Pyper Maurice Image 1 Linfield 1932

Description

A member during the earliest days of the RUC Athletic Association, Limavady, County Londonderry born centre half Maurice Pyper represented the Police at hockey and golf, as well as football. At the time the RUC football team limited itself to inter-Police Force matches, the Intermediate Cup and the Steel & Sons Cup. It was not until 1956 that RUC FC was officially formed and became members of the Irish Amateur League.

Still regarded as the most outstanding player to have represented the RUC, Pyper played with Carrick-based Barn before he stepped up to senior football with Linfield in the 1923-24 season. Initially a centre-forward, he established himself in the first eleven as a right-back, and in October 1927 he was chosen to represent The Irish League in a 2-1 defeat to The Scottish League in Belfast. He claimed an Irish Cup winner’s medal as Ballymena were defeated 3-0 in the 1931 Irish Cup Final, as well as winning the Irish League Championship the same season with The Blues. The following season he was an Irish Cup runner up as Linfield were beaten 2-1 by Glentoran in the Final.

In December 1931 Pyper was included in the Ireland team to face Wales, standing in at centre-half for Linfield team-mate Jack Jones. Also featuring in the half-back line that day was another Linfield colleague, Billy McCleery, and they had an easy day as Ireland recorded a 4-0 win at Windsor Park, Belfast.

On leaving senior football behind, Pyper switched sports once again, playing for CIYMS (Church of Ireland Young Mens Society) Rugby Club. He did remain involved with Linfield at official level, taking a keen interest in the Swifts.