Meath Obituaries 2009
Niall ‘Nicholas’ Fagan (The Moy, Summerhill) Nicholas was a retired schoolteacher and enjoyed a long association with the GAA. He captained the 1942 Summerhill minor team and was a member of the ‘the Hill’ combination which swept to Meath junior championship honours in 1953. Nicholas often cycled from Dublin to play for his native Summerhill and received a Meath Sean Gael Award for his services to his local GAA club. He was a member of the Summerhill committee and represented the club as a delegate to the County Board. Nicholas was the father of Fergus Fagan, a dynamic goal-getter who was a vital part of the great Summerhill team in the 1970s. His grandson, Kevin Fagan, has played intercounty hurling for Meath while a granddaughter Anne Marie Fagan plays both camogie and football for the county. Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Walsh (Clonalvey) Nicky was a big GAA supporter and was a great fan of former Meath manager Sean Boylan. Christopher ‘Cristie’ Plunkett (Kilmainhamwood) There was great sadness in Kilmainhamwood and surrounding areas at the death of Cristie Plunkett. Cristie was secretary of Kilmainhamwood GFC for many years between 1950 and 1970. Although largely self taught he was very gifted in the use of both the spoken and written word. He was for many years also secretary of the carnival and later the festival committees. At a time in rural Ireland when educational standards were thought to be low, his ability to write promotional articles, to minute meetings and to contribute to literary publications of every type were second to none. He was a gifted public speaker and was always given charge of the microphone to act as master of ceremonies at concerts and public events in Kilmainhamwood and surrounding parishes. He worked as a storeman in Gypsum Industries for many years. His funeral received a guard of honour from past and present members of Kilmainhamwood GFC. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Steven and Oliver. Cristie is survived by his sister Mrs Betty Carolan of Cormeen, his many nephews and nieces and a wide circle of friends. Kilmainhamwood GFC Seamus Duff (Lobinstown) Seamus played football with Syddan and Meath in the 1950s, and was also a prominent referee. He was aged 77 and helped Syddan to a number of senior championship successes and won an All-Ireland junior medal with Meath in 1952, lining out at midfield. He also played with the senior team in a number of national league outings, including one against Cork which was recounted in the Meath-Cork All-Ireland senior football semi-final programme of 2007. It was noteworthy because it was the first meeting of Meath and Cork in a league clash, and the Leesiders won by the narrowest of margins, 0-8 to 0-7, with Seamus Duff in the full forward line. Seamus had the distinction of refereeing the infamous 1965 Meath senior football championship final between Kilbride and Skryne. The game, according to the Meath Chronicle report of the time, was called off by the Syddan man after about 48 minutes when the Kilbride full back, Martin Quinn, refused to leave the field after being ordered to do so by the referee. Whilst running off the pitch, Kilbride players, who were the holders of the Keegan Cup, grabbed the trophy from the table it sat on, and brought it to the dressingroom with them, upscuttling the table. Kilbride were leading when the game came to a premature end. At a subsequent County Board meeting Skryne were awarded the title, while Martin Quinn was handed a 12 month suspension. That forced him to miss out on Meath’s 1966 championship campaign, during which they went all the way to the All-Ireland final against Galway. He was able to come on in the decider as a substitute because his suspension had been completed the night before. Seamus Duff was also a Meath heavyweight boxing champion in his youth. His brother Tom was also a regular on the Meath teams of the 1950s, and was involved in the 1954 campaign before receiving an injury in the Leinster Final of that year. Brother Patsy has been involved in the juvenile set up in Syddan. Mr Duff’s two sons, Shay and Philip, have both lined out with Meath at various levels. Philip was at corner forward in the All-Ireland minor championship triumph of 1992 and won an All-Ireland junior title in 2003. Seamus Duff is survived by his wife Philomena, daughter Frances, sons Shay and Philip and members of the extended Duffy and Bashford families. The funeral mass took place in Lobinstown Church with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. His niece, singer Mary, performed at the