Peter Desmond
Peter Desmond (23 November 1926 in Cork, Ireland – July 1990) was an Irish footballer. Desmond played for several clubs in the League of Ireland and the English League. As an international, Desmond also played for Ireland.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Peter Desmond | ||
| Date of birth | 23 November 1926 | ||
| Place of birth | Cork, Ireland | ||
| Date of death | July 1990 (aged 63) | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Richmond Celtic | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1947–1948 | Waterford United | ||
| 1948–1949 | Shelbourne | 14 | (2) |
| 1949–1950 | Middlesbrough | 2 | (0) |
| 1950–1951 | Southport | 12 | (2) |
| 1951–1952 | York City | 1 | (0) |
| 1952–1953 | Stockton | ||
| 1953–1954 | Hartlepool United | 1 | (0) |
| National team | |||
| 1949 | Ireland | 4 | (0) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only | |||
Desmond made all four appearances for Ireland while playing for Middlesbrough. He made his international debut in a 3–0 win against Finland on 8 September 1949 at Dalymount Park in a World Cup qualifier.
Desmond was also a member of the Ireland team that defeated England 2–0 at Goodison Park, becoming the first non-UK team to beat England at home. Ireland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Desmond, after collecting a pass from Tommy O'Connor, was brought down in the England penalty area; Con Martin then converted the subsequent penalty kick.
Desmond made just two more international appearances for Ireland. They came on 9 October 1949 in a 1–1 draw with Finland and on 13 November 1949 in 3–1 defeat to Sweden. Both these games were World Cup qualifiers.