prafferty

TENNENT’S/UGAAWA MERIT AWARD FOR APRIL 2004

The work of team managers is often ignored but this month we spotlight one of those sideline anxious men who have such a big say in victory or defeat.
PETER RAFFERTY caught the eye of us with his astute management of the Armagh under-21 footballers who won the Ulster Championship title during April with a whirlwind performance over Derry in the final at Casement Park. The manager certainly put his stamp on the side.
Years of experience in the heat of football battle have given Peter a deep insight into what it takes to be successful and, no doubt, he relieved many of his greater moments on the field of play during his guidance of the young Armagh side.
From 1979 to 1989, Peter Rafferty wore the Armagh senior jersey, playing most at left half-back. He won Ulster senior championship medals in 1980 and ’82 and was in beaten Armagh teams in the ’81 and ’84 provincial finals. Had Lady Luck smiled a bit more kindly on him he would also have collected National Football League awards in 1983 and ’85 but Down and Monaghan beat their neighbours in both national finals at Croke Park.
Last year was the first that Peter wasn’t in active service on the field with his club Grange. He joined the club team in 1974 and hung up his boots at the end of 2002. During that lengthy period of service he won an Armagh JFC medal in ’79 and intermediate medals in ’87 and ’93.
Peter was also team manager at his club for four years and coaches under-12s and under-14s. Last season was his first in county management when he took over he Armagh Under-21 side. He was also in charge of the so-called Armagh ‘Development Squad’ that contested last year’s Dr McKenna Cup.
“Winning the Tennent’s Monthly Merit Award is a big surprise to me but a very welcome surprise, indeed,” he enthuses.
Peter was presented with his award by Seamus Horisk, Regional Sales Manager Tennent’s Lager, at a function in the Ulster Brewery on Wednesday, May 5. He received a sports voucher from Tennent’s, training gear from Pro*Star Sports, an engraved Belleek China vase, cuff links from Omeath firm Cloicín and two tickets to the Ulster GAA Writers’ banquet, plus overnight accommodation, next November.