Gerry Gilpin

Gerry Gilpin
Full nameFrancis Gerald Gilpin
Date of birth (1940-10-20) 20 October 1940 (age 84)
Place of birthBelfast, Northern Ireland
UniversityQueen's University Belfast
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback / Fly-half
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1962 Ireland 3 (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

References

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