Mayo GAA sporting icon honoured in his hometown Newport

The Mayo GAA handball icon, Peter McGee, has been honoured by his hometown Newport.

The late McGee, with one junior and seventeen senior All Ireland titles, is one of the country’s most decorated handballers and he was recently recognised in his home town by the unveiling of a commemorative bench in his honour.

The event attracted handballers and former handballers from all over the country to pay tribute to an outstanding sportsman and community man.

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The unveiling was performed by Maureen McGee and her sons Colm and Darragh and in attendance were members of the McGee extended family and a great gathering of appreciative townspeople.

The Friends of Peter McGee who organised the bench unveiling- Front Martin Moran, Steve
White, Christy Loftus, Jack Higgins, Joe Reid. Back Padraig McCormack, Darragh and Fiona
McGee.

The gathering was addressed by Ciarán Burke, Chairman of the Mayo handball board who highlighted the significant achievements of Peter and hailed his contribution to the McGee International handball tournament which placed an emphasis on the social side to the game.

Aidan Connaughton, chairman of Newport Handball, said Peter McGee had set a very high standard for club members to aspire to. Because of Peter McGee and others, handball had continued in Newport and the club was thriving now with record numbers of youngsters playing the game.

Darragh McGee, on behalf of the family, welcomed everyone to what was a very special occasion. The family was overwhelmed to see such numbers and especially former players, who travelled from distant parts to be in attendance. They very much appreciated the support and recognition granted to Peter.

The bench, with a suitable information board, was blessed by Deacon Gerard Morice. Christy Loftus acted as MC for the occasion.

Peter McGee was one of GAA Handball's all time greats, winning a total of 17 Senior All-Ireland titles, in particular specialising in the Hardball code. Amazingly his success ranged over 18 years, from his maiden title in 1965 through to his last in 1983.

10 x Hardball Senior Singles
5 x Hardball Senior Doubles
1 x Softball Senior Doubles
1 x 4-Wall Senior Doubles

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