Meath Obituaries 2004

Joe Curran – A Tribute
It was with great shock and indeed disbelief that both the community of Ashbourne and our club learnt of the sudden death of Joe Curran on Saturday 23rd October. Originally from Dublin City, Joe, who often professed to know nothing about football made an immeasurable contribution to the club he grew to love. From watching his sons playing in the street leagues he devoted his life towards the juvenile section of Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA club and more importantly the Acorns section of our club. In fact Joe was Mr. Acorns.
While many parents moved on through the age groups with their kids Joe had the vision to see that a good nursery section was the foundation of the club and he remained as the driving force behind the Acorns. On hearing his parents talk about Joe’s death one six year summed Joe up by asking “Is that Joe, the man with the magic sponge?” However Joe was much more than this.
Every Saturday morning Joe was there at the Community School hanging signs, putting up posters, registering new players and for many new parents to the club he was presenting them with hi-vis jackets getting them to do their share. Joe always put childcare first and felt very strongly that parents should be involved in their children’s activities. Many of the mentors involved with our current juvenile teams were recruited by Joe.
Like many of us who were privileged to meet Joe, we all have our favourite stories to recall the man who gave so much to the club. Joe, always with his clipboard and note pad was constantly looking to improve things for both the club and our children. Always looking to the future Joe took a recent visit to our new development to inspect progress and view the development for himself. Looking over the site he revealed how he couldn’t wait for the new pitches to be open as he felt this was going to bring our club to another level. Such was his level of enthusiasm he wanted to know every little detail of the development - Where are the main pitches? Where are the Juvenile pitches?
Where is the clubhouse going to be? and he even wanted to know where the entrance into the site will be?. Joe, being Joe, was not content in finding out this information for himself he wanted to share this with our future stars and their parents on a Saturday morning. In his usual organised manner he arranged for a number of plans and drawings to be displayed for the benefit of our Acorns and their parents. How many of us have similar stories to tell of Joe’s enthusiasm for our club and our future stars?
While our club has lost one of its hardest working members, ambassadors and friends our loss can only pale into insignificance to the loss felt by his wife Patricia, sons Sean and Daragh and all his family.
Like many who had the vision to plant Acorn seeds for the benefit of others, surely time will show the rewards of Joe’s hard work and vision in years to come.
Go ndéanfaidh Dia trocaire ar a anam.

Tom Lynch
The late Tom Lynch (Kiltale) who passed away at the age of 89 was a member of the first Skyrne team to bring the senior championship to the parish in 1940.
The deceased also won a Feis Cup medal that famous year as Skyrne completed the double, and in those days the Feis Cup was second only to the championship. He was also part of the Skyrne team which retained the championship in 1941.
Before that he played for the team that won the IFC in 1937 and so brought Skyrne into the senior ranks where they have remained ever since. His sad passing severs one of the last remaining links with that historic era for Skyrne football.
Tom, a farmer all of his life, was an all round Sportsman. As well as Gaelic football, he also played hurling and cricket.
The hurling club in Skyrne at the time was Oberstown and with Tom on the side they won the Meath JHC in 1936 and 1939 and went on to win the IHC in 1940. That would make 1940 the year of the treble in the Lynch household. Around that time he also represented Meath at junior hurling.
He played cricket with a club in the Macetown/Painstown area made up mainly of the two Lynch families of Macetown (Tom and his brother Mattie who worked as the local postman) and the Lynch’s of Bellew.
At one stage Tom and another local GAA man, Kit Marley were invited by Lord Dunsany to play on a representative team of the cricket clubs in the area.
It was probably a county team and regarded as a great honour at the time as cricket was more popular in the area than it is now.
Tom moved from Macetown to Kiltale in the early 1950s and remained there until his death. His popularity was evident by the large number of GAA people who attended his funeral and his coffin was proudly draped in the blue jersey of Skyrne.
To his family and friends we extend sincere sympathy.
Ar Dheis de go raibh a anam
Skyrne GFC

Paddy Everard
There was sincere and widespread regret in the Ratoath and Dunshaughlin areas, and in Meath GAA circles, at the sudden death of Paddy Everard, Ratoath.
The deceased, who was born in 1919, was a Fior-Ghael who loved the national games with a true passion. He played for his native Ratoath from an early age, but perhaps his greatest contribution was “behind the scenes” as an administrator and official.
By the age of 20 he had already served as Ratoath club chairman, secretary and treasurer. In an article in the club newsletter last year he recalled that during the war years he often cycled over 20 miles to play or referee games or to attend Co. Board meetings.
The late Mr. Everard was one of the founding members of the Meath Hurling Board. He was proud chairman when his beloved Ratoath won the SHC in 1963. He served as selector with the Meath senior footballers when they won the All-Ireland SFC in 1967.
Last year he received a Sean Gael na Mi award for his lifetime of service. It is poignant and sad to reflect that his passing comes in the Centenary Year of Ratoath GAA club - a year in which the club has made remarkable strides both on and off the pitch.
Ratoath GAA club wishes to express our sincere sympathy to his wife Elizabeth, brothers Joe and Tommy and all his relatives.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam, Aodh O Dalaigh
Cathaoirleach CLG Rath To.