ceremony. Syddan GFC Stella ‘Basy’ Reilly (Moynalty) Basy lived to the grand old age of 93. She was a great GAA supporter and was a keen follower of the splendid Cormeen ladies team of the 1970s when two of her daughters were star players. Tony Woods (Fordstown/Kinnegad) Tony was a member of the popular Woods family from Fordstown near Athboy. He was a brother of well known referee Robbie Woods. Tony was a big GAA supporter and at one stage was in charge of the lounge facilities at the Simonstown complex. In his younger days he boxed with the local Girley club and played football with Cortown. Peter Cunningham (Ballivor) Peter, a farmer, was 64 years of age when he died. A long time member of the Ballivor club, he was previously heavily involved with the underage section. Peter’s son Damien played underage with the county. When his health prevented him from taking an active part in club affairs, he gave great encouragement and sound advice to Ballivor officials, especially to underage mentors. Peter was also a great Meath supporter and with his wife, Nuala, travelled near and far to attend games. The late Joe Clarke - an appreciation There was widespread sadness amongst members of Simonstown Gaels GFC following the passing of founder member and club president Joe Clarke. The Clarke family has been synonymous with Simonstown Gaels since its foundation in 1965 and no words can do justice to Joe’s involvement with our club. The biggest tribute we can pay is that it is unlikely that Simonstown GFC would be in existence today were it not for the contribution of the deceased. It was Joe who canvassed local footballers to see if they would be interested in playing with a new club. He was a 20 something, eager to play football with his own team. He also had a couple of brothers who shared his enthusiasm and a mother willing to allow goalposts be erected in a field at the back of the family house at Simonstown Lane. After a meeting with the late Jim Lane Snr. in John O’Loughlin’s public house (now Knights), Joe went to then county secretary Liam Creavin and paid the affiliation fee of two shillings and six pence. At the inaugural annual general meeting he was appointed treasurer and served in that position for the next 17 years. He was elected president in 1981. Groundsman was another role in which he served the club with distinction, while he was a permanent fixture as an umpire at Simonstown games, adult and juvenile, for many years. As a player, he was a substitute on the Simonstown team that qualified for the club’s first ever final - the 1970 Junior B final defeat by neighbours O’Mahonys. He was a driving force behind the formation of the club’s juvenile section in 1976 and took great pride from Simonstown’s many successes on the field of play. Joe was on first name terms with practically every underage footballer in the club in the 1980s, 1990s and early part of this decade before illness curtailed his day to day involvement with the club. The annual Seamus Heaney SF challenge between Simonstown and O’Mahonys was cancelled as a mark of respect. Club members will be eternally grateful to Joe for his foresight 44 years ago and his immense contribution to the well-being of Simonstown Gaels. To the Clarke family we extend our deepest sympathies. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis Simonstown GFC Eamon McCabe (Kells) Eamon was involved with the Meath 1947 combination which gained All-Ireland junior honours. He was a member of a number of local organisations in the Kells area and at the time of his death was president of Kells Fianna Fail cumann. Eamon remained a big GAA fan and, with his brother Paddy, could be seen regularly at games in Croke Park. John Tully (Beauparc) John was a very successful businessman and emerged from humble beginnings when he opened his first bookmakers shop in Duleek during 1981. John went on to establish a thriving chain of 36 outlets nationwide. He was a big sponsor of Meath GAA activities and the 2008 Meath GAA Golf Classic bore the company name. Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Smith (Kilskyre) Nee McGrath from Collinstown in Westmeath. A number of Betty’s sons were involved with the parish teams, Kilskyre hurling club and Ballinlough football for a good number of years. One son, Dermot Smith is a past secretary of Ballinlough GFC John ‘Jack’ Boland (Hill of Tara) Jack was one of the Hill of Tara’s best known figures and always had a greeting for tourists, visitors and passers-by at his home on the Dunsany road. He was a great GAA supporter and recalled playing hurling on the slopes of Tara in his youth with the famed Donnelly brothers Pat and Tony. Other recollections include cycling to Croke Park on big match occasions. Jack was a lifelong follower of Meath GAA. Thomas ‘Tommy’ O’Connor (Cushinstown) Tommy, a life long pioneer, was a well known personality throughout his part of east Meath and north county Dublin. A man with an interest in many sports, his huge love was the GAA. Tommy was a founding member and honourary secretary of Young Irelands GAA club, which gained Meath junior championship honours in 1947. A big follower of the Meath senior football team, Tommy attended his first All-Ireland final in 1939 when the Royals unluckily went under to Kerry. He was a familiar figure at almost every big game since then. His last trip to Croke Park was for the 2007 All-Ireland semi-final clash featuring his beloved Meath and Cork. Patrick ‘Paddy’ Bagnall (Ballivor) Paddy was a farmer by trade and in Ballivor Post Office met the post mistress and his future wife Joan Brady from Cavan. The first date offered and accepted was a football trip to see Meath and Cavan playing. Paddy played hurling for Meath and after Sunday morning mass it was usually off to Croke Park. He remained a life-long supporter of the Meath football team. Paddy was a great listener and an excellent storyteller. Richard ‘Dickie’ Husband (Navan) Dickie was a talented soccer player and was part of the Parkvilla team that won the 1973 LSL Metropolitan Cup. Prior to that, he was a talented underage GAA star with the local De La Salle club. Paddy Reilly (Athboy) Paddy was an accomplished hurler in his younger days and won a junior hurling championship medal with Athboy. He maintained a lifelong interest in gaelic games and acted as an able umpire for a number of referees. Emily Kelly (Kells/Longford) Nee Gibney, Emily lived to be 93 and was a member of a well-known Kells family. Her late husband Joe Kelly became a Longford councillor while her son Peter is a sitting Fianna Fail TD for the midland county. Emily’s brother Jack Gibney, who later lived in Tullamore, was a versatile hurler and captained Meath minor sides. He was a member of the Meath minor hurling side which defeated Kilkenny in the Leinster decider of 1929 and later went on to play senior for his adopted Offaly. Jimmy Curran (Stamullen) Meath GAA lost a strong link with the past when former Mayo star James “Jimmy” Curran of Broadleaf, Stamullen passed away. A native of Claremorris, Jimmy moved to Meath 60 years ago and became a well-known farmer and horse breeder as well as a passionate supporter of the local St Patrick’s club. Jimmy attended St Jarlath’s College, Tuam and had the honour of playing alongside Sean Purcell in a Hogan Cup final. He later attended Athenry Agricultural College and won two Mayo championship medals in the 1940s with Mayo Abbey. After moving to his father’s farm in Ardcath, he played for Young Irelands (alongside his brother Martin and one Peter McDermott) in the late 1940s and subsequently joined the freshly-formed St Vincent’s amalgamation, winning intermediate and senior championships in 1953 and ’55 respectively. He continued to play his intercounty football with Mayo… As a member of the panel, he won All-Irelands with his native county in 1950 and 1951, having debuted with the Mayo minors in 1946 and played against Meath in the 1949 All-Ireland semi-final. Jimmy went down in Mayo GAA folklore in 1955, a year which signalled the break-up of that great 50/51 combination. The men in green and red trounced Roscommon by 3-11 to 1-3 in the provincial decider (providing Jimmy with his fourth Connacht medal), before drawing with firm favourites Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final. The Dubs squeezed through by 1-8 to 1-7 in the replay but the man from Claremorris shot all of the westerners’ scores, including 1-2 from play. In Meath, he lived next door to Pat ‘Red’ Collier and often trained with the Collier brothers. A noted horse breeder, Jimmy became a loyal and enthusiastic follower of St Patrick’s GFC after hanging up his boots, serving the club as a committee member and selector. He was also active in the underage section of the club and provided employment to many of the club’s players over the years. At the time of his death, Jimmy Curran was honourary club president and trustee. He was described by club official Johnny Sarsfield as “a father figure of the club”. His son Ivan, an outstanding underage player, was on the fine Meath team which won Leinster minor honours in 1980 and continued playing right up until recent years. Jimmy’s brother Martin is also heavily involved with the St