We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Hendon forward Gerry O'Rourke following a lengthy battle with dementia. He passed away peacefully on Sunday morning surrounded by family and friends.

Gerry signed for the club from Hayes ahead of our first season in the Isthmian League and began in a blaze of glory, scoring 13 times in his first 8 appearances for the club. In total, he scored 39 times in 47 matches including the winner in the 1963/64 London Senior Cup final against local rivals Enfield before leaving at the end of the season to turn professional with league champions Wimbledon, as they moved into the Southern League.

In more recent years, Gerry moved to the Isle of Wight where he became firm friends with Alan Messenger and the IoW branch of the supporters club. Gerry will be fondly remembered by those that were fortunate enough to watch him in action, and sadly missed by all.

Everyone at Hendon offers Gerry's family and friends our deepest sympathies at this sad time.