Jack Bratton RIP

Ulster GAA are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Jack Bratton, member of 1949 All-Ireland winning Minor team and 1953 Senior team that reached Armagh’s first All-Ireland Final.

Jack Bratton never imagined when he took his first faltering steps in the Armagh jersey in 1950 that he would go on to become one of the most outstanding full-backs ever to emerge from Ulster. This most modest and unassuming of men cut an imposing figure, he was the original gentle giant.

His skill at high fielding set him apart and he was the winner of 3 Lagan Cup medals, 2 Ulster Championships and an All-Ireland Minor title.

He began his career by helping Armagh claim their first ever All-Ireland Minor tile in 1949.  He then moved on to become a pivotal figure in Armagh’s progression to their first ever All-Ireland Final in 1953. His consistency earned him a call-up to the Ulster side for the Railway Cup and his 1956 medal was one of his most treasured possessions

He also won 4 senior Championship medals with his beloved Armagh Harps, and a club which was always close to his heart and where he was revered as their Vice-President.

Jack was a giant of his age in size, talent and sportsmanship. He was a credit to his club, county and family and will be sorely missed.

At this time we pass our deepest sympaties to the Bratton family.

Go ndeanna dia trocaire ar a anam.

—

In the video below, filmed a year ago, Jack Bratton and former Tyrone captain Jody O’Neill relive their glory days thanks to the emergence of a 1956 match on video:

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/6024775[/vimeo]

In this video, Jack is pictured watching his beloved Armagh Harps win the 2009 Ulster Minor Championship, and All Ireland Minor winning captain Declan McKenna pays tribute to the ‘legend’:

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/7193349[/vimeo]