George Lavery

James George Lavery was a Northern Irish Gaelic footballer and selector. He played at club level with Kilwarlin and at inter-county level with the Down [senior football team].

Playing career

Lavery first played Gaelic football at inter-county level with the Antrim senior [football team]. He made his debut in the Dr [Lagan Cup] in 1952, but declared for Down the following year. After missing the 1958 All-Ireland [Senior Football Championship#Ulster Senior Football Championship|1958 Ulster final] due to confusion in his travel arrangements, Lavery won his first provincial medal in 1959. It was the first of three successive Ulster SFC titles, while he also claimed consecutive All-Ireland SFC medals in 1960 and 1961. Lavery won five Ulster SFC titles in all, as well as two National [Football League (Ireland)|National League] titles. He was also a substitute on the Ulster team that claimed Railway Cup honours in 1956.

After bringing his inter-county career to an end in 1965, Lavery moved to management and immediately became a selector with the Down senior team. During his tenure with the team, Down won two Ulster SFC titles, a National League title and a third All-Ireland SFC title after beating Kerry in the 1968 [All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final|1968 All-Ireland final].

Lavery died at a Belfast nursing home on 8 May 2024, at the age of 93.

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