Legend of Roscommon Gaelic Football from the 1960s, 70s and 80s Dermot Earley, was inducted into the MBNA Kick Fada Hall of Fame at a presentation in Dublin. Dermot joins two other legends of Gaelic Football - In 2003 former Offaly, Leinster and New York Gaelic footballer from the 1950s, Peter Nolan, became the first member of the MBNA Kick Fada Hall of Fame. He was joined last year by Kerry legend, Donie O'Sullivan. One of Roscommon's greatest ever footballers, Dermot Earley became the first player from the county to play inter-county championship games at minor, U-21 and senior level in the same year. That was back in 1966 and it was the start of a great career. A career that saw him win an All-Ireland U-21 medal, five Connacht senior medals, and a National League medal. He also won a Railway Cup medal with Connacht at the age of 18. A midfielder of exceptional ability, he won All-Star awards in 1974 and 1979 while his brother Paul won a similar award in 1985. His son, Dermot junior, a current Kildare star, won an All Star award in 1998. Dermot senior branched into management after his retirement and took charge of his native Roscommon before later managing Kildare where he lives. His late father, Peadar was a founding member of the Michael Glaveys club in Roscommon, with whom Dermot and Paul played for many years. Since moving to Kildare, Dermot has had a long involvement with the Sarsfields club in Newbridge and has served in a variety of roles, including chairman. Commenting on the award Ciara Kennedy, Head of Business Development, MBNA Ireland said; "While the MBNA Kick Fada showcases the skill of the top Gaelic Footballers in the modern game, we feel it is equally important that we honour the heroes of the past through the Hall of Fame award. Dermot Earley is a very worthy addition to the MBNA Kick Fada Hall of Fame and we're delighted to add another accolade to his long list of honours." The 2005 MBNA Kick Fada All Ireland Final will be hosted by Bray Emmets on 17th September at the club's new GAA grounds on Old Connacht Avenue in Bray, Co. Wicklow. Admission is free to the public and it promises to be a great day for all the family! Tweet

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