Death of Peter McDermott

The death occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning of the legendary Meath GAA figure, Peter McDermott. Famously known as 'the man in the cap', he was on two All-Ireland winning Meath teams, and also refereed two All-Ireland football finals. He was team captain when Meath beat favourites Kerry in 1954 and had played at left corner-forward in the first Meath win of 1949. As well as playing in the 1952 final, he refereed the 1953 decider between Kerry and Armagh and the 1956 Galway-Cork final. The Navan O'Mahonys clubman was a native of Belgooley, Co Cork, and played his early football with Donaghmore and Young Irelands of Cushinstown. He later coached Meath's All-Ireland winning team of 1967 and brought the first ever GAA team to Australia when Meath travelled 'Down Under'. Aged 93 at the time of his passing, his medal collection and 'cap' are in the GAA museum in Croke Park. Peter McDermott's remains will repose at the Fitzsimons Funeral Home, Canon Row, Navan, from 2pm-6pm today (Wednesday), with removal to St Mary's Church for 7pm. The funeral Mass will take place on Thursday morning at 10am, followed by burial in St Mary's Cemetery. Full obituary in this week's Meath Chronicle.