Peter Shields

Peter Shields discusses his school days in Louth, as well as the origins and early development of the ‘Roche’ GAA club. Shields remarks on the quality of club football in Louth in the 1950s and on the experience of following the fortunes of the county’s team during that decade, including the famous 1957 All-Ireland final. During this time, Shields played with Roche and he describes the attitude to training, the paucity of money and the quality of facilities during this time. Peter Shields transferred his GAA allegiances to Forkhill in Armagh, where he was then married and resident, in 1961. He talks about the problems faced by the small club and points up the contribution of a number of ‘outstanding’ clubmen to the club. He talks about his own involvement as a player and mentor and his approach to coaching and training. Shields reflects on the highlights of his experience following Armagh county teams from the 1950s to 2002 and he speaks of his admiration for a number of players who lined out for the Orchard county, including Bill McCorry and Joe Kernan. A GAA-man throughout his life, Shields was also interested in soccer and he speaks of his opposition to the rule which banned participation in, or attendance at, soccer game. Other GAA rules are also discussed, including those around the handpass, the pick-up and time-keeping. Shields reflects also on the role of women and the media in the GAA and concludes by dispensing advice to younger members of the GAA on the importance of ‘dedication’ to their teams and clubs.