So sad to convey news concerning the death of Meath legend Terry Kearns

The St. Vincents Ardcath man was a Meath hero amongst heroes on that glorious September Sunday in 1967 as Sam Maguire made a return to the plains of Royal Meath after an absence of 13 years.

Cork were ousted 1-9 to 0-9 and Terry Kearns, who started at midfield and finished on the edge of the square, was the Royals top score with 1-2.

That cheeky flicked goal past Billy Morgan, shortly after the restart, was to prove the games most cucial score. Terry added a brace of late points for good measure.

The Ardcath star showed his great versatility and strenght for a central position by manning the number 6 jersey some three years later as Kerry pipped Meath in that years decider.

All Ireland champions 1967. Front l-r: Tony Brennan, Terry Kearns, Pater Darby, Sean McCormack, Mick White, Pat Collier, Mick Mellett. Back l-r: Bertie Cunningham, Paddy Mulvanny, Noel Curran, Peter Moore, Jack Quinn, Mattie Kerrigan, Ollie Shanley, Pat Reynolds.

Part of a great east Meath GAA family, Terry Kearns and his brothers served St Vincents with distinction for many years and this at a time when the Ardcath men were one of the top clubs in the county. 

To mark the 50th anniversary of that 67 win we penned, three years back, a little complimentary piece on each of the players. Terry's went thus.

At centre field, wearing the number 9 jersey - Terry Kearns.

Many good judges claim that St. Vincents player Terry Kearns was their Man of the Match in the final against Cork. And who can argue.

Changed to full forward in the early stages of the second period the Ardcath man thereafter notched a tally of 1-2 and was Meath's top scorer.

Those there and thousands at home, stuck to their black and white sets, will forever remember Terry getting on the end of a Matty Kerrigan centre and his over head flick, past the despairing arms of keeper Billy Morgan, to the back of the Cork net.

Ten minutes into the second half and this was the games big turning point.

Terry may not have been the tallest on the team but he had a magnificent leap and that eye for a score. Such was his versatility that when Meath next played on All Ireland day versus Kerry in 70 he manned the vital centre half back position.

Terry Kearns with his brothers back boned the fine St Vincents team of this era. His name is secure in the annals of Meath GAA.

Funeral details

Sadly missed by his loving wife Helena, daughters Nicola, Fiona and Michelle, son-in-law David and daughters partners Kerr and Pat, granddaughter Saoirse, brothers Micheal, Thomas and Jimmy, sisters Cepta and Birdie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

For those who cannot attend due to the current restrictions please leave a personal message for the family in the Condolence section below. Terry's Funeral Mass can be viewed live on Saturday at 11am. from St. Teresa's Church, Bellewstown.

AR DHEIS DE GO RAIBH A ANAM

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