Patrick’s club. Padraig Collins (Seneschalstown) The people of Kentstown, Yellow Furze and the wider GAA community were stunned by the untimely death of Padraig Collins after a very brief illness. ‘The Podler’, as he was affectionately known to many, had a long and distinguished playing career with the Seneschalstown club. He was an outstanding player on the historic first-time winning teams of 1967 (intermediate) and 1972 (Keegan Cup). His early playing days were spent in the right corner back position where he earned the reputation as a tenacious and tough, but fair, opponent. He was the ultimate team player, always prepared to put his body on the line but never seeking any recognition for his endeavours. In 1972, he took a step back to guard the nets and did his job brilliantly and continued to do so for a long number of years. He was described by a team-mate at his funeral as being a great shot stopper and utterly fearless in protecting his territory - and that was in the days when it was considered fair play to leave a goalkeeper sitting in the net along with the ball when the opportunity arose. He was always very modest about his own achievements, but had no hesitation in heaping the highest praise on his younger brothers Mickey, Joe and Billy. He always spoke of them as being ‘some boys’ and was chuffed that the Collins quartet played such a major part in those historic first-time wins. He lived in a corner of the parish where ‘The Blacks’ and ‘The Furze’ overlap and those wins ensured bragging rights for decades later. For him work was not something he had to do, but rather something he loved to do. ‘He in the shed’ was oft the response when visitors enquired about his whereabouts. Indeed the problem was to get him to stop working. In recent years he agreed to take Saturday afternoons off, but to compensate he started rising earlier. A visitor to his removal recounted how Padraig had promised to be with him first thing on Saturday morning during last winter. As dawn broke the visitor thought he heard an intruder outside, but first thing meant first light to Padraig even on a Saturday. Over the last 40 years he built a very successful land drainage and reclamation business along with his brother Joe. In conjunction with Bord na Mona he also ran a successful sewerage treatment installation and maintenance business. He was renowned as ‘a great man on a digger’ and could make those giant machines manipulate the soil as if he were doing it with a shovel. He used his agricultural and sporting knowledge to great affect and many playing fields in the Royal County and elsewhere are a testimony to his delicate skills. In keeping with his modest disposition he credited the good work to Joe and his colleagues. Padraig had a great sense of community spirit and pride of place. When Kentstown camogie club were seeking some male input he stepped into the breach to help a team where his sisters Mary and Kitty were star players. He was also a life-long member of the Pioneer Association. His thoughts always seemed to be on helping others. A neighbour who described him as a wonderful, beautiful man recounted how he witnessed him and another pilgrim carrying a retired sister up (and down) a steep mountain in Medjugorje. But Padraig was, above all, a great family man and he will be sadly missed around the open fire of his believed Brownstown home. To Padraig’s wife Kathleen, his daughters Edel and Carmel and son Stephen and all the Collins family, we offer our sincere condolences. The family showed tremendous courage and generosity in donating his organs at a time of great trauma for themselves. But they knew it was what Padraig would have wanted. As the summer 2009 approached things were really looking up for Padraig with his daughters’ weddings on the horizon. On a beautiful April evening club members along with players, past and present, and former Kentstown camogie players, joined together to form a guard of honour as his funeral cortege was brought to Kentstown Church. The massive crowds who turned up to pay their respects are an indication of the esteem in which he was held. Fear iontach a bhi ann gan dabt ar bith. Ionadh I measc Naomh na hEireann go raibh aige. Seneschalstown GFC Mary Coyle (Clare/Yellow Furze) Mary hailed from Doolin in County Clare and worked as a proof reader in the Meath Chronicle for 33 years. She was the wife of Paddy Coyle, a talented sportsman from Donegal, who was to become principal of Yellow Furze National School. On settling in the parish, Paddy served Seneschalstown GAA in a number of capacities. Mary was the mother of former Meath football