Áine Gray is an ever-present figure in any recollection of Glenans Ireland in the 1970s. Áine was always around to help and support whatever enterprise was afoot. She served on the committee for many years and made a huge contribution to producing issue after issue of the Glenans Newsletter.
That was in the days before PCs, not to mention smartphones. Áine worked for IBM, which in those days sold typewriters. She had access to the then cutting-edge IBM Golfball typewriter on which she produced the Newsletter from often indecipherable hand-written submissions. Áine was the Newsletter!
Áine had great organisational talents which she combined with a warm, friendly and engaging personality. This combination, and her forceful input on the Committee, played a significant role in helping Glenans to grow and develop in the 1970s.
Áine was involved at the same time as Michel Pinot was in charge of Glenans in Ireland and he sent on this tribute:
Very sad to learn that our friend " Áine Gray" died last night. Her name reminds me of a beautiful person on whom we could count within the great adventure of the Glenans Irish. We will miss you terribly Áine.
We were all glad to see Áine in 2012 at the 1970s Reunion in Baltimore. Despite ongoing health issues, she made a special effort to attend and to reconnect and remember good times with old friends.
Áine had two sons, Simon and Conor, to whom she was devoted and who have been a support to her through recent years of poor health.
Apart from sailing and cruising on Mousquetaires, Áine enjoyed the working weekends, and never had a problem getting stuck in. Around 1976, a gang of us were working on Bere Island between Christmas and New Year. A turkey had been brought down by Áine and duly cooked and enjoyed by all. But we had not planned much for the following day. I have a vivid recollection of Áine revisiting the carcass to produce an unbelievable amount of meat and avert a crisis.
It was a pleasure to have known her. May she rest in peace.
Tribute provided by Michel Pineau, David Bagnall and Tony Linehan