Tommy Browne
There was widespread regret following the death of Tommy Browne, Proudstown. He was well known and a very popular man throughout the parish of Skyrne.
He was a former employee of Malone’s garage in its days in Railway Street, Navan.
As he lived within shouting distance of McManus Park, it was no wonder he was involved in the Skyrne hotbed of Gaelic football. He played at left half forward on Skyrne’s 1937 IFC winning team when his colleagues included Matt O’Toole, Kevin Johnson and Packie Mooney. He did not figure with the team in the 1940’s, the Golden age of Skyrne football, by then he had transferred to Walterstown.
He was honoured in 1997 along with Tony Clarke and Joe Johnson at Skyrne’s Celebration of 60 years as a senior club. The three men have now passed to their eternal reward. He was a brother of the late Christy, a staunch Skyrne player and official for many years.
His interests also extended to other sports, especially horse and dog racing. He was a founder member of Skyrne Pitch and Putt club in 1962 and continued his involvement up to the time of his death. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends in Skyrne and further afield. We extend our deepest sympathy to them all on their sad loss.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Skryne GFC

Paul Daly
There was widespread regret following the death of Paul Daly. Paul has been described by all who knew him as a quiet spoken gentleman, but we can add to this term by using the following descriptions - family man, religious man, parish man, clubman and sportsman. Under all these headings, he portrayed a sense of modesty and a great loyalty.
The Boardsmill club was founded in 1944 and Paul had been at the heart of it all since it was established. He was a member of the great Stonyford Cross-Country Club that won six Meath senior titles in-a-row, and two All-Ireland junior titles. He and the young people of his time turned from cricket during the summer to hurling. It was not long before they made their mark at our national game, winning their first title in 1947 at junior level and again in 1956.
In 1958 Paul played a leading role when Boardsmill won the double for the first time - a senior hurling championship and the O’Growney Cup.
He was elected club chairman in 1960 and continued in that role until 1985. Under his leadership, the club developed at under-age through the ‘60s and became a major force at senior level during the ‘70s winning four senior titles and reaching two Leinster Club semi-finals.
In 1975 Boardsmill were selected as the ‘club-of-the-year” having won the senior, junior and minor hurling titles. Paul was the equivalent of our modern day manager, coach trainer and referee (when things got out of hand) all rolled into one.
One of his many great achievements was in purchasing a piece of ground from the then Land Commission, to develop a home for the club. Despite the tough times of the ‘70s and early ‘80s, Paul and his committee raised the funds to develop a pitch and construct four dressing rooms, which were officially opened in 1984.
Although he stepped down as chairman in 1985, he continued as deputy vice-chairman, a position he held, as well as honourary president, until he passed away. As a member of our management committee, he had the highest record of attendance, of all our members, over those years. No major decision was taken without his input and approval. Indeed, it was his wisdom and common sense that guided all of our decisions.
He was very proud of Boardsmill and all of the players especially when any of them represented Meath, something he always encouraged, saying you will be a better player for us if you train and play for Meath.
Paul was held in the highest esteem by all of our members, past and present and indeed by all GAA people who knew him. When the AIB clubman awards were introduced, Paul’s contributions were recognised, as he was one of the first to be honoured in Meath.
Paul has set an example for us all to follow, with his love for his family, his faith, his parish and his club. It has been quoted by a great Irish historian ‘that to be a great Irishman, you must first love your parish and all things Irish.” I believe Paul met that criteria.
Yes, our club has suffered a great loss, but the greatest loss will be to his wife Collie, daughters Noeleen and Audrey and all of his grand-children. To them we convey our deep and sincere sympathies, as we do also to his brothers - Larry, Paddy and Johnny.
His death is a great loss to us all, but to Peadar Liathan and Patsy Brady who worked all their lives with Paul in running our club and had developed a love and understanding of each other’s contributions, they will miss him dearly. His generosity and help to all his neighbours, whenever they needed it, will not be forgotten.
Our club meetings won’t be the same again, but we hope your wisdom and your ambitions for Boardsmill will prevail. To those of us charged with continuing the tradition of our club and parish may we take inspiration from your example.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam
Tomás S. O Raghallaigh

