambridge of McCambridge’s Shop Street, remembers the late Mr Herterich as a “hardworking gentleman”.
“We were next door neighbours for many years. On one level we were competitors - we were both pork butchers - but on another level we always helped each other out. Nobody ever said a bad word about George. His family came over here after the war and stuck at their craft when others were getting out. He only sold quality produce from the start, they made everything themselves. Lots of the local restaurants used their produce because it was so good. They ran a traditional family business well.”
Mr McCambridge says Mr Herterich was “never the same” after the loss of his only son George junior. “Our hearts are with his family at this time.”
Cllr Declan McDonnell, the chief executive of the Galway City Business Association, says the Herterich family made a “huge contribution” to Galway city.
“They were one of the well known Galway families. George was a great character in business and social circles. I remember him being involved with the Tops of the Town [variety show] for Galwegians rugby club. I saw him in one or two shows. He was always a gentleman, always interested in the best for Galway, the old parts of Galway especially.
“Their businesses in Lombard Street and Shop Street always made a huge contribution to Galway city. George was a great business man. He served the community tremendously well and he always had a smile when you went into his shop. He was a hands-on business person. Our condolences go out to his wife Carmel, and to his extended family and many friends.”
Cllr Terry O’Flaherty said she knew the late George Herterich for a considerable number of years.
“I always found him to be friendly, hard working, humorous, a real gentleman and most especially a true Galwegian and dedicated family man. His passing is going to leave a great void in his beloved city, Galway, and most especially among his family and many friends. I would like to extend my sympathy to his wife Carmel at this very sad time.”
