When you talk about ‘Clubmen or Clubwomen’ you can’t look much further than Peter Savage, who’s 30 years of dedication for Inch United FC, both on and off the pitch is something very special indeed.
By Derek Kiely | Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com

Last Friday evening at ‘Sexton Park’ the home of Inch United Football Club, near Mount Uniacke in East Cork a match between ‘Old Inch United’ and ‘Old Killeagh’ was a fitting venue for a farewell to the game for Peter Savage as he donned the famous red jersey for the very last time (I think?) surrounded by family, friends and admirers of this dedicated sportsman.

Even though the game was symbolic of the rivalry between these two rival Parishes, I think most importantly it was a way of saying thank you to a great person and a stalwart of Red House League Soccer.

The game in a way was a re-enactment of a famous Inch United victory over the Killeagh dream team some years ago, when Killeagh who had won the league the year previous were struggling to replicate the seasons heroics of the year previous and travelled to Sexton Park needing only a draw to retain their top league status, as for Inch United, well they needed to win to stay up and even though Inch United were at home that fateful evening, Killeagh were outright favourites to win the match.

At half time the Killeagh lads were in charge leading one-nil and looked to be coasting to victory.

What people didn’t understand about Inch United was their undying love of the jersey, the Parish and their fellow team mates and the man that epitomised that more than any other was Peter Savage.

What made this particular Derby even more special was the incredible links between Inch and Killeagh in GAA, where they lined out as rivals on the Soccer pitch, but would become team mates on the Hurling pitch.

Tension grew as the second half progressed and Inch United drew level through, then Inch took the lead and managed to hold out for a very famous victory.

Sadly Killeagh Soccer Club, disbanded after that game and the much awaited local Derby Game was gone forever, that is until last Friday night.

The score didn’t matter last Friday night, what did matter last Friday night was that all the rivals were brought together again at Sexton Park and only a man respected highly enough as Peter Savage could have made this happen.

Peter now 47 years of age started in his teens at Inch United and even though there was always interest in signing the versatile player, be it in the AUL or the Munster Senior League, he always remained loyal to his beloved Inch United and that in Soccer is a real rarity.

Peter was always surrounded by family and friends off and on the pitch and he will always be regarded as a very, tough by fair player, clean in the tackle and always had an eye for goal.

I had the privilege to play for Inch United for a few seasons alongside Peter Savage and I am sure he was the first name on the team sheet for James Fogarty and Tadgh Collins, week in, week out!

There was a presentation made to Peter last Friday night and boy did he deserve it.

Players the likes of his brothers Tom and John along with Ken Nolan, Eddie Leahy, Declan Fogarty, Pat Flanagan, Thomas and Declan O’Regan, Eddie Kent, Patrick Keniry, Joe and Robert Deane, Thomas Treacy, Adrian Budds, Anthony Fitzgerald, Johnny Treacy, Anthony Fitzgerald, Coleman Galvin, James Fogarty, Seamie and Patsy Collins, Tom, Dessie and Norman Griffin, Michael Twomey, Vincent Lucey, Kieran Cunningham and yours truly, plus many more want to applaud the man, for the clubman and the superb sports person that Peter Savage is.

Peter married to Anne with children Nikita (An International Athlete) and Isha, epitomise what is important and special about Irish families and their love of all sports.

Peter was always the quite man on the pitch. He never shouted at referees, well I never saw him do it! In fact I never remember Peter shouting at anyone, a word in the ear to a fellow team-mate was all it took.

He always encouraged his team mates on the field and he got Inch United out of many a hole, with an important header or free kick and so many goals from corners down through the years.

Peter has also played, I would say in every position on the field, versatility is an understatement and in his last competitive match the man signed off on a winning note, bringing the Plate Trophy to Sexton Park after a two-nil win last weekend over Accrington.

Peter Savage is a gentleman and a wonderful sportsman, congratulations to him from all involved in sport and an example to every person who play sport, Peter is a role model and an example to all for his dedication to a club which is second to none!

Peter Savage we salute you! “There is only one Peter Savage”.