NEFL chairman who was a constant presence at MDL grounds

OBITUARY: Gerry Moore, Navan

Soccer clubs across Navan and Meath have been paying tribute to Gerry Moore, the official groundsman at the Meath and District League (MDL) grounds and current chairman of the North Eastern Football League (NEFL), who died suddenly at his residence on Academy Street, Navan, on Friday of last week, following a period of recovery after an illness. He was a past chairman of the Meath and District League and was ever present at the Trim Road grounds for the past four decades.

Gerry 'Muller' Moore was a long standing member of the NEFL family, having played a huge part in the success of the league over the years as it grew from the Mid Meath League and the Meath and District League. He dedicated so much time to the smooth running of the grounds and was always on hand to help out those who needed a dressing room, a set of bibs, footballs or in some cases helping a team out with a kit if there was a clash of colours. His passion for the game and love of watching football played at the MDL grounds was evident to see, the NEFL said in a tribute.

He was a friendly face, with a huge smile and always offering a cup of tea in the kitchen of the grounds to anyone who crossed his path, and a man who took on any task needed without complaining. Gerry was the driving force behind the production of the first yearbook in 1984, according to former Meath Chronicle sports editor, Conall Collier.

Paying tribute on social media, MDL Grounds stated: "It is with immense sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Gerry 'Muller' Moore. Gerry has been involved in the grounds since day one and, to his credit, was the heart and soul of the place. He looked after everything on site, and it breaks our hearts that we are writing these words about him.

"Gerry was also a founding member of the NEFL and, in his younger days, proudly wore the Robinstown jersey. He was the purest example of a heart of gold — kind, committed, and always there when needed."

Robinstown FC said: "Gerry played for Robinstown for many years and also was the manager of the team for many more. Gerry had a life long dedication to soccer in Meath and was an ever present figure in the MDL where he always had a great interest in everything that happened in Robinstown."

Describing him as one of life's true gentlemen, Navan Town Cosmos FC said: "It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Gerry Moore, aka Muller, a stalwart of the MDL and the wider football family, and such a lovely man. No matter what was needed he always got up and helped you . Always had a smile for you. He had great time for all the kids and he’s watched so many of them grow up into adults with children of their own. He’ll be greatly missed by all of us."

Navan Town Cosmos FC took part in East Meath United's charity tournament on Friday last in aid of Jigsaw youth mental health services. The seven-a-side mixed team of club coaches and youth team girls went onto win the tournament. The team dedicated the win to Gerry Moore.

OMP Utd said they were saddened to learn of the passing of "a true stalwart of the MDL, always helpful and always smiling. One of life’s true gentlemen."

Torru United said he was "an absolute gentleman with a friendly smile and word to anyone and everyone that crossed his path; A regular face at the MDL grounds for as long as many can remember and so giving of his time to ensure the grounds were top class so endless hours of football could be played"

“Gerry Muller Moore was a kind, caring, and very obliging stalwart of the MDL through his playing days, committee work and his groundsman and caretaker skills," Parkvilla FC stated. "Many a child would be handed a spare ball or a pitch opened to let the kids play in - a generous soul."

Trim Celtic said: "It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Gerry Moore (Muller), a true mainstay of the MDL Grounds and a gentleman of the highest order."

The Trim Town Academy said "Gerry was more than a familiar face at the MDL grounds — he was the grounds to many of us. A constant presence, a helping hand without ever being asked, and someone whose dedication to football was felt by all who crossed his path. Gerry gave his time quietly and selflessly, never looking for recognition, only wanting to see the game and the people around it thrive. His impact will long outlive the final whistle.

Drogheda United Academy said: "Gerry always made us very welcome and as a Drogs fan always had some stories to tell."

The North Eastern Regional League said: "Gerry was an immense support to us throughout the years. He helped us organise fixtures, prepared pitches for countless games, and was always there with a smile, a chat, and a willingness to go the extra mile. His kindness and pride in the MDL created an environment that made our work — and the League itself — better. Gerry was a true gentleman and a friend to everyone involved in grassroots football. His presence will be sorely missed across the entire community."

A native of Grangebective, Navan, Gerry played Gaelic football with Bective from his teens to his mid twenties, and was a member of their first junior championship winning team of 1982, alongside names like Cahills, Dunnes, Kanes, Keatings and Geraghtys. In a tribute, Bective GFC said Gerry wasn't just a former player; he was a cornerstone of Bective GFC history.

"Gerry’s place in our club’s folklore was forever cemented in 1982, when he played a pivotal role in bringing the first-ever championship title to Bective. Lined out at full back, Gerry was the anchor of the defence - a formidable presence who led from the back with grit, composure, and an unbreakable commitment to the jersey. He was a man who stood tall when it mattered most, helping to pave the way for every success the club has enjoyed since. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with Gerry’s family, his friends, and his 1982 teammates who shared that historic journey with him."

Gerry was predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret; brothers, Val and Jim; and aunt, Annie. He reposed at his beloved MDL grounds on Wednesday, before a private cremation on Thursday.