26/07/2004

NI football legend buried

The funeral of Northern Ireland football legend Bertie Peacock took place at the weekend.

The 75-year-old former Celtic player, who died on Thursday following a short illness, was buried at Coleraine cemetery on Sunday after a service at Killowen Parish Church.

The Coleraine-born star began his career at Irish League club Glentoran before joining Celtic in 1949 where he enjoyed considerable success landing numerous Scottish league and cup medals.

Known as 'Little Ant' he earned 32 caps for Northern Ireland with the pinnacle of his international career being the 1958 Sweden World Cup were he helped Peter Doherty's side to a quarter-final place.

He later took over as Northern Ireland manager from Doherty where he gave George Best his international debut.

Bertie then took over the hot seat at his native Coleraine where he lead them to their only Irish League title in 1974 before turning to the administrative side of the game.

In his later year's he became a key member of the Northern Ireland Sports Council and was one of the architects behind the increasingly successful Milk Cup tournament which has grown to become one of the most important international youth competitions in the world.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
11 August 2021
Belfast Set To Host UEFA Super Cup 2021
With Belfast set to host the UEFA Super Cup 2021, as Champions League winners Chelsea play Europa League winners Villarreal, people attending the game have been urged to follow Covid rules. First Minister Paul Givan said: "This is a showcase sporting event on our doorstep, and there is a real sense of excitement and anticipation in Belfast.
17 October 2017
Northern Ireland To Play Switzerland In World Cup Play-Offs
Northern Ireland will play against Switzerland in next month's World Cup play-offs. Micheal O'Neill's side were paired with the Swiss and will play at Windsor Park Stadium in the first leg, and away in the second. Mr O'Neill said: O'Neill said: "Whoever we got we knew it was going to be a difficult game.
09 October 2017
Northern Ireland Make World Cup Play-Offs
Northern Ireland have made it through to the World Cup play-offs. The team were defeated by Norway 1-0 on Sunday, 08 October, however Scotland failed to beat Slovenia in their fixture, ensuring NI secured their spot in the tournament. The draw will be made later this month and the games - staged over two legs - will take place in November.
06 October 2017
World Cup 2018: Northern Ireland Defeated By Germany
Northern Ireland have been defeated by Germany at Windsor Park. The current world champions beat Northern Ireland 3-1 in Belfast. Sebastian Rudy scored the first goal in the second minute. Josh Magennis headed Northern Ireland's goal in stoppage time. However, Northern Ireland remain well placed to make November's play-offs.