Carolan, Pat


From Kilmainhamwood, Pat was a well known cattle farmer and horse breeder. He was also a vital part of the great Meath side of the late 1940s, early 1950s. Representing his club North Meath, Pat Carolan came on as a substitute as Cavan were beaten in the All-Ireland Final of 1949 when the Sam Maguire trophy came to the plains of Royal Meath for the frst time. He was a Meath minor in 1945 and '46 and played in the 1947 Leinster senior decider against Laois. Kerry got the better of the Royals in the All-ireland semi final and earned the right to take on Cavan in the famous Polo Grounds showdown. In the 1949 provincial final Pat lined out at right full forward as Westmeath were well beaten. The north Meath man made the trip to New York two years later as the locals were beaten by Meath in the National Football League showdown of 1951. Pat Carolan was a substitute on that historic day. The following year he played against Louth in the Leinster decider. In later life Pat came to farm at kilcarn, just outside Navan. One of his son in laws, Ciaran Barr, was rated the top hurler in Antrim circa 1990 and was honoured with an All-Star Award. Sadly jus as the book was going to print, Pat's wife Helen also passed away. 




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