The autographs of the 1949 heroes
as they appeared in the Royal Meath Association Yearbook back in 1949
Kevin Smyth (Naas) Age 27. A cool and resourceful goalkeeper, learned his football at St. Colmcilles. Was sub on the 1940 team which lost to Galway in the semi-final, and has been on the senior team regularly since.Has represented Leinster in Railway Cup matches. One of the best ‘keepers playing. A native of Kells. Christy Hand (Sean McDermott’s Dublin), left half back, 24. Minor inter-county ‘41 Senior ‘43. a “Sixty-minutes” man. Won Dublin S.F.C. with “Seans” in 1947. A native of Ardcath. Paddy Connell (Moynalty) centrefield, 22. Minor inter-county ‘45 and’46, junior ‘47, senior ‘48. Came on as sub in second replay v Louth this year to get the decisive point. Charlie Smyth (Westerns, Dublin), centrefield, 24. This product of Belcamp College, played in attack for Dublin Juniors and Seniors 1948. A native of Oldcastle. Frankie Byrne (Clan na Gael, Dublin), right half forward, 25. On team since ‘43. Free kick specialist. Has also played M.H. for Meath. First and only native of An Uaimh on team since “Boiler” McGuinness. Brian Smyth (Skryne) centreforward, 25. Captain of the team. Learned his football at Warrenstown College. Had a great game v Mayo. On side since ’46.
The Meath squad at a training session in Gibbstown prior to their All-Ireland victory in 1949. Fr. Tully makes a point to his happy bunch
Matty McDonnell (Ballinlough), left half forward. At 19 years, the youngest member of the team. Has played in all three grades for Meath. Played for Leinster Colleges when at St. Finian’s. On Senior side since 1940. Also played on junior and minor county teams. Mick O’Brien (Skryne), right full back, 26. First played S.F.C. for Meath in ’43. Won All-Ireland J.H. medal last year. Another Railway Cup player. Paddy O’Brien (Sean McDermott’s Dublin), full back, 24. On county team at 18 years always a midfielder until his successful switch this season. Played for Leinster ’47, ’48 and ’49. Kevin McConnell (Syddan), left full back, 25. Plays centrehalf in club games. An outstanding defender this year. On team since 1944. Seamus Heery (Rathkenny), right half back, 22. Seamus first game for the senior team against Wexford this year at rightfull. Very sound in his present position against Mayo.
Meath players relax in Austin Marry's yard before heading for Croke Park
Pat Dixon (Ballivor) centre half back, 35. Began the current season as captain of the junior team. Promoted for the game v Kildare. Plays centrefield for Ballivor and also turns out for their hurlers. Paddy Meegan (Syddan) right corner forward, 27 First played for Meath. ’41. Won Railway Cup medal, ’45 and was on ’46 and ’47 Leinster teams. Won Leinster Colleges medal (St. Finian’s), 1939. Bill Halpenny (Syddan), full forward, 31. Was a sub for the 1939 final and “ever-present” since. Played on Leinster Railway Cup team this year. Previously played centrefield and centre forward. Peter McDermott (Young Irelands, Cushenstown), left corner forward, 30. On team since 1940. Began at midfield. Rarely fails to score. Won Railway Cup medal, ’44, and scored a spectacular goal v Munster in ’49 final.
Ollie and Rita Marry outside their Rathfeigh farmhouse. In 1949 the Meath players stopped here for a cup of tea and sandwiches provided by Austin Marry, Ollie's father. Ollie and Rita's daughter Cepta is married to Meath legend Brian Stafford
Des Taaffe (St. Mary’s Bettystown), midfield, 22. On J.F.C. side which won ’47 All Ireland. Has played on senior team in several games, ’48 and ’49. Pat Carolan (North Meath), half forward, 22. Minor county side, ’45 and ’46, junior ’49. Larry McGuinness (North Meath), midfield, 24. Captained side which won junior All-Ireland, ’47. On senior team v. Kildare, Wexford and Louth this season. Johnny Bashford (Drumree), right half back 21. Played in all Leinster S.F.C. games this year. On junior team ’48 and ’49. Jim Kearney (Oldcastle) Played in 1939 final v Kerry. An outstanding left half back. Also in training are the brother John and James Meehan (Fordstown) and Thomas Farrelly (Syddan).