ArmoryTrack.org – News – The Armory Remembers Peter Walsh

The Armory is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Walsh, a former owner of Coogan’s Restaurant. Peter made Coogan’s into “America’s #1 Runner’s Restaurant” after its opening in 1985, especially after events such as the Millrose Games, when athletes, coaches, and fans alike would flock to the pub to celebrate. As author Jon Michaud recounted, Coogan’s became the “Uptown City Hall” for community, athletes and politicians, “a place of safety and a bulwark against prejudice in a multi-ethnic, majority immigrant community undergoing rapid change”. Peter was a kind and generous man who beautifully sang classic Irish and American songs and could tell stories for hours. He possessed an unrivaled collection of track and field memorabilia, much of which lives on in the halls of The Armory. The neighborhood hasn’t been the same since Coogan’s closed in 2020, and the world won’t be the same without Peter.