Noel Meehan
Wolfe Tones and Meath lost one of their greatest supporters with the tragic death of Noel Meehan. Enormous shock and sadness was felt throughout Kilberry and the entire parish at his untimely passing.
Noel’s death at the age of 38 is a huge blow to his family, friends and the Wolfe Tones club.
At the age of 18 he served as assistant-secretary for some years, before taking up the position of secretary in 1990.
He played intermediate football for his club while still a minor, and played colleges football with St. Patrick’s Classical School, Navan.
He won a junior hurling championship medal in 1989 and played at corner-back on the intermediate team that won the championship in 1992. The following year he came on as a substitute in the senior hurling final defeat by Rathmolyon.
As a fanatical Meath supporter, he travelled all around the country to both league and championship matches.
However, it was the feats of his beloved Wolfe Tones that brought him greatest joy and satisfaction.
When they won the junior football championship for the first time, and then a few weeks before his birthday on Christmas Day, he was in Wexford to see his club win the Leinster title.
His presence will be always missed at the Wolfe Tones games and outings. The greatest tribute the club could pay to his memory is to continue to play the game in a clean and sporting manner. Win or lose that is what he would want.
Ar son CLG Bhulf Ton ba mhaith liom an gcomhbhron o chroi a dheanamh lena thuismitheoirí Patsy agus Rose, lena dhearthar Robbie, lena dheirfuiracha Mary Rose, Patricia, Fionula, Grace, Emma agus Paula, agus lena ndeachtanna agus nianna. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
Miceal MacGiolla Cearr.
Runaí

George Baugh
Moynalty GFC and all associated with Moynalty lost one of its most loyal and greatest friends with the sad and untimely passing of George Baugh in late March.
Born 53 years ago in the townland of Kingsfort, the deceased had a great passion for all things Irish and a particular love for Gaelic games.
A lifelong member of Moynalty GFC he will always be remembered for the great determination and enthusiasm he displayed on both football and hurling fields at under age levels. As an adult he preferred the role of onlooker and only on rare occasions was he pressed into action wearing the goalkeeper’s jersey.
As an administrator he had few equals and served the club with distinction in all officer positions for close to 20 years.
First elected secretary in 1973 shortly after the club acquisition of Lands at Bellair, he played an outstanding part in the development of the grounds and provision of playing facilities.
His proudest moment was perhaps in 1987 when the club won a first title in over 50 years with success in the JFC.
In 1982 he played a key role in the reforming of the St. Ciaran’s (Moynalty / Carnaross) Minor Club and it’s development and continuing success owes much to his time as secretary.
In latter years when business commitments did not permit time for a more active role, his good counsel and always generous support continued to be given in his own quiet and discreet manner and are now very much in evidence throughout our club.
He spent his working life in the joinery trade. Initially and for 20 years with Collins joinery, Navan and then in 1989 his own business - G & S Joinery, Ardbraccan in partnership with his great friend Sean Bennett.
As his many former work colleagues joined with the Steam Threshing Committee and GAA members to carry his remains to his final place of rest, many recalled their own particular memories.
The ever reliable tape and precise measurements, the endless hours spent in the threshing field, the trusty old Opel laden down with young footballers and the quiet smoke and chat at the bar.
Some years ago the club had a monthly newsletter “An Paroisteach Beo’ a title chosen by George. His place in the history of that same parish is forever assured.
His loss to those who were privileged to know him is great. To his family his loss is inestimable and our heartfelt sympathy is with them at this sad time.
Ní bheidh - a leighead arís ann.
Go dtuga Dia Sonas Siorraí na bhFlaitheas do
Cumann Peile Magh n’Ealta.
Blackhall Gaels Appreciation

John Gerard Jennings R.I.P
(1984-2004), Mulhussey, Kilcloon
The parish of Kilcloon, Batterstown and Little Chapel was deeply saddened and shocked at the sad news that John Gerard Jennings passed away suddenly at his place of work on Tuesday the 21st of September 2004 at the early age of 20 years.
John Gerard was first and foremost a member of the Jennings family and Blackhall Gaels GAA club wish to extend their deepest sympathy to his mother Rita, brother David and sisters Helen, Pauline, Valerie, Bernie and Kate.
We also remember John Gerard’s late father John, his girlfriend Nicola, his extended family and his many friends.
John Gerard attended Mulhussey National school and later Scoil Dara in Kilcock and on leaving school he went on to serve his apprenticeship as a plumber.
John Gerard was, and always will be a big part of the Blackhall Gaels. A gentle giant he loved his football and wore the Meath goalkeepers jersey with distinction at Under 14 when he lined out on the winning Fr. Bannon Cup side in 1998. He was further rewarded with County honours playing with the Meath Under 15 side in 1999.
He played underage football with Blackhall Gaels at all levels from Under 12 up to minor. In 2001 he graduated to the adult ranks and was netminder for the Junior C team which won the County title and gained promotion to junior B.
In 2002 John Gerard went on to play for his club at Minor, Under 21, Junior B championship, B league, Feis Cup and at senior level in the All county A League.
One of his finest hours playing for Blackhall Gaels was in the Under 21 championship semi-final in December 2002 when he made some outstanding saves, including a penalty which earned his beloved Gaels a draw against Navan O’Mahonys.
He played Under 21, B League, Junior B championship as well as A League in 2003 and also lined out for Blackhall Gaels in 2004 in the All County B League competition.
John Gerard was popular with all both young and old and everyone enjoyed and respected his good company. He brought with him a warmth and sense of good humour wherever he visited and was a friend to all both on and off the field of play. Where he sat in the dressing room was where the sun shone, everything just seemed to happen around him.
That was a measure of the young man who was totally honest in everything he did.
The loss of John Gerard will be deeply felt by all his playing comrades, his mentors, supporters and club members.
We all feel lucky to have known him. May his memory be a blessing. Ar dheis lamh de go raibh a anam.

