Gerry Gilpin Explained

Gerry Gilpin
Full Name:Francis Gerald Gilpin
Birth Date:20 October 1940
Birth Place:Belfast, Northern Ireland
University:Queen's University Belfast
Position:Fullback / Fly-half
Repyears1:1962
Repcaps1:3
Reppoints1:0

Francis Gerald Gilpin (born 20 October 1940) is an Irish former international rugby union player.

Born in Belfast, Gilpin attended Royal Belfast Academical Institution and captained Ulster Schools, then studied economics at Queen's University Belfast, where he was a fly-half on the varsity side.[1]

Gilpin followed two cousins and three uncles in being capped for Ireland, with three appearances during the 1962 Five Nations. His debut, against England at Twickenham, was as a fly-half beside another new cap in 17-year old John Quirke, to form Ireland's youngest ever halfback combination at a combined age of 38. England had a convincing win and Gilpin was discarded from the team, only to be recalled when Tom Kiernan got injured, playing his next two matches at fullback.[2] He was an Ireland reserve the following year as a wing three-quarter.[3]

In 1965, Gilpin found employment in London and earned Middlesex representative honours playing for Harlequins.[4]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: 'An Ulsterman through and through': How Gerald Gilpin's historic Ireland debut paved way for Harlequins move . . 13 December 2019.
  2. News: Irish pose a problem for 'axed' Gilpin . . 23 February 1962.
  3. News: Gerry Gilpin for London . . 24 August 1965.
  4. News: Ulster Rugby Star's Debut In London . Belfast News-Letter . 24 September 1965.