The late Peter McGleenon The death has taken place of former Armagh county footballer Peter McGleenon who as also one of life's gentlemen. A native of Keady he was aged 78 and though he had been experiencing rather indifferent health for a number of years, the end came suddenly. His home for many years was on the Quarter Road in the Camlough before moving to the Cloghogue area where he lived out his life. He is survived by his wife and family. Peter played on the 1950 Armagh team that won the Ulster Championship beating Cavan. His team mates included such household names Jack Batton, Mal McElroy, Art O'Hagan, BIll McCorry, Sean Quinn and Gene Morgan. He was a fearless defender and one of the games most astute readers at that time. His skill and reputation as a footballer grew and long after his retirement his contribution was as great off the field as was his talent and courage in the course of the game. This was Armagh's first ever Ulster senior title and his medal remained highly listed among his most treasured possessions. He was instrumental in the formation of Carrickcuppen GFC and played for them before emigrating to England where he became prolifically involved with St Mary's Club both as a player and administrator. Some years ago his allegiance switched to the Killeavy Club on coming to reside in the area and his link with county football was resumed, this time in management form. In the 1980's Peter got involved in the running of the county minor team. In 1992 he was robbed of his greatest moment as a mentor, when Meath had the call in the Armagh net deep into time added on in the All-Ireland Minor Final, changing a two point advantage into a one point defeat. All his toil and efforts in helping to fashion and prepare the lads for their finest hour evaporated in that one agonising and cruel moment. However, exactly ten years later Peter's Peter's greatest dream was fulfiled when Armagh seniors won the Sam Magurie Cup for the first time, a team that included a number of players whom he had a coached at minor level. And the icing on the cake was surely Killeavy man Steven McDonnell kicking the winning point. On returning home from England, Peter was involved in contract work before taking up employment with the Housing Executive in Newry and remained there until his retirement. He was noted for his honesty and integrity. His cheerful disposition allied to his inimitable wit and humour kept in creasing his popularity. He was always in good spirits and just loved to be in the company of fellow Gaels. His heart and soul was in football and when he stepped out of the coaching arena he continued in the role of supporter, following Armagh teams the length and breadth of the country. Never one to let disappointment diminish his appetite for the game Peter devoted a lifetime of service and will always be remembered for that. He had a profound love for Irish culture and was a top class Irish dancer. His contribution to the GAA over a wide spectrum singled him out as a Gael of exceptional qualities. He was a man who had absolutely no time for airs and graces. He was a very humble man and believed in straight talking and coming direct to the point. If Peter had something to say, he said it and was invariably admired for his forthright opinion. Not that it needed clarified, the high esteem, regard and respect that Peter enjoyed in the community and in particular within wider GAA family was made abundantly clear by the huge turnout at his funeral Mass in Cloghogue Chapel. His remains are interred in the adjoining cemetery. The GAA was central to his whole life. He had witnessed many changes in the fame but one thing that never changed was his unshakable love for it. He revelled in the gladiatorial combat of the big occasion and was one of the most influential players of his era. Peter McGleenon's name will live on, a true Gael and a dear friend. May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace. Courtesy of The Armagh Observer 02 November 2006 Tweet

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