Death of 1967 All-Ireland legend, Bertie Cunningham

Ballivor GFC last night announced the death of Bertie Cunningham of the All-Ireland winning Meath team of 1967. He was 81.

The legendary centre back was the only Meath player to receive a Texaco Sports Star of the Year Award in 1967. Meath beat Cork in the All-Ireland that year and he was also named sports star of the week by a number of national papers that year.

With his brothers, Christy, Ollie, and PJ, he played football with Ballivor and hurling with Killyon, and was a member of the All-Ireland winning Meath minor team of 1957, beating Armagh on the same day Louth won the senior final.

His passing comes just weeks after that of the 1967 captain, Trim’s Peter Darby. Cunningham had outstanding displays in the 1967 decider, and again in the Leinster final of 1970, when the Royal County also reached the All-Ireland. He also won Leinster honours with Meath in 1964 and ‘66.

Bsllivor GFC wrote: “RIP Bertie Cunningham. A legend of our club and community. A true gentleman that will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. Ar Dheis Dè Go Raibh a Anam.”