Death of two-time Down All-Ireland winner PJ McElroy
November 01, 2022
The Down team that won the Sam Maguire Cup in 1960, front l/r: Eamonn McKay, Patsy O Hagan, Paddy Doherty, Kevin Mussen, George Lavery, Tony Hadden, Brian Morgan. Back: James McCartan, Joe Lennon, Jarlath Carey, Leo Murphy, Dan McCartan, Sean O Neill, Kevin O Neill, Pat Rice.
Down GAA has paid tribute to the late PJ McElroy, who won All-Ireland SFC medals with the Mourne County in 1960 and '61.
The midfielder from Liatroim Fontenoys played senior football for Down from 1953 to '62, winning a Celtic Cross as a sub in the historic 1960 All-Ireland final victory over Kerry and in a new position of full forward in '61 when he enjoyed a great tussle with the famous Offaly full back, Greg Hughes.
PJ played at midfield when Down were crowned National League champions for the first time in 1960. He also featured as Down retained the Ulster SFC title at Cavan's expense that year before going on to become the first team from the 'Six Counties' to lift the Sam Maguire.
When Down retained their All-Ireland crown in '61, PJ was playing his club football with Glenn. He also won two MacRory Cups with St Colman's, Newry in a highly-decorated career.
Down GAA secretary Seán Óg McAteer said: “PJ played on Down teams for nine years, he soldiered for the red-and-black when the road was hard and the climb was steep.
“It was fitting that he should be amongst the men of 1953 who would play such a lead role in 1960 and '61; men like Kevin Mussen, George Lavery, Jarlath Carey and Kieran Denvir had all faced Derry in 1953, when the journey was starting, PJ was part of that generation who helped make Down the proud county that we are today.”
"He would win Down Senior Championship Medals with Glenn in 1962 and 1963 and also represented Ulster in 1954 and 1955. PJ was a great man, in so many ways, he had presence and he loved to be amongst his former playing colleagues, sharing stories and just being amongst friends, he had a great interest in football and in the fortunes of Down, in later years he was very proud as his grandson Finn adorned the Red and Black, progressing through to Senior ranks, the torch had been passed on to a next generation and PJ McElroy had played his part."
Down GAA has extended its deepest sympathy to PJ's sons Declan and Eoin, daughters Roisín, Orla, Ciara, Patricia, Maeve and Aisling while also remembering his late wife Bridget.
Tweet@OfficialDownGAA Down GAA are saddened to learn today of the death of PJ McElroy, an All Ireland winner in 1960 and 61. A full tribute will follow tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/xXGwHjrd4F
— Official Down GAA (@OfficialDownGAA) October 28, 2022
