Former international rider Peter Morton, who was a very popular figure in road racing circles across the country, has sadly died while out for a ride.
Peter, a Rás Tailteann stage winner, was the father of Eoin Morton, the UCD Cycling Club rider who won a Rás stage in 2016 and also represented Ireland. Indeed, the Mortons were one of only four 'father and son' pairings to win stages in the Rás since its inception in 1953.
Peter's death notice said he died on Tuesday "unexpectedly while out on his bike doing what he loved".
"Beloved husband and soul mate of Helen. Devoted father to Amanda, Aisling and Eoin. Adored granddad of Emily, Evan, Rhys, Conor, Ella, Archie and Cara and loving son of Ann.
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"Peter will be forever loved and very sadly missed by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, mother, brothers, sisters, sons-in-law Paul and Richard, daughter-in-law Camilla, extended family and all his life long cycling friends and everyone who knew and loved him."
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Peter represented Ireland many times and rode the World Championships as a junior in Le Chalet-à-Gobet, Switzerland, in 1975, finishing the event which was won by Italy's Roberto Vinsentini.
Peter won his Rás stage, into Mallow, in 1979 and was also 2nd in the senior road race at the men's National Championships that year, behind Pat Healy in Navan, Co Meath.
When Eoin won his stage of the Rás in 2016 the Mortons joined Christy Kimmage and his sons Kevin and Ray, as well as Philip Cassidy and his son Mark, among the elite club of 'father-and-son' combinations to win a stage on the race.
Peter will be reposing at Rock's Funeral Home, Swords, Dublin, on Sunday, March 16th, from 1-3pm. Removal on Tuesday, March 18th, to Dardistown Crematorium arriving for 10am service.