Paddy Boyle
The late Paddy Boyle, Avondale, Trim, who died on Sunday, 18th January, was the second last surviving player of the 1934 Meath All-Ireland junior hurling championship winning team.
The last surviving player is Jack Loughran who attended the deceased’s funeral which took place from Trim church to Dunderry cemetery.
A guard of honour was formed by past and present Dunderry players.
He was also a fine footballer and won a Meath IFC with Dunderry in 1944.
Down the years he maintained a great interest in the fortunes of the Dunderry club. He will always be remembered as a member of the team which brought the first championship to Dunderry. Sadly Jack Loughran also passed away later in the year.

Kathleen Geoghegan (Kildalkey)
From an old and respected Kildalkey family, Kathleen’s sons have provided great service to the local club. Cecil wore the county hurling jersey for a number of years, while Jimmy, a proven GAA sports reporter, works for the Meath Chronicle. Cecil’s son Joe is now a regular on the Walterstown senior team.

Christina Manning (Dunboyne)
Nee Moran, Chrissie had a huge interest in both hurling and football and was a useful camogie player in her younger days.

Teresa Gibbons (Kilmessan)
A native of Galway, Teresa’s late husband Christy, also a Galway native, hurled for both the Blues and Meath back in the 1930s and 40s.

Donal McNamee (Navan)
A retired school teacher, Donal’s father Sean was heavily involved in both Conradh na Gaeilge and the GAA.

Molly Kennedy (Kilmessan/London)
A member of the well known Maguire family from Kilmessan, Molly’s late husband Nicky, who was remembered in these columns last year, was a star hurler with Kilmessan and played on the first Skryne team to win senior championship honours back in 1940.

Matthew O’Brien (Slane)
Matthew was originally from Moynalty and the father of Fr John, Peter and young Mattie who, as a juvenile, was termed the ‘boy wonder’ of Meath football. All three sons wore the club and county jersey with pride.

Matthew Bowens (Kentstown/Dublin)
Matthew moved to Blanchardstown in 1984 and was a keen follower of the GAA.

Eugene O’Reilly (Athboy/Trim)
A well known and respected farmer, Eugene won many awards for his animals at various agricultural shows. A keen follower of GAA affairs, he captured an intermediate football medal with Dunderry in 1947 and his sons were prominent on various Athboy hurling and football teams.

Joe McGrath (Kentstown/Mayo)
The Charlestown, County Mayo native became the youngest consultant orthopedic surgeon when taking up the post at Our Ladys Hospital, Navan back in 1971. In GAA circles, Joe’s most famous patient was Colm O’Rourke, while he was heavily involved with the recovery of such players as Bernard Flynn and Gerry McEnteee from serious injuries.

Justin Ward (Navan)
A native of Bailieboro his son, also Justin, was a key player with Simonstown for a number of years and presently acts as a senior selector.

Mary Keys (Navan/Cork)
Popularly known as May, she was a native of Cork but came to reside in Navan many years ago. Her late husband Brendan was a noted footballer in Cavan and he along with his brothers, backboned the outstanding Cootehill team of the 1950s. May’s sons Colm and Kevin have provided loyal service to Simonstown Gaels. Colm was a club selector in 2004 and is of course, Chief GAA Writer with the Irish Independent.

John Woods (Stackallen/Canada)
John was a successful underage footballer with Rathkenny and Boyne Emmets. He played county minor in 1959 and ‘60 and lined out with the Slane intermediate team. Although emigrating to Toronto he maintained his love for all things Irish. A key member of the Meath Association, John played an active part in the Garryowen GAA club. A talented musician, his funeral was one of the largest seen among the Irish community.

Joe Plunkett (Dunshaughlin)
Joe lived a very eventful life and his death took place just a week before his 83rd birthday. He and his brother Tommy were members of the old Killeen team. Not alone was he club secretary but also acted as a delegate to the County Board and had fond memories of cycling to Navan for meetings. Later Joe played with Dunshaughlin, acted as a committee member, groundsman and selector. He was one of the earliest recipients of Dunshaughlin’s Hall of Fame award and the black and amber colours adorned his coffin.

