Former Meath captain Peter Darby passes away
One of Meath's greatest footballing legends has gone to his resting place.
Former Meath captain Peter Darby has passed away leaving behind a rich and varied legacy as both a hurler and footballer - and as a man who was very highly regarded by those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Peter carved himself a unique place in the history of the GAA when he captained Meath to the 1967 All-Ireland final when they defeated Cork 1-9 to 0-9. It was only the third time Meath won the Sam Maguire with Peter following in the footsteps of previous captains Brian Smyth in 1949 and Peter McDermott in 1954.
Ever friendly and courteous Peter Darby was known far and wide as a gentleman who always had time to stop and talk to people - and no matter how often he was asked about his footballing career he was always willing to chat about those glory days and give insights into how Meath became All-Ireland champions.
Peter was left-corner-back on the Meath team that beat Cork in the '67 final forming a formidable full-back line along with Jack Quinn and Mick White.
The victory was achieved following some very disappointing setbacks including a loss to Galway in the 1966 All-Ireland final when Peter formed a full back-line along with Dinny Donnelly and Jack Quinn. However, Meath showed real resilience by bouncing back to claim Sam the following year.
In '67 Peter took on the captain's role and the Royal County defeated Louth, Westmeath and Kildare in Leinster before pushing on to defeat Mayo, 3-14 to 1-14 in the All-Ireland semi-final. On the big day, the final, Meath proved better than Cork with Terry Kearns scoring the goal that proved so vital in chalking up the victory, ensuring Peter Darby had the task of climbing the Hogan Stand steps to accept the famous trophy on behalf of his team.
As well as a richly talented footballer Peter was also a skilled hurler. During his days as a dual inter-county player Peter won three Leinster SFC medals in 1964, '66 and '67 and also claimed an O'Byrne Cup medal in 1967. He also added a Div 2 NHL honour to his collection. An honour he won with his county in 1962.
Peter travelled with the Meath footballers as they embarked on a trip to Australia in 1968, where they played five games including one in the famous MCG in Melbourne. Meath won all of the five games they played Down Under in what was a truly innovative and ground-breaking tour.
He was captain of the only Trim team to win the Keegan Cup in 1962 having already won five SHC medals with the club in 1955, '56, '57, '59 and '60. One of his great personal achievements was scoring 4-2 in the 1956 SHC final for Trim while still a teenager. The huge score also underlined his abundant talent. He also won a Feis Cup medal in 1961 in the famous red jersey of Trim.
Peter was picked, and named captain, on Gaelic Sport magazine's 'Best Gaelic Football Team from 1958 to 1993' along with legends such as Kerry's Mick O'Connell, Pat Spillane, Willie Bryne (Offaly) Jimmy Barry Murphy (Cork) and Kevin Heffernan (Dublin). He also played Railway Cup football for Leinster, another achievement that underlined his abilities.
Peter was also the Guest of Honour at the county SFC final in 1997 when he performed the ceremonial throw-in, and in 2017, he was inducted into the Royal County's Hall of Fame.
His talents were also underlined in the way he was chosen at left full-back on the Sarpheileadoir team in 1964 and 1966 - forerunner of the All-Stars teams which weren't introduced until 1971.
After he hung up his boots he made a contribution as an official becoming vice-chairman of Meath Co Board.
Peter Darby was a true Meath GAA legend who certainly left his mark. May he rest in peace.