The flags and bunting are out in force around Navan town for the ordination to the priesthood of Rev Robert McGivney which takes place in St Mary's Church on Sunday.

The 28-year-old comes from a family which is steeped in GAA tradition.

His father Gerry is a member of an old Nobber GAA family and he was a half-back on the Nobber team which captured Meath IFC honours in 1980.

In more recent times, Gerry has made a name for himself as a referee in the Royal County.

The Simonstown Under 14's from 2001. Front l-r: D. Watters, D. Boland, A. Watters, D. Moran, J. Walsh, C. O'Donoghue, J. Byrne, J. Gavin, Robert McGivney, S. Campion. Back l-r: C. O'Rourke, B. Lorton, C. Toher, M. O'Rourke, B. McKeever, P.Gorman, M. Rogers, M. Gaffney, I. Browne, C. Tobin, C. Barrett, M. McCabe, S. O'Rourke, J. McCabe

Robert's mother June, who sadly passed away in 2014, was a niece of Tony Sheridan who was a member of the all-conquering Navan O'Mahonys team of the late 50s and early 60s.

Robert, meanwhile, played underage football with Simonstown Gaels and his younger brother Shane is a member of the Meath panel that will be on duty for tomorrow evening's Leinster JFC final against Wexford.

A big celebration is planned to coincide with Robert celebrating his First Mass of Thanksgiving on Monday at 7pm in St Mary's Church.

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