It’s been a busy few months in Russell Park - we’ve had the opening of our newly refurbished, state of the art all-weather pitch, had the privilege of our clubman Cian O’Sullivan receiving a Hurling All-Star, Phyllis Breslin received the Lar Foley Hall of Fame Award and our Forging a New Legacy Campaign is fundraising for our future development.

But quietly in the background, a stalwart of St. Brigid’s, who has had an illustrious career on and off the field, slipped off to enjoy his retirement after a 47-year medical career - and some argue a 70-year football career!

Gerry McEntee, a proud native of Nobber, Co. Meath had his final day in work after 34 years of service as a Consultant Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic surgeon at the Mater Hospital.

Phil & Gerry McEntee

Gerry, in a professional capacity (and in his own way) is a man who could say everything and very little in as few words to his 70 registrars, 70+ SHO’s and 200+ interns to whom he led, mentored and coached during his career.

Leading, mentoring and coaching is what Gerry has done his whole life, as a key man for Sean Boylan’s golden era with Meath’s Footballers, this is something that is evidently natural for him.

Gerry, in his footballing career won numerous accolades, but most notably captaining UCD to a Sigerson title and winning an Ireland Club title with them, two All Ireland Senior titles, five Leinster Senior titles, two national leagues and a Football All-Star in 1987 with Meath.

Following retirement from intercounty football and settling into his new club of St. Brigid’s, Gerry took up the role of managing underage football teams within the club, where young players were the beneficiaries of Gerry’s leadership and footballing knowledge.

In 2003, Gerry managed St. Brigid’s Senior Footballers to our first Dublin & Leinster Championships, alongside Paddy Clarke in what is fondly remembered for our members.

2007 saw Gerry manage our Minor A Footballers to Dublin and Leinster Senior Football Championships beating Na Fianna and Donaghmore-Ashbourne respectively, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation with the aim of nurturing their success.

He didn’t have to wait long as he went back to manage our Senior Football team who beat St. Oliver Plunkett/Eoghan Ruadh to win the 2011 Dublin Senior Football Championship - with many of this Minor team excelling at Senior level.

In more recent years Gerry returned to his roots and was involved in the management of the Meath Senior Football team alongside his brother Andy, while also being involved in underage development structures.

For now, a different landscape is ahead for Gerry, after balancing a highly demanding professional career alongside his vocation of an exceptional county and club legacy.

With operating theatres and pitches exchanged for tee boxes and jet-bridges, all at St. Brigid’s wish Gerry alongside his wife Yvonne, daughters Jen and Ciara, and son Phil all the best in your well-deserved retirement.

Naomh Bríd Abú 🔴⚪️