Ellen Guy (Longwood)
Originally from Summerhill, a number of Ellen’s family have represented Boardsmill and Meath hurlers with distinction.

Seamus Collins (Navan)
Seamus was a member of the well known Athboy GAA family. His brother Paddy is the present Westmeath County Secretary and former All-Ireland final referee.

Margaret Stephens (Dunderry/Dublin)
Originally Margaret McCormack from a clan steeped in Dunderry GAA tradition. Margaret’s family were involved with Dublin club St. Brigids but on coming to reside in Meath, became very active with a host of clubs including Ballinlough, Seneschalstown, Dunderry and Dunsany.

Mary Collins (Rathmolyon)
Mary died in July 2003 and lived to be 98 years of age. Her son Noel is a former player and present day committee member of Rathmolyon Hurling Club.

Anna Smith (Cortown)
Nee Reilly, Anna was popularly known as Dolly. She raised a big family and each one of the boys were involved with Cortown at some stage. Most notable in recent times were Declan, Colm and Francis who carries out a huge amount of underage training with Simonstown.

Aidan Barry (Navan/Cavan)
Aidan hailed from the famous Cavan GAA stronghold of Cornafean. On arriving in Meath in the late 30s, he became actively involved with Trim GAA club, winning a county minor championship medal in 1937 and three years later was on the Trim team who were declared county junior football champions. In 1944, Aidan opened a barbers shop at Watergate Street, Navan and remained a keen GAA supporter.

Mollie Geraghty (Moynalty)
Mollie was a lover of all sports and was full back on the Moynalty camogie team which gained county honours in 1936.

Hugh and Teresa Corcoran (Drumbaragh)
Hugh was a native of Mullinalaghta in north Longford. On emigrating to England, he played with the Manchester based St. Josephs. Returning to Ireland in the 1970s, he joined Drumbaragh. His sons Adrian, Noel and Martin are all prominent playing members of the Kells parish club. His wife Teresa was tragically killed later in the year.

Thomas Rowntree (Kells/Roscommon)
Thomas hailed from Castlerea and moved to work with the Kells based firm Tara Shoes during the 1950s. He immediately became involved in local GAA affairs and served as Secretary of Gaeil Colmcille for many years. Thomas was a driving force in the construction of the clubs fine Gaelic Centre.

Mary McGivney (Nobber)
A very popular lady, Mary had just celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary. Her sons have a long association with the local club. Among these is Gerry, a well known referee. Gerry’s sons play with Simonstown.

Eugene Gillic (Dulane)
A great supporter of Carnaross and Meath teams, Eugene hardly ever missed a game around his patch of north Meath. In his playing days, he lined out with the old Dulane club. He was a brother of former well known referee Aidan and an uncle of Meath 1987/88 hero PJ. Eugene’s coffin was draped in the Dulane colours and older members of this club and present day Carnaross members formed a guard of honour.

Bernard (Benny) Briody (Moylagh)
One of Meath’s greatest supporters, if not the greatest. ‘Big Ben’ as he was popularly called, was heard to say following Meath’s defeat to Fermanagh in early July 2003, “its going to be a long summer”. Very popular, his funeral was one of the largest seen in the Moylagh area for a long number of years.

Mary McMahon (Castletown)
Mary was the mother of a great Castletown GAA family and all of her sons at one stage or other pulled on the famous club green and gold.

Anna Fitzpatrick (Laytown)
Originally from Ashbourne, Anna was a noted camogie player in her younger days.

John McGuinness (Julianstown)
John was originally from Ballycumber in Offaly and rarely missed a game involving St. Colmcilles.

Oliver Condon (Kells/Limerick)
Oliver was a native of Limerick and while teaching in Offaly played senior hurling for the Faithful County. Later he took over as principal of Rathkenny NS and became a very influential figure not alone in Rathkenny, but also in Kells where he resided.

Mary Morris (Kells)
A very popular person in the north Meath town, Mary’s husband Tommy was a regular with old Kells teams while her son Tommy was a noted goalkeeper with Drumbaragh.

Peter Tunney (Kilskyre)
Peter or ‘Petey’ as he was popularly referred to, hailed from Mayo and came to farm in Meath in the middle part of the last century. He followed both the fortunes of the green and red and the green and gold. The craic was good around the Tunney household in 1996. His brother Packy passed away at an early age and Petey acted as a ‘second daddy’ to the large Tunney household. He took great pride in their sporting achievements as each one of the boys wore the Kilskyre and Ballinlough jerseys with distinction.

Mary Geraghty (Ross Cross)
Mary was a member of the famed Mulvany family from Skryne. Her son Gordon was a star player with Skryne in 2004.

