Like many of his ancestors from County Tipperary & County Clare (Ireland), Gerard was born into a dairy farming community. On the Far South Coast of NSW just outside of Candelo via Bega (as in the "Big Cheese", "Better Buy" etc) he spent the first 18 years of his life heading off to the big wide world of Canberra, then Merimbula, Bega, Cootamundra, Batemans Bay, Bega, Canberra, Melbourne, Canberra (are you seeing a pattern?). He doesn't stay in one place for too long, (18 addresses in 22 years?). To the band, he is just referred to as the "Candelo Kid"!
Gerard first "performed" with is guitar in front of the metropolis of Candelo Public School at the age of 11 with his soloist impression, (it was nothing like the real thing) of Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy"!
He has continued to dabble here and there with different groups and most of all he has continued to have fun with his music and NEVER takes himself too seriously (a bit of a "joker" - wild card that is). He spent a short time earning a living in retail management (nervous breakdown material for a 19 year old) - tried his hand in youth/community work for a large religious organisation (the largest actually) and for the past 20 years he has kept himself busy in the finance game!
Gerard is a dedicated family man and when not spending time with his family, you'll usually find hiim in the company of his other Fir Croi members! |