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A Short History of Gerry Mulvenna by Aidan Bergin by Aidan Bergin from Aidan Bergin
I first met Gerry Mulvenna at St. Malachy's College in the early 40s. It was during the War --- (some rotten swine will holler "which war?" --- it was about 1944. He may have been a year ahead of me. We both shared a love gaelic football and hurling and we both played for the same House --- St. Patrick's. We progressed to playing for the College McCrory Cup teams and later we wore the saffron jerseys of Antrim County. After leaving St. Mal's we went our separate ways but met up again attending S.M.C.O.B.A. annual dinners and golfing society outings. Gerry joined Fortwilliam G.C. from Balmoral and we renewed our acquaintanceship once more and later extending to set up a 4-ball with Mr O'Connell and Mr Shannon. As a duo our crowning glory in golfing terms perhaps came in 1985. In pub quizzes and on Question of Sport many people remember 1985 as the year that -----
It has to be said that Denis and Tony were gracious in joining in après match celebrations. You can see from the enclosed snaps the huge crown that surrounded the 18th to witness the historic occasion. On display also is one of A.B.'s tresured mementos showing Betty Bergin holding aloft the elusive BROWNLEE TROPHY. Rosemary and G.M. will look at this and remember Betty with great affection. 
The 4-ball referred to earlier was (with some noteable stand-ins) involved in many memorable occasions at Stillorgan Road and Rosapenna ---- hundreds of fleeting images swim before one's eyes. One contemporary account (hastily scribbled) is attached. I have to admit that many things have slipped from my aging memorybox but there is one I will never ever forget. Picture the scene! --------- A silent caravan in Rosapenna about 3am on a balmy summer morning. Illumination only from struggling street lights. The eerie silence is suddenly shattered by the protests of a creaking door hinge. A.B. the aroused sleeper on the gable window seat sets unbelieving eyes on what can only be described as an apparition. Into view comes a strangely familiar figure totally (dare I say it ) --- naked ---. This ghost is holding a wastepaper bin in front of him in a "functional" position and proceeds to silently walk (a very familiar walk) around and around in a circle --- around and around. Not a word was spoken. Then the spectre returns through the door and sharp click signifies the end. I wonder who it was? And what was in the wastepaper bin? If only I had had a camera! There are many happy memories in 75 years; above are but a few. May there be many more! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GERRY! |