Triple Crown star to try his luck

Local election candidates One of the stars of Ireland's 1982 Triple Crown-winning team is to run in the local elections in Limerick…

Local election candidatesOne of the stars of Ireland's 1982 Triple Crown-winning team is to run in the local elections in Limerick.

Gerry "Ginger" McLoughlin, remembered for his try against England at Twickenham when he dragged the whole English pack over the line, will stand as an Independent in Ward 2 in the city.

McLoughlin was chosen for the British and Irish Lions trip to South Africa the following year, when apartheid was still in force.

He was a teacher at CBS Sexton Street at the time, and when his employers, the Christian Brothers, objected to his going, he left his teaching job.

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He later bought a pub in Athlunkard Street and named it the Triple Crown.

In 1987 he and his family went to live and work in Pontypridd, in Wales, where he became a popular figure in the rugby heartland.

Now aged 52 and living on Mungret Street, Limerick, he is a special needs teacher at St Senan's Boys' School.

He has also been involved with the Diocesan Youth Club and the St Mary's Development Project for the disadvantaged.

He decided to stand for election as a result of promptings from various groups in the city.

He believes that many social problems can be solved by improving sports facilities, and through greater co-operation between groups involved with young people.