star and later county manager Colm and the talented Padraig who lined out with his native Seneschalstown for years. Padraig also played county football, especially at underage level. Tom Harney (Ballinasloe/Navan/Kingscourt) A native of county Galway, Tom worked with Bank of Ireland in Navan for many years. During his stint in Meath he became a big follower of the men in green and gold. On moving to Kingscourt he continued his interest in GAA affairs and coached underage teams. Lawrence ‘Larry’ Wright (Athboy/Longwood/England) Larry moved from Athboy to live with his grandparents in Longwood at an early age and soon became engrossed in the game of hurling. Originally lining out for Longwood, he moved to Boardsmill and, playing in the centre half forward position, notched 2-3 in the junior hurling championship semi-final of 1947. Larry again played a major role in the final when ‘the Mill’ won their first-ever championship at the expense of Salesian College, Warrenstown. Such displays brought him to the notice of the Meath selectors and Larry figured at right full forward as Meath garnered All-Ireland junior honours in 1948, a time when junior was much more competitive than it is today. He played on with his club and county into the 1950s before emigrating to England, where Larry continued his hurling involvement. Margaret ‘Peggy’ Pender (Enfield) Margaret was a member of one of the most respected families in this portion of south Meath. She was a great lover of football and looked forward to the summer and the GAA campaign. Margaret lived to the grand old age of 89. Willie Rispin (Ballivor) “Willie Rispin was a proud Meath man.” Those words were spoken by the priest who officiated at his funeral mass in Dublin. The gifts that were brought to the altar confirmed the statement - a Meath jersey, a hurley, a Hall of Fame award from Ballivor GFC, and interestingly, a St. Oliver Plunkett’s jersey - the Dublin club Willie helped establish. A native of Kildalkey, born in 1925, he built his football reputation with St. Finian’s College, Mullingar. He was full back on the St. Finian’s senior team that won the Leinster Colleges Championship in 1943. Willie was an automatic choice on the Leinster Colleges Interprovincial team and in the final, which Leinster won, Michael O’Hehir in his commentary, picked out Willie Rispin as a player with great potential. Small wonder then, that the Meath selectors took him out of college to play with the Meath senior team in the league against Offaly in Mullingar - a game which Meath won. Willie Rispin played his club football with Ballivor. He was full back on the Ballivor team that reached the junior final in 1945, against a fighting fit army team from Gormanston, and tasted bitter defeat. He was also on the Ballivor team that lost to Castletown in the intermediate final in 1947, but in 1950 Ballivor sprang a major surprise, defeating Donaghmore in the final of the Feis Cup. Willie reached the pinnacle of his success with the Meath junior team in 1947. That team made history by becoming the first Meath team to win an All-Ireland title in football. The deceased played most of his club hurling with Longwood, the Foran brothers and Pappy Conway and enjoyed plenty of success. He also played on the Meath senior hurling team, usually at full forward, playing on some of the toughest men of that era including Diamond Hayden of Kilkenny. As a person, Willie was greatly admired. He was great company, very generous with his time and talents. He worked in the land registry office in Dublin and there are many people from Meath and elsewhere that benefited from his expertise. To his grieving wife Betty and his family and the entire Rispin clan, the Ballivor club extends sincere sympathy. We will remember Willie in our thoughts and prayers. Ballivor GFC PJ Kelly (Hill of Down) PJ served as chairman, secretary, assistant secretary and selector with Killyon hurling club and was honourary president at the time of his death. In 2005, he received the Coiste na Midhe Sean Gael award for dedicated service to the GAA. In 1973-74, he was coach of the juvenile hurlers and the following year he was very proud when the under 14 team represented Meath at Feile na Gael in Kilworth, Cork. He had a great regard and respect for all the players and they for him. PJ Kelly had an interest in all sport, and was a fan of the Manchester United soccer club. The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Killyon to the adjoining cemetery. Killyon hurlers, past and present, formed a guard of honour at his funeral, and the coffin was draped with the Killyon flag and club