Thousands of tributes have been paid to “Villa legend”, the “last surviving member of the Northern Ireland 1958 World Cup team” and Newry native, Peter McParland.
The celebrated forward – who scored an impressive five goals in Northern Ireland’s World Cup 1958 campaign – was born in Newry in 1934 and celebrated his 91st birthday just weeks ago.
And, it was in his youth playing for Dundalk in the League of Ireland that he was spotted by Aston Villa manager George Martin.
Peter was signed to Villa in 1952 by manager George Martin and enjoyed a highly successful ten year career with the English giants.
In a lengthy tribute, Aston Villa spoke of their profound sadness to learn of the passing of the man remembered “as the player who scored both goals when Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 in the 1957 FA Cup final”.
The tribute continued: “And four years later he hit the winner as Villa lifted the new League Cup, making him the first footballer to score in the finals of both major domestic knockout cup competitions.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
“He won the first of his 34 international caps while still a teenager, scoring twice on his debut against Wales in 1954, and was the first Villa player to play in the World Cup finals when representing his country in Sweden in 1958.
“By then, he had savoured Wembley glory when Villa, very much the underdogs, overcame the multi-talented United thanks to his two second-half goals.
“But McParland’s contribution to the Villa cause extended far beyond the final.
“He netted a total of seven cup goals that season, and the free-scoring winger – 121 goals in 341 appearances – also helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60.
“The following year, he scored the extra-time winner which secured a 3-2 aggregate victory over Rotherham United in the inaugural League Cup final.
“Equally at home at centre-forward as on the left wing, McParland boasted a powerful header of the ball as well as possessing a talented left foot.
“After nearly 10 years with Villa, he moved across the West Midlands to join Wolves for £35,000 in January 1962.
“He also played for Plymouth Argyle, Worcester City and Glentoran, as well as having spells in Canada and the USA.”
The club also paid tribute to esteemed former players Peter and Jake Findlay at the FA Youth Cup final yesterday (May 5) at their home grounds, Villa Park with a minute’s silence before the match.
Peter also attended a special exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in January this year to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
Also paying tribute to the sensational sportsman was The Irish Football Association (IFA) who regarded Peter as a “forceful forward”, “regarded as one of the best headers of the ball of his time”.
The IFA summarise his successes as having won 34 caps for Northern Ireland from 1954 to 1962, including the World Cup Finals of 58, scoring 10 goals.
They added: “The President and the whole of the Irish Football Association send sincere condolences to Peter’s family and loved ones at this sad time.”
The team at Sportsnight Events paid their condolences, calling Peter a “true Villa legend” and expressed their gratitude to Peter for attending last year’s 150th anniversary celebration.
The Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs said of Peter: “As anyone who had the privilege of meeting Peter will know, he was a very friendly man with a warm smile. He was a great storyteller and happily attended many supporters club events over the years.
“Peter played 34 times for Northern Ireland, scoring ten goals including five at the 1958 World Cup finals.”
“Our thoughts are with Peter’s family. At Rest.”
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