Gerald Peacocke (priest) facts for kids

Gerald William Peacocke (June 25, 1869 – September 5, 1950) was an important Irish religious leader and a talented sportsman. He was known for serving as the Archdeacon of Kildare from 1923 to 1944. His father, Joseph Peacocke, was also a very important church leader, an Archbishop of Dublin.

Life and Church Career

Gerald William Peacocke was born in Dublin, Ireland, on June 25, 1869. He went to Trinity College in Dublin. There, he earned a Master of Arts degree in theology, which is the study of religious beliefs.

After his studies, he became a priest. He started his church career as a curate in Holywood, County Down. In 1900, he became the Rector of Dundela Church in east Belfast. Later, in 1913, he moved to Geashill St Mary in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare.

His most important role came in 1923. He was appointed Archdeacon of Kildare, a position he held for twenty years. He passed away in Ireland on September 5, 1950, at the age of 81.

A Talented Sportsman

Besides his church work, Gerald William Peacocke was also a well-known amateur tennis player. He played in many tournaments across Great Britain and Ireland.

In 1894, he reached the final of the Scottish Championships. This event was held at Castle Wemyss. He played against Richard Millar Watson but did not win the final match.

Peacocke often played at the Wemyss Bay Tennis Tournament between 1891 and 1899. He was very successful at the Castle Wemyss Open. He won the men's singles event there four times: in 1893, 1894, 1898, and 1899. For these wins, he was awarded the Castle Wemyss Cup.

His Family

Gerald William Peacocke's father was Joseph Ferguson Peacocke, who became an Archbishop. His mother was Caroline Sophia Irvine.

He married Kathleen Amelia Crozier on September 15, 1896, in Ireland. They had five children together.