Happy Birthday Gerry Mulvenna


Gerry having his first look at the birthday book, August 2006
Family
Rosemary
Joan
Rosa and Mia
Barry
Paula
John
Conor and Debora
Gerard
Anthony
Pauline and Joe
Anne and Una
Eithne
James and Suzanne
Carmel and Bill
Pax and Patsy
Joan O'Connor
Tony and Christine
Willie and Eileen
Craigyhill Mulvennas
Eoghan, Aidan and Maria
Paddy and Ann
Kevin and Debbie
Anne and John
Perry, Gertie and Leo
Sr Paschal
Siobhan
Aila
Friends
Benny and Jan
Peter and Marie
Joyce and Tony
Hugh and Ann
Aidan Bergin
Ignatius
Don and Walter
Charles
Seamus Rainey
Chris and Joe
Vincent
Moira and Des
Marie and John
Memories
Young Family
All-Ireland Winner
Antrim minor hurler
Gaelic Football
Wedding
Honeymoon
Kilternan 1998
Online
Mark Mulvenna

My Brother Gerry by Anthony by Anthony from Anthony

Fourth born after Danny, Arthur and Charlie. Two boys then died in infancy as unfortunately happened in those days. Myself, Anthony, then came along, the youngest boy and the seventh son, followed 18 months later by our only sister, Pauline.

Our parents, sadly, passed away within 18 months of each other in the early sixties and the three older brothers passed on in the eighties.

The youngest boy always seems to get into all kinds of scrapes, staggering from one disaster to another and I think I had my share of them. My brother Gerry was older and my sister Pauline younger so Gerry caught me on the way up and Pauline nailed me on the way down.

I have had some sad, hard experiences during my lifetime, as most people have, and I don't think I could have come through them without Gerry's support and help; that support came, unasked for and unconditional, in every shape and form imaginable. His support was fast, efficient and without fuss. Words are inadequate to describe just how much Gerry's guidance and help meant and means to me. Truthfully, I would have been in serious diffs without Gerry's assistance. My sincere thanks, Gerry for everything. Let us remember, too, at this time, behind every good man, there is a great woman, in this case - thank you, Rosemary.

Gerry was a good sportsman in his younger days and pretty good at the golf and bridge later on. He played Gaelic Football for Antrim Minor and Senior teams. He played alongside Jim McKeever and others on a St. Malachy's College team which got to the Final of the McCrory Cup. He was also, a great hurler and it was at hurling that I remember him best.

Let me recall one game I remember well. We had to play our arch rivals, Cushendall, in the Senior Championship in Glenarm. Gerry was just married and was setting up home in Belfast, so we decided not to annoy him, as we could surely beat Cushendall anyway as we had them at home. Alas, they drew with us and the replay was fixed for two weeks later in Cushendall. The team management decided that we needed Gerry for the replay. He was approached and agreed to turn out. On the day of the match, Cushendall supporters around the entrance to the pitch were overheard to say "They have him here! They've brought him down from Belfast! What are we going to do?" Anyway, the match started and was a mighty tussle from beginning to end. Gerry played a blinder at centre half forward and the Cushendall centre half back seldom saw the ball. We defeated them after a hectic game and it was surely due to Gerry's presence on the team that the result went Glenarm's way that day. One of our sweetest victories, it was also a good day for the Mulvenna clan, as four of us, Arthur, Charlie, Gerry and myself all played that day.

Gerry's success in business is there for all to see and I don't need to add anything in that direction. Finally, Gerry, once again, let me thank you sincerely for all your kindness, help and support down through the years. I am very proud to call you, brother. Have a wonderful, happy day surrounded by your beautiful family. Sláinte agus saol agat.

Your loving brother, Anthony