Gone - But Never Forgotten
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KEVIN SMYTH
Meaths goalie in 1949 was Kellsman Kevin Smyth, who was one of the countrys
top custodians throughout the 1940s and into the 1950s. He first
arrived on the county senior panel in 1940, when he was still eligible for
the minor grade, and his career in the green and gold extended to 1953. His
first year on the panel was particularly memorable as, apart from winning
a Leinster SFC medal as understudy to Hughie McEnroe, he captained Kells to
victory in the Minor championship.
Kevin had a tremendous understanding with his great full-back line of Michael
O Brien, Paddy O Brien and Kevin McConnell and on the rare occasions that
an opposing forward managed to break through, he still had the daunting task
of beating Kevin.
His medal haul included 1 All-Ireland, 2 National League and 5 Leinster SFC
momentos. Despite playing for Leinster on a number of occasions, a Railway
Cup medal eluded him but he was selected on the Ireland team for the Representative
games in 1950. He represented the county at five levels........senior, minor
and junior football and junior and minor hurling. Despite the fact that the
GAAs Ban was in vogue throughout his career, Kevin also found time to
star at League of Ireland level in soccer while he was also a top-class snooker
and billiards exponent.
In an era when goalies were fair game for opposing forwards, many of them
thought twice about confronting the Kellsman who played a huge role in his
countys historic All-Ireland success.
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PADDY CONNELL
Paddy Connell from Moynalty was Jim Kearneys centre-field partner in
the memorable All-Ireland triumph and he was there again alongside Tom O Brien
in the 1954 victory over Kerry. Paddy was outstanding in the win over Cavan
and he was similarly effective five years later. He was also at centre-field
in the 1951 final and played at full-forward in the 1952 Leinster final against
Louth. He won a National League medal in 1951 and was on the North Meath team
that won the SF championship in 1950.
A hard-working centre-field man Paddys contribution to Meaths
breakthrough at All-Ireland level was immense. He later moved to England but
continued to follow the fortunes of the Royal County footballers and regularly
made the trip home to see them in action.
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MATTY McDONNELL
Matty McDonnell was the baby of the 1949 team but that didnt
prevent him from opening Meaths account in the All-Ireland final. He
went on to have an illustrious career in the green and gold jersey and will
always be remembered for scoring the goal that won the National League for
Meath against New York in the Polo Grounds in 1951. He won his second All-Ireland
medal in 1954 but his inter-county career came to an end in the late 1950s
because of a recurring knee injury.
Matty was on the county junior team at the start of the 49 campaign
and although still in his teens was promoted to the senior ranks for the championship.
He had also played at minor level for the county and was a star at colleges
level with St. Finians of Mullingar. A great stalwart of a fine Ballinlough
team of the 1950s, his great affection for his native club was highlighted
by his lengthy involvement as a mentor with the Reds. He coached
them at under-age level and guided them to a Junior Championship success in
1988 and his influence was a major factor when they returned to the senior
ranks by winning the Intermediate title in 1991. His family have contributed
much to the Association, not only in the Ballinlough area but also across
the border in Cavan. Apart from his 2 All-Ireland, 1 National League and 4
Leinster medals, Matty won Railway Cup medals with Leinster in 1952 and 1955
and was selected on the Ireland team for Representative games in 1955 and
56.
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TOMMY FARRELLY
Tommy Farrelly from Syddan was a member of the All-Ireland winning panel in
49. The Syddan club had the strongest representation on the panel, a
reflection of their status at the time. Tommy and his colleagues won the county
title in 1949, 51, 52 and 56. One of the most ecovative
photographs on County Board files sees Tommy receiving the Keegan Cup from
County Board Chairman Fr. Tully following Syddans memorable win over
Skryne in the 1956 final. The club had presented the Cup to the Board for
the Senior championship only three years previous. His son, Gerry was at centre-field
on the last Syddan team to contest a SFC decider, in 1980. Tommy gave great
service to both Meath and Syddan.
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JOHNNY BASHFORD
Johnny Bashford was another Syddan player on the 49 panel. He, too,
gave great service at both club and county level. Johnny was key figure on
the great Syddan team of that era and was only deprived of a regular place
on the county team by the quality of the players in possession.
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Larry McGuinness from Nobber
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