St Vincents, Ardcath have lost some great ones in recent times.

Men who pulled on the county jersey and performed with distinction. Mick Dunican, Terry Kearns. And only last week Gerry Cromwell joined his old comrades with the Great Footballing God in the Skies.

Gerry from a football perspective and like Mick Dunican, was a little bit unfortunate, they missed out on the really big day. No Leinster or All Ireland finals for the Ardcath pair. They lined out with the Royals during that valley period between 1954 and 64. But old timers will tell you of their outstanding service to club and county. And will stress that each was good enough to make any Meath All Ireland winning combination.

Vincents opened their splendid new grounds in 2019 and were quick to remember their hero, Gerry Cromwell. 

Gerry’s football career started with St. Pats, Stamullen as there was no underage set-up in Ardcath. After that it was on to St. Vincents. The pinnacle of Gerry’s club career arrived in 1963 but O’Mahonys proved too strong in the SFC final. Gerry was captain on the day. That was Ardcath’s last appearance in a Keegan Cup decider.

The Vincent were a very good physical team at the time and claimed Feis Cup titles in 1960, 1962 and 1968. 

Former Meath and St. Vincents greats Gerry Cromwell, left and Mick Dunican in the county colours.

Gerry was selected to play for Meath in 1957 and wore the Green and Gold up until 1964. He suffered a broken shoulder against Kilbride in a senior club game at Pairc Tailteann and that injury ended his football career.

There were some good days in the county jersey for the Ardcath great. One match that stood out was against Cavan in Drogheda. This was a NFL play-off and Mick Dunican, his club mate, was having a great game. Mick set Gerry up for a memorable goal to add to his second one. The team played really well that day and went through to meet Kerry in the semi final. One paper reported ‘Cromwell hits Drogheda for the 2nd time’.

When his football days were over Gerry tried his hand at golf and he won an All Ireland medal and two Leinster championships with Ardee Golf Club.

Gerry was also a very noted handballer, winning a Meath championship with Jimmy Maloney in 1957.

His second love was horses and the Ardcath man had numerous winners, including one at Fairyhouse on Grand National Day.

Tweet

Most Read Stories