SADNESS AT THE DEATH OF GAA STALWART, PETER RUSSELL
THERE was widespread sadness and a sense of loss in St.Pat’s GAA, Stamullen parish, Greenanstown and over the wider East Meath Area on the death of Peter Russell. Peter passed away peacefully at his home in Greenanstown in the early hours of 15th May following a prolonged illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Peter was a passsionate GAA man and took part in all aspects of both club and committee. He played under fourteen , under sixteen, minor, junior and senior for St.Pat’s. In 1959 Peter watched as St.Pat’s junior team reached the final of the championship.
After three hectic matches they were defeated by a good Drumree team by one kick of the ball. The following year the team had reached the intermediate final and Peter (aged 17) got the call to join his brother Tommy on the panel.
Unfortunately they were beaten once again by Athboy. In 1961 Peter claimed the no2 jersey on the team and despite great display by Peter and his team mates they had no luck that year either. St.Pat’s went into the 1962 championship with great determination but were very unlucky when two drawn matches forced them out.
Peter and the team made up for all the disappointment when they went on to win the Intermediate championship in 1963, beating Kells in the final. Playing alongside Peter were Pat Red Colier, who was captain of the team and went on to win an All Ireland medal with Meath in 1967, Peter’s brother Tommy who played at full forward and his cousin Bobby who played on the forty. This win was a great achievement as St.Pat’s played for two years without a defeat. Peter continued with great displays wearing the no2 jersey and went on to win a Feis Cup in1968. Teammates of Peter’s in that final were Red Colier and the late Joe Lennon who won three All Ireland’s with Down in the 1960’s.
Peter retired from playing in the early 70’s and took on a role as a selector.
In the 80’s he became a member of the grounds committee who kept Whyte Park in great condition. Peter has now joined two deceased members of that grounds committee, the late Jimmy Curran and Paddy ‘ Trooper’ Finn. No doubt the topic in Heaven these days is GAA and grounds.
.Peter was very proud when his two sons, Niall and Kieron, won intermediate and division 1 league medals in 2000. His legacy continues with the club as his son Niall is the current manager of the senior team and his grand children are also involved with the club as is his first cousin Rosa McNulty who is a very active member of the committee.
When Peter made his final journey down the Greenanstown road to Stamullen village his Coffin was draped in the white and green flag of St. Pat’s with the no2 jersey proudly on display. He was met on the outskirts of the village by a guard of honour consisting of 70 past and present players and committee members. The guard of honour was headed by the present Chairman of St.Pat’s, Gavin Kirby.
The cortege was received at the church by Fr. Michael Daly and Fr. Phil Smith, retired PP of Balymore who played alongside Peter in the earlier years. There was such a large turnout that many people didn’t make it into the church. After Mass, Peter,s coffin was carried to the cemetery by family and present day players of the club.
We offer our sincere sympathy to Peter’s wife Pauline, daughter Sinead sons Niall and Kieron, brother Tommy, grandchildren and extended family.
Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.
St.Patrick’s GAA Club.