LAST UPDATE | 10 Aug 2021

ARMAGH ALL-STAR and Ulster championship-winning captain Colm McKinstry has died.

Hailed as ‘one of our greatest Gaels’ by Armagh GAA, the county confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement last night.

𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐡 𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 '𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐬' 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐈𝐏

Highly respected player, captain & All-Star who served his county for many years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Read in full:➡️ https://t.co/vwwWy94qXp pic.twitter.com/Iv5xhlPJgU

— armagh_gaa (@Armagh_GAA) August 9, 2021

McKinstry, of the Clan na Gael club in Lurgan, established himself as one of the most famous ever players to line out for the Orchard county after joining the senior panel in 1968.

He went on to form a renowned – and formidable – midfield partnership with Joe Kernan that helped the side to three Ulster titles, and Division 2 and 3 National League honours, in the late 1970s and early 80s.

He was a central pillar of the team as Armagh reached the 1977 All-Ireland final – though just their second decider appearance in their history at the time ended in defeat to Dublin. McKinstry lined out alongside clubmates Jimmy Smyth, Jim McKerr and Noel O’Hagan that day.

In 1980, he won his All-Star – the county’s fifth at the time – after helping his side to the last four. He lifted the Ulster championship crown, the Anglo Celt Cup, in 1982.

McKinstry was a massive figure for his club, excelling for Clan na Gael between 1967 and 1985. In that period, they won three Ulster titles and contested the 1974 All-Ireland final.

He also represented Ulster in the Railway Cup in the late 70s and when his playing days ended, he managed his own club. He steered them to the county final in 2006, the last time they reached that stage.

“The Armagh and wider GAA family are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Colm McKinstry, one of our greatest Gaels,” Armagh chairman Michael Savage said, payind tribute to the late McKinstry.

“Colm was a member of the 1977 All-Ireland final team, an All-Star recipient in 1980 and Armagh captain when he proudly lifted the Anglo Celt Cup in 1982. He was a renowned player for his county and club Clan na Gael for many years and a highly respected player and manager by all Gaels.

“On behalf of Contae Ard Mhacha, we extend our sincere and most heartfelt condolences to his wife Nuala, daughters Niamh, Grainne and Eimear, the wider family circle, to his fellow players, friends and members of Clan na Gael. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”