Maurice Allen

Maurice Allen was United’s goalkeeper for eighteen months in the mid-1950’s, before emigrating to Toronto and upon his return, he established himself as a prominent local rugby player.

Born in Lurgan in the mid-1930s, Maurice began his football career in the popular Belfast Batallion League as a teenager with 4th Lurgan Boys’ Brigade. The young goalkeeper was still in school when he attracted interest from Glenavon, who rolled out the stopper for his first appearance in the Reserves in April 1951.

Allen was a regular in the Reserve team at Mourneview Park, but it wasn’t until December 1952 that he made his senior Irish League bow for the Lurgan Blues on Boxing Day against Glentoran, followed by a win against Ballymena United a few days later – earning plaudits for solid performances beyond his years. However, further appearances were hard to come by as Glenavon continued to battle at the top end of the Irish League table, and limited opportunities where afforded the teenage goalkeeper.

Having grown increasingly frustrated - in December 1954 Maurice Allen answered the call of Ballymena United player-manager Walter Rickett to come to the Showgrounds and play regular football. The Sky Blues were struggling in the league, and lost 4-3 on Maurice’s debut against Ards in January 1955. The new goalkeeper impressed, and held down the previously troublesome number one jersey for the remainder of the season as Ballymena United finished bottom of the Irish League table.

The 1955/1956 season was no better for the Braidmen, and Allen’s form suffered in goal – as the club once again finished bottom of the standings. Injuries and a loss of form had troubled the goalkeeper, who took the decision at the end of the campaign to emigrate to Canada. He finished up with 53 appearances for Ballymena United and had three clean sheets in his season and a half at the club.

Maurice continued playing in Toronto with Belfast United, before returning to Northern Ireland in January 1959 to play for Lambeg Bleachers and Dryers and by the end of the 1958/1959 was finishing the season out with Banbridge Town in the B Division. Despite a crisis call to return to cover at Glenavon in November 1959, Allen’s

A career in rugby with Lurgan Rugby Club began in November 1959 as a second row forward blossomed as he enjoyed ten stellar years with the club, before forced retirement through injury in 1969. He also continued a professional interest in sport in hometown, spending 30 years in local government and retiring in 1994 as the Deputy Director of Leisure Services in Craigavon Borough Council.

Maurice Allen passed away in Lurgan in November 2023.

Career
(Apr 1951) Glenavon; (Dec 1954) Ballymena United; (1956) Belfast United; (Jan 1959) Lambeg Bleachers & Dryers; (Apr 1959) Banbridge Town; (Nov 1959) Glenavon