jersey. A graveside oration was delivered by Kit Mitchell, chairman of the club, who ended with a recitation of ‘The Hurler’s Prayer’. Maureen Reilly (Cannistown) Nee O’Brien from St. Ultans Terrace, Navan, Maureen was the mother of present Meath county councillor Tommy Reilly and former urban councillor Christy Reilly. Tommy was of course, one of the driving forces behind the great Walterstown team of the 1970s and 1980s. Maureen was a familiar figure working in Tommy’s shops, first in Brews Hill and then at Market Square. Another son, Danny, was the sponsor of various Meath GAA competitions over the years. Michael Diviney (Galway/Kilmessan/Boardsmill) Michael Diviney, who died in early July, enjoyed success with a number of hurling clubs across the county over his career and was presented with Hall of Fame awards from both Kilmessan and Boardsmill clubs in recent years. Mr Diviney also played in goals for the Meath senior hurling team. The Boardsmill farmer and businessman died peacefully at his residence on 6th July, aged 82 years. He had been ill for some time. Son of the late Patrick and Josephine Diviney, the family moved from its native Kilbeacanty, near Gort in Galway, to Cardiffstown, Kilmessan in 1943. In the years following his marriage to Kathleen, he moved to farm at Boardsmill around 1959. In the 1940s, he is known to have played minor, junior and senior hurling in the same year, and enjoyed success with the club’s all conquering senior team of the 1940s, which included players from the Kane, Donnelly and Maguire families. There followed a stint with the Batterstown club, where his uncle had a farm, and a period with Kiltale. As a member of the St. Patricks club - a Kiltale, Ratoath, Oberstown amalgamation - there was senior championship success in 1953 and ‘54. Then, with Boardsmill a decade later, there was further SHC glory when they beat Dunboyne in the 1964 final, with Michael Diviney as full forward. He didn’t rest on his laurels there, and in the late 1960s and 1970s, was back playing junior hurling with Kilmessan. In Boardsmill, Mr Diviney provided the GAA club with a field to use as their club facilities, and it was while based at ‘Diviney’s Field’ that Boardsmill enjoyed its most successful period throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, winning numerous hurling and camogie titles and reaching football finals at various levels. When Boardsmill acquired its own pitch from the Land Commission, Michael Diviney was not found wanting when it came to making the grounds useable and he carried out a lot of work, both physically and with his machinery, on the site at Kilmurray, where the present grounds were opened in 1984. The funeral took place from St. Brigid’s Church, Boardsmill to St. Loman’s Cemetery, Trim. Jimmy ‘Red’ Meehan (Fordstown/Drogheda) Mr Jimmy ‘Red’ Meehan, College Rise, Drogheda, and formerly of Fordstown, Navan, who died suddenly at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, had the unique distinction of having been a member of Louth’s last All-Ireland SFC winning team in 1957 and was also a member of the Meath panel for their first Sam Maguire Cup win in 1949. He had played football in Louth and Meath with two since defunct teams, Naomh Mhuire and Fordstown. The ‘Red’ and his brother, Johnny, were both on the Meath senior squad in the historic All-Ireland year of 1949. Neither was presented with All-Ireland medals after this famous match, a source of upset for both men. The substitutes were provided with pocket watches and, some years later, Jim Meehan said “after all, the subs were just as much part of the team as the first 15”. In the following year, he was placed at full forward in the NFL home final in which Meath lost out to Cavan. However, ‘Red’ travelled to New York in 1951 when outright league honours were gained with a final victory over the Exiles in the Polo Grounds. Jim Meehan helped Naomh Mhuire to a Louth JHC success but returned to his native Fordstown for a short spell and missed out on the Drogheda club’s SFC triumph in 1953, the only time they won the title. The Meath native enjoyed some great footballing days after first donning the red and white of his adopted county in 1955. He certainly proved his worth in the memorable 1957 campaign. After being dropped for the Leinster semi-final against Kildare, he regained his place to star in the provincial final victory over Dublin. Following the penultimate round win over Tyrone, Jim was seen to outstanding effect in the 1-9 to 1-7 All-Ireland final triumph over Cork, bringing off a crucial goal line save near the end. He was also in