Johnny Cantwell (Navan)
Johnny was a gifted and popular member of the teaching staff at St Patricks Classical School. A life long member of Navan O’Mahonys, his sons Barry and Johnny, who was a member of this year’s under 16 team, have worn the Brews Hill colours. Johnny senior rarely missed a match involving the Meath senior team and amongst his proudest possessions was a jersey presented to him by the St. Pats players after they had gained the All-Ireland Colleges title earlier in the year. Johnny Cantwell was their most enthusiastic supporter.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lynch (Kells)
A member of the Morris family, Elizabeth was the mother of Frankie, the very popular referee and Drumbaragh clubman.

Hugh Hilliard (Navan & Roscommon)
Hugh came to Navan over 40 years ago and while remaining a staunch follower of his native county, also became a big Meath supporter.

Eugene Renehan (Killallon)
Eugene featured in a previous issue of this book. Very much a hurling man he was a key player with Kilskyre teams in the middle of the last century. Eugene’s family played a lead role in the old Killallon club before its demise in the mid 1970s.

Bill Rennick (Dunderry/Magheracloone)
Bill originated from Magheracloone, just over the Meath border in Monaghan. After playing with Magheracloone he transferred to the Shale Bricks club which was an earlier version of the modern day Meath Hill outfit. Later Bill moved to Trim and in 1962 gained a Meath senior football championship medal with the town team. With his sons starting to show promise, he became more and more involved with underage affairs in Trim and later became a Meath minor and under 21 selector. The Rennick boys kicked most of their adult football with Dunderry and Niall played county senior, won an All-Ireland junior medal in 1988 and three years later managed the Wicklow senior team which nearly ousted Meath from the Leinster championship.

Jack Gibney (Kells/Tullamore)
Jack came from Bective Street in Kells and was full back on the Meath minor hurling team which went all the way to the All-Ireland hurling decider of 1929. A star hurler he later lined out for Offaly seniors after moving to Tullamore.

Kathleen McDonnell (Carnaross)
Kathleen hailed from just over the Cavan border at Lisduff and married Julian from the well known north Meath family. Her sons Julian (Ballinlough) and Malachy (Carnaross) are very active in GAA circles. She was a keen follower of both Cavan and Meath county teams.

Victor Sherlock (Kingscourt)
A very famous name when Cavan and Meath football is mentioned. Victor had the distinction of winning senior provincial medals with both counties. At the age of 18 he was deemed too young to play with the Kingscourt club and lined with Gypsum Rangers and the Meath Hill formation Shale Bricks. Although from Kingscourt, playing his club football in Meath gave the young Sherlock the right to line out for the Royal County senior xv and he was a wing forward on the NFL winning side of 1945/46. The following summer Meath gained Leinster honours but although Victor Sherlock starred at midfield, his native Cavan ousted the Royals in the All-Ireland semi-final. Cavan went on to claim ultimate honours that year and again in 1948. However earlier in ‘48, Victor declared for the Breffni men and played a lead role from his midfield berth as titles were put back to back. The records show us that one Victor Sherlock notched 1-1 as Mayo were just pipped in a high scoring, wind swept final. Ironically the following year it was Meath who prevented the Ulster men from a three in a row. But Cavan with Victor Sherlock again in his favoured midfield spot, were back in ‘52 and gained revenge on the Royals. He was good enough to play on the Irish sides of 1950 and ‘53 when the Combined Universities were the opposition. Railway Cup medals were garnered in 1950 and ‘56 as were Cavan senior championship medals with Kingscourt in 1954 and ‘61. An all round sportsman, Victor was a brilliant handballer, winning an All-Ireland junior title in 1949 and along with his Kingscourt club mate, John Gargan, gained nine senior Ulster doubles. Twice this pairing were All-Ireland runners up. In the singles he has no less than 10 senior provincial titles to his name. There was never a dull moment in any of Victor Sherlock’s 80 years. In the late ‘80s he was a winner in the National Lottery and generously donated a considerable sum for the construction of a car park at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kingscourt. Both his parents, John Sherlock and Frances Egleston were natives of Navan while Phil ‘the Gunner’ Brady with whom he formed a powerful midfield partnership for Cavan, was a brother in law. Victor spent 43 years of his working life at Gypsum Industries and his daughter Linda was a highly skilled journalist at the Meath Chronicle in the not too distant past. Many of the former greats of Meath and Cavan football attended his funeral and removal.

Mary Keane - (Nobber/Drogheda)
(Nee McConnell) Mary moved to Drogheda nearly 60 years ago and in her youth was an accomplished camogie player.

Betty McDonnell (Dunboyne)
Betty was the mother of a well known Dunboyne family. Originally from Tipperary, she supported both the Royal footballers and the Premier hurlers.

