A sports journalist described the Newry all-rounder as �an idol for sports fans. John Fearon knows the game inside-out, and the players have complete confidence in him. One of Ireland�s top defenders, John was chosen for the League of Ireland against the English League.�

Apart from soccer, that modest personality was boxing coach at Newry Bosco Club. Many of his prot�g�s went on to win Ulster and All-Ireland titles, as well British Heavy-weight Champion, Dan McAlinden. And such was the reputation of the club that world champion, Freddie Gilroy from Belfast, chose the Erskine Street gym to train for a title fight at the Albert Hall, London.

Meanwhile, Gerry Brown got involved in sport as a pupil at the Abbey CBS, under the influence of the legendary Brother `Wee Tarzan` Newell. On the Abbey side was another player who would manage a Down side, which won the Sam Maguire Cup, - Barney Carr. Others in the squad were (Fr) Jackie Short, Joe Morgan, Arthur Bradley, Johnney Carr, Paddy Hanna, and Jarlath Gibbons.

After leaving school, Gerry joined the Irish Army, becoming PT Instructor. And on returning home, he was appointed Warden of the St John Bosco Club. After playing for Bessbrook Geraldines, under the captaincy of `Poppy` Fearon, he became captain of a Newry GAA side, which included Tim McCoy, Pat Curtis, Anthony Fitzpatrick, Malachy Short, Joe Murphy and Ritchie Hollywood.

Meanwhile, the Mourne squad was en route to the county�s first All-Ireland title in 1946, when the Down Junior team, under player-manager Gerry Brown, defeated Louth, Leitrim and Warwickshire, amid tremendous rejoicing.

As the Newry Telegraph reported : �The joy and pride of the people of Down at this historic victory was amply shown when the team returned home. Three bands led thousands of people in parade through the frontier town, waving flags and banners. And the players were carried shoulder-high to a reception at their training head-quarters, - the old St Colman�s Hall at Castle Street.�

Incidentally, Gerry was recruited in the 50�s as manager of the first Tyrone side to win an Ulster Senior Championship; they lost narrowly in the All-Ireland semi-finals. As he commented: �Most sides from the North were beaten before they stepped on to Croke Park. They were only interested in putting up a good show, keep the score against them to a minimum, and not disgrace themselves.�

Meanwhile, back at the St John Bosco Club, players who had reached the age of 18 years were no longer eligible to belong. So Gerry Brown and the team founded the John Mitchels GFC. The new club was unique in its set of brothers, - O�Neills, Mc Aleaveys, Bannons, Hollywoods, O�Rourkes, McParlands, McCauls, Quinns, Toals and McAteers. They won the County Senior Championship within four years of formation, powered by future Down stars, Kevin and Sean O�Neill.

A founder of the club, noted referee and chairman of Newry and Mourne district council, Arthur Ruddy stated: �Gerry Brown inspired confidence in young people. Multi-talented and a great motivator, he made a greater contribution to sport in the Newry region than any other person. Ahead of his time, Gerry introduced a new brand of football, was a tremendous tactician and coach.�

And Gerry Brown�s most famous prot�g�e, Sean O�Neill, recalled how his mentor had �set very high standards of sportsmanship and fair play. My abiding memory is that the Mitchel�s approach to their games was a healthy and sporting one.�

And the All-Star recalled how, in the 1960 County Senior Championship Final, the Newry side would be facing Ballykinlar, powered by the peerless Paddy Doherty. He had been the key figure in bringing the Sam Maguire Cup to the Mournes for the first time.

�Gerry Brown discussed the crucial problem we faced. If Paddy Doherty got loose, he could beat us on his own, - the problem was, what to do about `Mo.` Gerry wisely decided not to burden any individual with the responsibility. Instead, he asked for volunteers. There was a deathly silence, then a voice quietly announced: `That is my job!� It was my brother Kevin�s voice. I admired his courage and impudence In fact, Doherty was held scoreless from play, as we won the County Senior Championship in that historic year of 1960.�

But the climax of Gerry Brown�s career came in 1968, when he managed the Mourne side, which brought the Sam Maguire Cup over the border for the third time. He had the difficult task of blending a youthful squad of 1966 with four veterans of the 60/61 era, - Sean O�Neill, Paddy Doherty, Dan McCartan and Joe Lennon.

Son of a councillor, Gerry was married to Alma Nicholson from Kilkeel, a gifted pianist and teacher at the Sacred Heart Grammar School. His brother, Sean A Brown was a distinguished photo-journalist, who spent decades in war zones, or conducting international seminars on journalism, especially in Asia and Africa. He died a few years after returning to the frontier town.

Appointed Sports Master at the Abbey Grammar School, Gerry Brown guided his charges to triumph in various competitions, including the MacRory Cup. One of the captains, Val Kane, succeeded him as Sports Master.

Ironically, ill-health prevented that legendary sportsman from witnessing the Mourne County�s memorable achievement in recapturing the Sam Maguire Cup in 1991, - a gap of 23 years after his own team�s triumph. In the annals of Down GAA, the name of the versatile and gifted Gerry Brown has an honoured place.

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