Tributes paid to Ruby Peacock, wife of late NI football great Bertie

There were condolences for the Peacock family from Celtic FC, with whom the football hero had enjoyed a successful career.

East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden, who is chairman of a community organisation whose centre is named in honour of Mr Peacock, said that “behind every great man is a great woman”.

She said: “I’m chairperson of the West Bann Community Development, which is also known as the Bertie Peacock Centre.

“That was etablished in Bertie’s honour. Behind every great man there is a great woman, and Ruby certainly was that.

“It’s very sad to hear of her passing. The Peacocks are fondly known within Coleraine, not least because of Bertie’s own achievements but also the work that they had done for the community.

“West Bann has been going for more than 10 years now. I wouldn’t have been there at that time, it was my predecessor David McClarty who was quite good friends with the Peacocks.”

The independent MLA added: “It is sad because it is almost like bringing an end to an era, but they are both fondly remembered. When you think of Bertie, you think of Ruby. They will always be remembered as part of the fabric of all Coleraine – not just because of Bertie’s football achievements but because they both he and his wife contributed quite significantly to the community.

“We often celebrate people’s achievements, in football, but I think what most people will remember the Peacocks for was their community work and how much they loved Coleraine.”

Ruby Peacock is described in a family notice as “beloved wife of the late Bertie, dear mother of Russell and mother-in-law of Jackie, grandmother of Alan and Ron and loving great-grandmother.”