Those battles pale into insignificance though, next to the challenge of selecting his dream City of Derry 15 from the players he's coached. For a man who has played with, and managed, some of the best players ever to don the 'Green and Black', there were plenty of star names to choose from.
"This proved to be a very difficult task and there are many great players whom I have been proud to coach who are not mentioned," explains Gerald, "It's only when I began this exercise that I realised just how many players I had coached at club and representative level. I could pick another excellent team out of those not in this squad! "
He's not wrong and has included a very strong bench. Have a look and see if you agree with his selections . . .
1. PROP - Chris Budgen
'Budgie' was a very strong and mobile prop forward. An excellent ball carrier who produced quick ball. Forceful in the set pieces. Photo: Inpho
2. HOOKER: Robbie Millar
Robbie was good in all aspects of his play. He did the basics well and without fuss. Captained the double winning Cup and League team . Photo: Derry Journal
3. PROP: Andy Jackson
Andy loved scrummaging and bending his opponent into all sorts of uncomfortable positions! He used to severely disrupt opposition scrums .This was his forte and he was also a capable ball carrier. Photo: Derry Journal
4. SECOND ROW: Owen Lavertry
An athletic second row, Owen was a strong scrummager and excellent line-out forward. Could be depended on to win vital line-out ball close to his own try line and also the opponent's line . Photo: Derry Journal