The late Peter McGleenon The sad news of the death of Peter on 23rd October, 2006 was received with shock and sadness as it filtered throughout the country. Although not entirely unexpected, it was still hard to believe that such a superb athlete of former years was gone. Peter was born in 1928 in Keady and, as a ten year old, moved with his family to live on the Quarter Road, Camlough. As a teenager, Peter joined the newly-formed Carrickcruppen GFC, with which he gave many fine performances. He was one of the best players in the Parish League in 1947 and 1948 and it was not long before he was called for County duty. Peter played in the 1949 Ulster final at Clones against the same Cavan team which had famously played in the All-Ireland final against Kerry in the Polo Grounds New York, just two years previously. Armagh lost that game by a single point. However, the following year they got revenge when, after an outstanding display of sheer football, they humbled the mighty Cavan. Peter gave an exhibition of defensive play that day which assured him of a place on the Ulster team which won the Railway Cup that year. In 1950 Peter left home to seek work in London and soon got himself into the GAA circle there, where he was rewarded with a place on the St Mary's team and with London Irish. A question often asked some fifty on is why Peter was not flown home from London to play in the 1953 All Ireland final against Kerry. It remains a mystery how the Armagh management missed out on this talent as Peter was playing some brilliant football with St Mary's and the London Irish. He married Rose Woods in September 1953 and they had four children - Ann, Peter, Kevin and Sean. In 1964 the family returned home and settled on the Forkhill Road, Newry and Peter commenced work with the Housing Executive. His interest in football never waned and, although getting on a bit, he still managed to get his place on the Carrickcruppen team. He played at full forward for 'Cruppen against Crossmaglen in the 1966 County Final. After hanging up his own boots, Peter turned his attention to management. Along with Bro. Ennis, he managed the Armagh Minors who reached the All-Ireland final who reached the All Ireland final in 1992. It was widely felt that Armagh were robbed of the All Ireland title that year by a Meath goal in the final seconds of added on time. The result of that match affected Peter deeply. However, ten years later in 2002 there wasn't a happier man in the country when he saw his protegees collect their All Ireland medals. Although Peter will be best remembered in the feild of sport, he also was blessed with many other talents. As a young man, he was a champion Irish dancer, dancing at feiseanna all over the country and also was a keen fiddler player. He was an excellent husband and father and a great friend to many during his lifetime. His kind nature and good company would light up any room. Peter bore his illness with the same courage and fortitude that he displayed on the playing fields of Ireland and England. The devotion shown to him by his wife and family could never be equalled. I am deeply privileged to have had him as my cousin and, although I was often chided by him for not sharing his passion for the game, I was delighted to have had the opportunity to play on the 'Cruppen team alongside him. He will be deeply missed by us all. May the sod of the land you loved so much, rest gently on you, dear cousin. Contributed by Leo Hughes Courtesy of the Armagh Express 02 January 2007 Tweet

Most Read Stories