At last year's R.C.T.L.C.'s Sports Awards Presentation Ceremony the late Gerry Slevin presented a narration on each Award recipient as he/she came forward for their Award, and as he had done for a number of previous Award Presentations. This was not Gerry's only involvement with the R.C.T.L.C Awards as he was also a member of the press adjudicating committee who decided on the Award recipients and was a valued member of that committee with a huge depth of knowledge in sport.

Thus it is fitting that at the forthcoming Awards Presentation dinner on February 10th next that the late Gerry is to be post-humously presented with a Contribution to Sport Award. As Editor of the Nenagh Guardian Gerry gave tremendous support to the community of Roscrea, often it is felt when not politically correct to do so, in their struggle to create a Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool for the town. Now that that facility is in place and that so many are available of its facilities is in no small ways, says R.C.T. L.C a tribute to the courage and tenacity of people like Gerry.

Gerry was a great sporting enthusiast all his life and it was a passion which shone throughout his career as a journalist. In 1962, Gerry started his journalistic career with the Midland Tribune in Birr as a junior reporter. He later moved to the Westmeath - Offaly Independent in Tullamore and in 1969 became a Senior reporter with the Nenagh Guardian. In 1978 he joined the newsroom staff in the Clare Champion and covered all major Gaelic football games at club and intercounty level. As Editor of the Nenagh Guardian from 1989 until his retirement in 2004 his passion for sport was evident from his writings in that regard.

Gerry was the author of two books, viz, " years of plenty," which documented Tipperary's Camogie victories from 1999 to 2004 and "Through Memories Haze" based on Gerry's memories gleaned over four decades of writing GAA journalism but, mostly hurling. Gerry donated the proceeds of the books to the Tipperary supporters club and Tipperary Camogie supporters club. His involvement with the GAA led him to be appointed as Editor of Tipperary's first yearbook in 1970 and he went on to edit six further editions. Gerry also won the first title in scor in 1969 and again in 1970, both for recitation.

Gerry was multi talented and as a fine singer he featured in many musicals in Miltown Malbay, Ennistymon, Nenagh, Birr and Tullamore. He also edited the monthly journal of the Irish Musicial Societies. During the 1990s he served as President of this Society for two years and was later to receive their "Unsung Hero" Award for his selfless service to the Association.

Indeed Gerry's life was one of selfless service, generously given, and R.C.T.L.C. is honoured by his involvement with them over the years.

- Courtesy of Tipperary Star, 12th January 2012 Tweet

Most Read Stories