Everyone at Widnes Vikings is saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Peter Farrell after a long illness.
Peter was a fan of Widnes from the mid-1950s but was especially known for his involvement in Schoolboy Rugby League. He led the WIDNES SCHOOLBOYS RUGBY LEAGUE ASSOCIATION which was famous for its “Town Team” and laid the foundation for the subsequent Halton Service Area and the Widnes Schools Development Squads.
These systems witnessed the beginnings of the careers of so many professional rugby league players – club and international – a true legacy!
Along with other teachers, Peter led the Widnes under 11 Town Team to Wembley in 1975 when Widnes played in the first-ever Schoolboys Curtain Raiser, defeating arch-rivals and favourites Wigan.
David Hulme, a future Widnes Captain and coach, faced off with Joe Lydon in that historic match with Joe eventually also becoming a star at Widnes.
Widnes Schoolboys were to feature in two further winning appearances at Wembley in 1983 and 1990.
A respected and exceptional teacher at St. Michaels and St. Bede’s and an accomplished Cricketer with Widnes Cricket Club, Peter was always proud that the system that he was such an integral part of is able even now to point to so many players plying their trade in Super League, Championship, League 1 and a host of Community Clubs.
His funeral is at St, Michael’s Catholic Church, Ditton at 12pm on Monday 24th June.