Jack Loughran (Dunderry)
Jack was a popular President of the Dunderry club. He was the last surviving member of the Dunderry team who gained junior hurling championship honours in 1934. His father Jim, who answered to the nickname ‘Sweeney’ was also a player on that team but injury prevented him from lining out in the final. Jack’s uncle was the legendary Joey Loughran. Many who saw Joey play back in the ‘30s and ‘40s rated him as Meath’s finest ever footballer. Joey played in the All-Ireland final of 1939 and was a selector when Sam Maguire first came to the county in 1949 and again in ‘54. Jack himself played football with the Tullaghanstown club and over the years was a generous benefactor to Dunderry.

Patrick Dunphy (Navan)
Paddy was a proud Navan O’Mahonys man. He was active in both the Irish National Foresters and the Red Cross. His sons Eamonn, who has won numerous senior football championship medals, Vincent, Charlie and Vivian have all given service as players and officials to the old De La Salle underage club and O’Mahonys.

John Lynch (Rathfeigh)
John was well known in the horse racing world and at one time held a private trainers licence. Earlier in 2004 there was huge celebrations in the Lynch household when Rule Supreme won both the Sun Alliance Chase at Cheltenham and the French Champion Hurdle in Paris. In his younger days John played with both Skryne and Curraha.

Mary Baugh (Crossakiel)
Mary was a much loved member of a well known north Meath family. Her brothers Paddy and George played with both Kilskyre hurlers and Ballinlough footballers. George or Georgie as he was well known, captained Meath to All-Ireland junior hurling success in 1970.

Patrick Fulham (Donore)
Patrick was heavily involved in both Macra na Feirme and politics. He was a member of Meath County Council from 1955 until 1985. During that period he was elected as the council’s chairman on three different occasions. Patrick also served on the North Eastern Health Board and the Meath VEC. He was also a useful footballer and a vital member of the Duleek team who were crowned Meath senior champions in 1943.

Paddy Keogh (Trim)
Paddy’s funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Trim. A very popular gentleman, he was on the only team from the town to win the Meath senior football championship. Ballinlough were beaten in 1962. Paddy won a number of hurling championships and also acted as a selector with the Trim club. He played National Football League football with Meath and won an intermediate club medal in 1973. The Saturday before his death, his son Benny lined out on the Trim team that went under to Kilmessan in the senior hurling decider. A minutes silence was held in honour of Paddy prior to the Trim-Simonstown senior football semi-final clash.

Desmond Murphy (Ashbourne)
Desmond was an outstanding footballer who had the distinction of playing with the Meath minors during the 1940s. He was also a regular with the local Donaghmore club.

Thomas Mulligan (Drumree)
Tom was a noted follower of GAA.

Joe Booth (Navan)
Joe was very active in the trade union movement and in 1984 was elected to the National Executive of the ITGWU. A keen golfer in later years he was a talented goalkeeper with the old Parnells club and later Navan O’Mahonys of which he was a founder member. More recently, Joe’s family have strong connections with the Simonstown club.
James Carolan (Nobber/Cork)
Although away from the county for many years, Jimmy kept a close eye on the achievements of both the Nobber and Meath footballers.

Vincent Walsh (Ballinacree/Oldcastle)
Very few matched Vincey’s enthusiasm and commitment to Meath GAA. Originally from Ballinacree, he played with the north Meath club, mainly as a goalkeeper. His sons Nobby and Vincent Jnr. were excellent players and lined out with Meath in various underage and junior grades. Later Vincey switched allegiance to Oldcastle and the two boys played a huge part in the clubs rise from the intermediate ranks. Vincent Walsh was one of the most respected referees in the county for years and acted as a Meath minor and Under 21 selector.

Patsy Coyle (Ballinacree)
Patsy was the oldest boy in a family which has given outstanding service to the St. Brigids club. All good footballers but Patsy, who generally operated as a midfielder, was the pick of the bunch. Emigration in the early ‘70s robbed the north Meath club of a possible future county senior. Flame-haired Patsy was a member of the Meath minor panel which won provincial honours in 1972. He died tragically in Malaysia while out jogging.

Raymond Heery (Ballinacree)
It was indeed a sorrowful year for the St. Brigids club and no passing was sadder than that of 22 year old Raymond Heery in early May. The Air Corps pilot was due to line out for his club against Castletown later that evening and had texted his intentions to play in the match to manager Raymond Lydon just before the fatal accident. Huge crowds attended Raymond’s funeral and among those in attendance were Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and President Mary McAleese.

Kevin Devin (Oldcastle/Galway)
Kevin was one of Oldcastle’s greatest ever players and lined out for Meath in the counties first ever senior All-Ireland final against Kerry in 1939. Meath enjoyed little or no luck on their first really big day at Jones Road. Kevin wore the number 15 jersey and was joined by fellow club mates Paddy Beggan, Jim Kearney and Hughie Lynch. Some weeks after the All-Ireland the Royals had a repeat match with the Kingdom and gained some revenge with a narrow 1-4 to 1-3 victory. The extraordinary thing about this game was that Kevin Devin scored all of Meath’s total. Work brought Kevin to Galway and his funeral took place in Craughwell in early November.

