Name: Maurice Archibald PyperBorn: 4 September 1904, Limavady
Died: 1 March 1990, Belfast
Position: Centre-Half
Representative Honours: Ireland: 1 Full Cap (1931); Irish League: 1 Cap (1927).
Club Honours: (with Linfield) Irish League Champion; Irish Cup Winner 1930/31, Runner-Up 1931/32.
Club Career:
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R.U.C.
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Barn
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Linfield
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1923
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TOTALS
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Biography:
A member during the earliest days of the RUC Athletic Association, 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 claimed an Irish Cup winner’s medal in his first full season, as Ballymena were defeated 3-0 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.
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.
PSNI Site
Ireland Cap Details:
05-12-1931 Wales... H W 4-0 BC
Summary: 1/0. Won 1, Drew 0, Lost 0.
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