Central Council delegate Paddy Kelly has paid a glowing tribute to the great service Martin Donnelly has given to Meath hurling as sponsor since 1997.
"Martin Donnelly came in as sponsor in 1997 taking over from Malachy Lynch of Marlyn Freight who also give great service and was involved when the county won All Ireland 'B' in 1993," said Kelly.
"Martin provided guest coaches to help develop Meath underage hurling and during his years we had a host of big name players come to Meath to take underage sessions."
The list of players includes Davy Fitzgerald (Clare), Colin Lynch (Clare), Sean Og O hAilpin (Cork), Andy Comerford (Kilkenny), Peter Barry (Kilkenny), Seanie McGrath (Cork), DJ Carey (Kilkenny) and Brendan Cummins (Tipperary).
"Martin was a hands on sponsor and was instrumental in bringing Offaly star Michael Duignan on board as manager of the county hurlers and he guided the team to a Leinster championship win against Laois. Meath operated in Division 2 of the national hurling league during those years," added Kelly.
"Martin supported every fundraising event organised for Meath Hurling and Meath GAA down the years.
"Along with Malachy Lynch, Pat Ennis, Finian Englishby, Tony Wallace (RIP), Seamus Flood and Tommy O'Loughlin and many others formed the 'Friends of Meath Hurling' to help further support the development of underage hurling in the county.
"I would consider Martin a personal friend as well as a sponsor and on my own behalf and on behalf of every young hurler in Meath that benefited from Martin's contributions I would publicily like to thank him and wish him and his company continued success.
"Martin did a great service to Meath hurling."
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