Former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon, who was laid to rest in Mullaghbrack, Co. Armagh today, was a talented Gaelic footballer in his youth.

Also a former Deputy Leader of the SDLP who played a key role in the peace process which led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, Seamus began his football career with Middletown in the 1950s before going on to play for Keady Dwyers, Queen's University and Crossmaglen. He enjoyed success with each, including an historic Sigerson Cup victory with Queen's in 1959 and three Armagh SFC successes with Crossmaglen in the mid-to-late 1960s.

The Markethill man also represented Armagh at both minor and senior level, winning an Ulster MFC medal in 1957.

One of his proudest moments was seeing his beloved Orchard County lift the Sam Maguire in 2002 after victory over Kerry at Croke Park.

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