Main pic – Gerard ‘Fish’ McAuley in action against Loughgiel’s Martin Coyle in the 1982 county final in Dunloy in 1982
Former Ballycastle hero Gerard ‘Fish’ McAuley was laid to rest on Sunday after Requiem Mass in St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s church.
One of the ‘Town’s’ brightest stars in the 1970s he won countless juvenile titles in the black and amber including three McMullan Cups in a row, 1975, ‘76 and ‘77 before following it up with three senior Antrim and Ulster titles in a row in 1878, 1979 and 1980, lining out at corner back in all three of them.
1980 was a special year when Ballycastle became the first Antrim team to reach an All Ireland Senior Club final, Fish again lining out in the corner of the defence. They beat Crumlin of Dublin in the semi-final in Croke Park, before losing out to Castlegar of Galway in the final in Pairc Tailteann, Navan.
Fish played on the losing teams of 1981 v Cushendall and 82 v Loughgiel before imigrating to London and missed out on the triumphs of 1983, 84 and 86, but he came back home in later life and was a keen follower of the club until his untimely death last Friday.
To his wife Janice children Shane, Callum, Grace, Carrie, Ben and Bo, grandchildren McKenzie, Maddie, Alfie, Malackie and Leia, brother John, and sisters Catherine & Joanne we offer our sincere condolences.
Fish will be remembered as a great hurler during a golden period for Ballycastle, a great character and most of all a great man.
May he rest in peace
