It is with great sadness that we have to record the passing of another of our legendary players, Maurice McVeigh. A supremely talented individual, Maurice is rightly regarded as one of the most skilful players ever to wear the blue jersey. He was also known as a perfect gentleman, both on and off the pitch.
Maurice joined Glenavon in 1948 from Distillery Seconds and went on to become a key member of our highly successful team of the 1950s helping Glenavon, in the 1951/52 season, to become the first Provincial club to take the Gibson Cup out of Belfast. Maurice’s performance that season in our 8-3 victory over Glentoran on Boxing Day 1951 has become part of our club’s folklore. As the decade progressed Maurice was instrumental in helping bring an array of trophies to Mourneview Park including a treble of Ulster, Gold and City Cups in 1954/55, a League and Cup double in 1956/57 and victory again in the Irish Cup in 1959. His services to local football were recognised in 1955 when he was named Ulster Footballer of the Year.
A Service of Thanksgiving for Maurice’s life will held this Friday, 3rd January in Templepatrick Presbyterian Church (750 Antrim Road, Templepatrick BT39 0AP) at 11.00 am. There will refreshments after the service followed by burial in Roselawn Cemetery for 2pm.
We would wish to pass on our sincere condolences to his daughter, Alison and son, Maurice Jnr, grandchildren, Luke and Beth and the entire family circle at this very sad time.
In September 2018 we had the privilege of welcoming Maurice and his family to Mourneview as he celebrated his 90th birthday.
Be Just and Fear Not.