The passing of Terry Kearns has been the source of much sadness among Meath Gaels.
He had a very special place in their affections on account of his heroics in the 1967 All-Ireland Football Final victory over Cork and in all that the success subsequently led to.
A member of the St Vincent’s GAA Club, he played at Minor, Under-21 and Junior level with Meath before making his Senior breakthrough in 1967.
He was named alongside the late Peter Moore at centre-field for the All-Ireland final against Cork and having switched to centre-half-forward, scored the game’s only goal, connecting with a pass from Mattie Kerrigan who had gone to centre-field.
Terry added 2 points and was named as ‘Sports Star of the Week’ in the Irish Independent on the following Friday… a very prestigious accolade at the time.
He was a key member of the team on the historic trip to Australia in the following Spring.
Terry was the centre-half back for the famous comeback victory over Offaly in the 1970 Leinster final and in the subsequent All-Ireland Final defeat to Kerry.
He also had a lengthy club career and while Championship success proved elusive, he enjoyed Feis Cup success in his beloved maroon and white jersey.
