Colum McKinstry (1949 – 8 August 2021) was a Gaelic football manager and player. At club level he played with Clan na Gael and also played at senior level for the Armagh county team throughout the 1970s and 1980s.[1] He usually lined out at midfield.

Colum McKinstry
Personal information
Sport Gaelic football
Position Midfield
Born 1949
Lurgan, Northern Ireland
Died 8 August 2021 (aged 71)
Armagh, Northern Ireland
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Club(s)
Years Club
1967–1985
Clan na Gael
Club titles
Armagh titles 9
Ulster titles 3
All-Ireland Titles 0
Inter-county(ies)
Years County
1968–1982
Armagh
Inter-county titles
Ulster titles 3
All-Irelands 0
NFL 0
All Stars 1

Career

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McKinstry had several successes with the Lurgan-based club Clan na Gael who he represented at senior level between 1967 and 1985. The side won three Ulster Club Championship titles in that period, while he was also on the side that lost the 1974 All-Ireland club final to University College Dublin.

McKinstry joined the Armagh senior football team in 1968 and made his debut in a pre-season tournament involving Armagh, Antrim, Dublin and Sligo. He subsequently established himself on the team where he collected three Ulster Championships, including one as captain of the side in 1982. McKinstry also lined out at midfield in the 1977 All-Ireland final defeat by Dublin. He received an All-Star Award in 1980 and also represented Ulster in the Railway Cup.[2]

McKinstry turned to management after his retirement from playing, beginning with his home club of Clan na Gael. He also had spells in managing the Middletown and Tullysaran.[3]

Death

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McKinstry died suddenly at his home on 8 August 2021, aged 71.[4][5]

Honours

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Clan na Gael
Armagh

References

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  1. ^ "Former Armagh star Colm McKinstry dies". RTÉ Sport. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Armagh pays tribute to one of our greatest gaels Colum McKinstry RIP". Armagh GAA website. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Colm McKinstry: Tributes pour in following death of Armagh star who was an 'inspiring example'". Belfast Telegraph. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  4. ^ "Former Armagh captain Colm McKinstry passes away". Hogan Stand. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
  5. ^ Watters, Andy (14 August 2021). "There'll be tears in their eyes when they raise the glass… A tribute to Armagh midfielder Colum McKinstry". The Irish News. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Armagh senior football team captain
1982
Succeeded by