Dundalk St Gerards’ AC is a predominantly juvenile athletic club based in the Dundalk area.
The aim of the club is to promote athletics in the community and to encourage the participation of young people in athletics. We also promote the pursuit of sporting excellence, so that all members may fully reach their athletic potential.
The club aims to provide services to all its members in a way that is fair to everyone regardless of ability, race, nationality, colour or ethnicity.
The club’s management committee endeavours to support the athletes and coaches.
History
In September 1982 two men from Oaklawns – Jim Gannon and Jim Kelly – founded St. Gerard’s Athletic Club. Initially the members of St. Gerard’s A.C came from the Greenacres and the Redemptorist areas of Dundalk. However, as the club developed during the 1980s it’s catchment area also increased to encompass numerous regions throughout Dundalk.
The first Annual General Meeting of the club was held in St. Gerard’s Hall on September 21st, 1983, with Jim Kelly elected as Chairperson and Albert Alexander elected as Secretary. As the club developed, there have been many dedicated coaches who have contributed their time and skills to train the athletes and to ensure they won numerous Louth, Leinster and All Ireland titles. The club is indebted to Gerry McEnteggart and other coaches such as Noel Matthews, Christy McShane, Mary Roachford, Tony Roachford, John Rafferty, David McGuinness, Sean Leyden, Brendan Martin, Peter Fitzpatrick, Eucharia Kirk and Eugene Birch who at one time or another devoted their time voluntarily to training the athletes.
The first ever athletes to receive All Ireland medals for St. Gerard’s were Alison Hughes and Don Alexander during July 1984 in Cork. Don broke the record for the under-9 60m sprint, and his record was still in place when the N.A.C.A disbanded. Other record holders for the club down through the years were Kevin Hamill, Sean Leyden, Barry Rafferty, Stephen Casey, Alan McEnteggart, Graham Carr, Derek Maguire, Alison Hughes, Aine Gorham, Nichola McShane, Orlaith Kirk and Vanessa Bromley. Many of the athletes were chosen to represent Ireland in the C.S.I.T International Championships.
In 2013 St. Gerard’s Athletic Club was renamed to Dundalk St. Gerard’s Athletic Club to highlight the location of the club.
Club Facts
- Club founded: September 1982
- Founders: Jim Kelly and Jim Gannon
- Base: General Dundalk area.
- Club Colours: Red and White.
- Honorary Presidents: Jim and Anne Kelly.