Peter Loftus was born on the 26th December 1965, but he would not celebrate his birthday until January every year because he did not want to miss out on a full year of celebrating. This is what he told his sisters and brothers as they grew up in Pairc Mhuire, Newbridge. Peter learned to play football on that Green in Pairc Mhuire where he also learned the value of friendship. These two invaluable skills Peter took with him where ever he ventured. Every young lad that that kicked a ball with 'Lofty' in those days remained a good friend for life. Peter was admired for his football but loved for his smile. At the tender age of 12 years he was asked to captain the under 13 Community Games Gaelic team who went on to represent Kildare in Mosney. They reached the final on that occasion and the game was level with a minute to go. A late free was then awarded to the Newbridge side and up stepped Peter in the last seconds of the game. His mother Bridget, recalls hiding behind some trees unable to look, but the cheers from the Newbridge crowd told her that Peter had converted and Newbridge had won the final. This was back in 1977 and 'Lofty' was to continue to produce these type of performances throughout his life. Peter's football career continued with both Newbridge Gaelic teams and Newbridge Town soccer youths. Here again he would make friends for life as these friends move on to play for both Moorefield and Sarsfields. They all were there to say goodbye and to let Peter's family know that they will miss him also. The boys from both clubs could be seen with 'Lofty' on many social occasions and the banter would be lively and good fun. To 'Lofty' football was a game but friendship was for real. The only time Peter took sport really seriously was when he was honoured with the captaincy of the Kildare minor team in 1983. This was an exceptional team and he was extremely proud to lift the Leinster trophy that year. The following year Peter enlisted into the Irish Army where he was happiest. He joined on the 27 August 1984 and completed a chef's course and served in the 3rd inf bn and GTD McDonagh Barracks. He was posted to the SSU in 1999. Between October 1985 and November 2001 he served in Lebanon with the 58th, 63rd, 69th, 76th, 80th, 85th and 89th Inf Ba UNIFIL. Peter also served UNMEE 2nd Irish Guards in 2002. He represented the 3rd inf bn/GTD and the Curragh Command at the highest level in both soccer and Gaelic winning both leagues and championship in both codes. He played against a Liverpool team with the Defence Forces soccer team. Also on that team were the current chief of staff Lt Gen Dermot Earley and RMS Philip Hayden. A guard of honour from 'Lofty's home in Pairc Mhuire included his former team mates and the executive committee of the Moorefield GAA Club and they accompanied Peter remains to St. Conleth's Church, Newbridge. The military funeral for Peter was a very sad occasion but a great sense of pride was also prevalent with the way our army boys took care of their own. Peter's close working colleagues of cooks and chefs were immersed with the other mourners but together in rank and file. Not detailed to be there but needed to say farewell this way, united and strong for the last time. Many of Peter's friends were part of the official detail and were immense in their loyalty, support and efficiency. This was their lasting tribute to a colleague they loved and respected. The courage and support it gave Peter's mother, Bridget, and his entire family to see this respect from his colleagues will stay with them for many years to come. Peter is survived by his mother Bridget, his wife Mehret and son Paul, sisters Rita and Ursula, brothers Pat, Noel, Paul, Finbar and Gerry. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Leinster Leader, 25th June 2009 Tweet

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