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26 Sept 2025
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26 Sept 2025
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Manager Gerdie McGrath consoles Doon player Richie English after their Limerick senior hurling semi-final defeat to Kilmallock at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in 2014 l PICTURE: Keith Wiseman
GERDIE McGrath is a man who has been steeped in Doon GAA from a young age.
McGrath was player/manager with Doon from 1999 until 2000 and then senior hurling manager with the club from 2013 until 2014.
The Doon man also managed Junior A, Junior B teams with the East Limerick club as well as serving as selector to U16, U18 and u21 teams. He also served as the club's Secretary, Chairperson, registrar and PRO.
In 1989 and 2000, Gerdie McGrath lined out in the county final for his club. Ballybrown defeated Doon in the 1989 county final.
“It was a very exciting occasion. In fairness, we were beaten by a better Ballybrown team. They got ahead of us in the first half and we were much better in the second half. They were stronger than us.”
Ballybrown went on to reach the All-Ireland final that year.
In 2000, McGrath lined out in his second county senior final against Patrickswell. Doon suffered their second final defeat against Patrickswell.
Billy McLoughlin, Patsy Ryan, Paddy Moloney and Tony McGrath were some of the players that stood out from those Doon teams, Gerdie McGrath reflected.“
Billy McLoughlin was an outstanding ‘keeper. Patsy Ryan, Paddy Moloney and my brother Tony, we had an awful lot of good hurlers. We enjoyed playing and training with Doon. If the lads get over the line this weekend, all the pain will go away.”
Three players who lined for Doon then have sons on the current Doon senior hurling hurling team.
James O'Donovan has two sons in Cian and Darragh on the starting XV. John Stokes’ son, Eddie Stokes will line out in the attack at the weekend, while Declan Ryan's son, Daire is the Doon sub keeper against Na Piarsaigh.
“These are the best Doon players we've ever had. These lads are special lads. When you see Adam English on the ball, God help us, he has such ability. What else would you do if you weren't in hurling?”
So What would it mean if Doon were to win their first county title on Sunday?
“You'd be absolutely thrilled for the lads. You couldn't really put it into the words. The big hope always was Doon to win one. It would be great for the youngsters in the club. It could take a few days for the cows to be milked!,” said McGrath
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