Former Armagh captain Colm McKinstry passes away

August 09, 2021

The late Colm McKinstry was one of the most famous players to don the Armagh jersey

Former Armagh football star Colm McKinstry has died.

The Clan na Gael clubman was an All-Star and Ulster SFC-winning captain with the Orchard County in 1970s and 80s and was one of the most famous players to wear the orange jersey.

He partnered Joe Kernan at midfield to help Armagh to three provincial championships, as well as an All-Ireland final appearance against Dublin in 1977, and would have the proud honour of lifting the Anglo-Celt Cup in 1982 on his county's behalf as captain. 

McKinstry represented Lurgan outfit Clan na Gael between 1967 and 1985, winning three Ulster club titles and reaching the All-Ireland final in 1974. He would go on to manage his native club and lead them to the 2006 Armagh SFC final, losing out to the mighty Crossmaglen Rangers.

Armagh GAA chairman Michael Savage paid tribute to one of the county’s greats with the following words:

"The Armagh and wider GAA family are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Colm McKinstry, one of our greatest Gaels.

"Colm was a member of the 1977 All-Ireland final team, an All-Star recipient in 1980 and Armagh captain when he proudly lifted the Anglo Celt Cup in 1982. He was a renowned player for his county and club Clan na Gael for many years and a highly respected player and manager by all Gaels.

"On behalf of Contae Ard Mhacha, we extend our sincere and most heartfelt condolences to his wife Nuala, daughters Niamh, Grainne and Eimear, the wider family circle, to his fellow players, friends and members of Clan na Gael. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."


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