Sunday May 31st 1987 saw the Meath senior hurling team take on London in the Kehoe Cup Hurling final in Ruislip. What made the occasion more exciting was the fact that London also took on Leitrim in the opening round of the Connacht senior football championship.

Here’s a few very interesting snippets from the programme.

Des Ferguson Coach & Trainer: Des is no stranger to anybody in Gaelic circles all over Ireland. From his playing days with Dublin senior hurlers and footballers, his interest in players and his enthusiasm for the game has never waned. When he is not coaching the county team he lends his experience to the youth of the county particularly the Under 13, 14 and 16 hurlers. His motto is teach the youth not just to play the game but also enjoy playing. Des has two sons in todays panel namely Terence and Pierse. Terence also plays senior football with Meath.

Patrick Kelly - centre back, is a member of the Meath senior football panel.

Paddy McIntyre - has represented Meath also in senior football.

Ben Tansey - has played hurling and football both with his native Roscommon and with Meath.

Paddy Kelly Snr (father of Patrick) played on the Meath team that beat London in the Junior All Ireland final in 1948. He is also a selector.

Frank McCann played midfield for Meath in the 1970 Junior All Ireland final win against Herts.

Meath Hurling Board Officials

Chairman: Finian Englishby Wolfe Tones

Secretary: Brian Smyth Dunboyne

Vice Chairman: Joe Gannon Killyon

Deputy Vice Chairman: TJ Reilly Boardsmill

Treasurer: Peadar Lehane Boardsmill

PRO: Noel Keating Kiltale

Brian Smyth made a welcome return to his duties after recovering from a horrific accident earlier in the year at Dunshaughlin.

Englishby and Smyth are also selectors for the Meath senior hurling team along with coach Dessie Ferguson Kilskyre/Gaeil Colmcille, assistant coach Noel Keating and selectors Martin McCormack Kildalkey and Paddy Kelly.

The records show that London won the game and went on to retain the title the following year.

The Meath squad that made that trip was: Paddy Quinn Killyon, Christy Kelly Athboy, Paddy McIntyre Dunboyne, Larry Regan Boardsmill, John Ennis Rathmolyon, Brendan Ryan Navan O’Mahonys, Willie Donnelly Kilmessan, Patrick Kelly Kiltale, Terry Ferguson Kells, Brendan McGovern Athboy, Mick Dineen Navan O’Mahonys, Martin Smith Rathmolyon, Pierce Ferguson Kells, Ben Tansy (capt) Navan O’Mahonys, Frank McCann Trim. Subs: Michael Gargan Kildalkey, Anthony Kirby Baconstown, John Smith Kilmessan, Colm Ennis Rathmolyon, Declan Tuite Rathmolyon, Donal Davis Kildalkey, CJ Murtagh Trim

After the games all four teams were entertained in The Byron, Ruislip Road Northolt. all Gaels were welcome between 8.30 and 10.30pm

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