Teresa Casey (Moynalty)
Teresa was the mother of Michael Casey who has provided tremendous service to the Moynalty club both as a player and administrator.

Brendan Murphy (Batterstown)
In 2002 Brendan was the Batterstown recipient of the Sean Gael award. In his early days he played football with the Batterstown outfit and was one of the driving forces when the club decided to purchase their own grounds.

Peter Martyn (Slane/Galway)
Although a native of Galway, Peter became a huge follower of both Slane and Meath football when he moved near the Ledwidge village in 1969. His sons Noel, Gerry and Pat all wore the Slane and various Meath underage jerseys with distinction. Gerry played a number of games with the Royal County senior XV.

Mary Landers (Robinstown/Clare)
Mary was originally from Clare. Her husband’s work took Mary to Mayo and her two sons Martin and Michael are great followers of both the green and the red and the green and gold. Her son in law Jim Reilly and a number of grandsons are actively involved with the Simonstown club.
Dominic Smyth (Kildalkey/Kildare)
Dominic’s son Charlie was a former senior hurler with Kildalkey and was also heavily involved in the juvenile section of the club.

Bridget Barker (Dunboyne)
A number of Bridget’s sons and grandsons are highly active with clubs in the general Dunboyne/Clonee area. Other grandsons David and Peter Barker play with Blackhall Gaels.

Ciaran McSorley (Skryne)
Ciaran, who died tragically in a car crash last summer, was a very strong and talented underage player with Skryne.

Agnes Curtis (nee Quigley)
Agnes went to school in Slane and lived in Barrettstown. She married her husband James in 1929. James played with the Meath senior team during the 1920s and won senior championship and Feis Cup medals with Rathkenny. A brother of Agnes, Danny Quigley, won a senior championship medal with Moynalty, while a first cousin, Connie Sheridan acted as the Moynalty delegate to the County Board. Agnes and James had two sons, Noel and Jim. The latter, who lives outside Ardee will be very familiar with Royal County gaels. A staunch Syddan man, Jim was a selector on successful Meath junior and senior teams. Agnes was a great admirer of Sean Boylan and as expected kept a close eye on local GAA happenings.

Enda Cahill (Navan)
From a great GAA family, Enda’s father, Brendan, captained the Meath minors to All-Ireland glory in 1957 and was part of the brilliant O’Mahonys team of the late 1950s, early 1960s. A brother, Richard, played for Bective, is currently involved with the Wolfe Tones club and was one of the driving forces behind the success of the Meath under 14 squad of 2004. Enda was hugely talented and worked as a sound engineer in the film industry. The very successful documentary on the fortunes of Paidi O Se and the Westmeath footballers was dedicated to Enda who had acted as a sound recordist on the programme. He had also worked on the popular GAA series High Ball.

Joe Price (Castletown)
Joe was one of the oldest residents in the parish. His grandsons, Daniel and Jonathan Metry and Niall Farrelly were on the Castletown panels that gained titles in both A and B League grades during 2004.

Patrick Grimes (Kilmessan/Mayo)
Patrick was originally from Castlebar and one of his sons, Tony, is a huge driving force behind underage hurling in Kilmessan.

Mary ‘Mamie’ Meade (Rathkenny)
Nee Donegan, Mamie was heavily involved in a number of parish projects. Her brothers, Frank and Jimmy, were noted Rathkenny footballers, while her sons, Pat, Michael and Sean all played underage with the club. Quite a number of nephews are involved with various clubs in Meath and a niece is the well known physiotherapist Deirdre Maguire (nee O’Brien) from the Ballinlough club.

Joe Bartley (Ardbraccan)
Joe was from a long established Ardbraccan family, and played with the old Boyerstown club in his younger days.

Mamie Kerrigan (Cortown/Galway)
Nee Coyne, Mamie hailed from lovely Clonbur in Galway. Her family are heavily involved with Cortown and have contributed much to the club, both on and off the field of play.

Thomas Gunning (Rathmolyon)
Popularly known as ‘Thomsey’ Thomas was successfully involved with some of the first Boardsmill hurling teams. He was also a founder member of Rathmolyon Hurling Club. A number of ‘Thomsey’s’ sons pulled on the Rathmolyon jersey.

Margaret O’Brien (Cortown)
Nee Cullen, Margaret lived to the ripe old age of 92. She was Club President of Cortown until the time of her death and was also an active committee member until 2000. When the club was formed in 1969, she was one of a group of women who provided food for socials in Cortown Hall. Sons Patrick, Tony and Eugene gave Cortown great service while a number of grandsons presently play for both Cortown and Dunderry. A great supporter of the Meath team, her brother Peter Connell also passed away in the year gone.