Quick Facts
Biography
Patrick James Gormley (8th December 1932 – 25 August 2022) was a Gaelic footballer from Northern Ireland. At club level he played with Claudy and was also a member of the Derry senior football team. Gormley usually lined out as a goalkeeper.
Career
Gormley first played Gaelic football when he made the school's team as a 14-year-old, before later lining out at adult level with the Claudy club. He first appeared on the inter-county scene with Derry as a member of the minor team in 1952. Gormley claimed his first inter-county silverware when he won an Ulster JFC medal in 1955. This success earned him an immediate call-up to the senior team. Gormley, having earlier won Dr McKenna Cup and Ulster SFC medals, lined out in goal when Derry were beaten by Dublin in the 1958 All-Ireland final.
What was exceptional about Derry’s goalkeeper was that he played at the highest level with only one eye, after losing an eye as a child following an accident on the farm yard.
Death
Gormley died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital in Wales on 25 August 2022, at the age of 89.
Honours
- Derry
- Ulster Senior Football Championship: 1958
- Dr McKennaCup: 1958, 1960
- Ulster Junior Football Championship: 1955