Sad passing of Meath legend Terry Kearns

Terry Kearns, the man who wrote his name into Meath GAA folklore when he scored the only goal in the Royals' 1967 All-Ireland SFC final victory over Cork, sadly passed away this morning.

Terry's club, St Vincent's, posted on Facebook that their legendary player had passed away and Meath PRO Ciaran Flynn paid fitting tribute to the Ardcath man.

"The passing of Terry Kearns has been the source of much sadness among Meath Gaels," commented Flynn.

"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 two 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," concluded Flynn.

Our deepest sympathies to Terry's family, friends and all at St Vincent's GAA club.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.