the number four berth for the Leinster finals in 1958 and 1960 when Louth were denied by Dublin and Offaly (and have not figured in a provincial decider since then). He enjoyed another trip to New York with the Louth team in 1958 and he was selected in the Railway Cup team that year. He played with Louth up until 1961. Jim Meehan is the fifth member of Louth’s last All-Ireland success to pass away, following full backs Tom Conlon and Ollie Reilly as well as forwards, team captain Dermot O'Brien and Sean Cunningham, who punched the winning goal. Jim took great pride in his Meath roots but also in the achievements of his adopted county. On one particular occasion, when Royal and Wee County teams were playing against each other, his wife Betty made him a cap which carried the colours of both teams. It was said of him that he should have been known as ‘Gentleman Jim’ for his self effacing and mild manner. Marie Harmon (Kildalkey) A native of Carnisle, Kildalkey, Marie played camogie for Boardsmill in her younger days. Her husband Tommy, died in 2007 and Marie’s family are not alone amongst the most popular in the area but were always heavily involved with Kildalkey GAA club. The Kildalkey team jersey proudly displayed the Harmon family business for many years. Marie’s son Seamie is the present assistant secretary of the Meath juvenile hurling committee. Elizabeth ‘Elsie’ Carolan (Dunshaughlin/Nobber) Elsie lived to the grand old age of 93. She played camogie with Collierstown from 1934 to 1940 and remained a loyal supporter of the Meath football team right through an eventful life. Her husband, the late Larry Carolan, won a Meath junior championship with Nobber in 1946. Elsie was the aunt-in-law of current Nobber club president, Oliver Carolan. Mary Cassells (Athlumney) Mary lived to the grand old age of 89 and was the matriarch of one of the best known and most popular families, not alone in Navan but in the entire county. Her sons include well known trade union leader Peter Cassells, Joe, who played in the vital midfield section for Meath for a decade and a half while Oliver acts as an efficient accountant for the Meath County Board. Joe Cassells was of course, captain of the Meath team as Cork were eventually beaten in the All-Ireland decider of 1988. Seamus Reilly (Kells) In his younger days Seamus donned the colours of local clubs Drumbaragh, Kilmainham and Gaeil Colmcille. His coffin was draped in the red and green colours of Drumbaragh and the remains were escorted by a club guard of honour from the church to St. Colmcilles Cemetery, Kells. Tom Muldoon (Kilskyre/Louth) Tom was born and reared in Kilskyre and despite moving to Dromiskin at an early stage, remained an avid Meath supporter, often travelling to Croke Park in support of the Royals. His nephews Padraig and Derek were regulars on the Kilskyre hurling and Ballinlough football teams during 2009. Monsignor Kevin Hand (Monaghan/Dowth) Kevin’s family moved from Magheracloone just across the Monaghan border to Dowth, when he was at a young age. He spent most of his priestly life in the Amarillo diocese in Texas but remained an ardent follower of the various Meath GAA teams. Kevin would anxiously ring home to enquire how Meath were progressing in the championship. On his summer holidays in Ireland he seldom missed a match when the senior team were playing. He was a talented footballer himself and was good enough to line out for the Meath minors. Kevin was a brother of Brendan Hand, the well-known Slane clubman. Sean O’Reilly (Skryne/Navan) Sean was a builder by trade. In his younger days he was a talented footballer and was part of the Skryne team which won the Meath senior football championship in 1954. He came to live in Navan and his son Podge played senior football with O’Mahonys. Kathleen ‘Kitty’ Grimes (Kilskyre/Kells) Kitty, nee Casserly from Kilskyre, lived to the grand old age of 91. Many of her grandchildren and grand nephews are heavily involved with the local Gaeil Colmcille club. Manus Evans (Kerry/Kentstown/Navan) Manus, a native of Annascaul, County Kerry, came to live with his family in Kentstown at the age of 14. He was heavily involved with the family firm of Evans Coach Hire, a bus company which carried many a Meath GAA team to and from their match venue. Patrick Plunkett O’Callaghan (Cork/Trim) Patrick was a native of Blackpool, Cork and came to live in Trim for the last 12 years of his life. While living in his native Rebel County, he was heavily involved with the famed Glen Rovers club. Christopher ‘Kit’ Ward (Boardsmill/Rathmolyon) In his younger days Kit played hurling with the Boardsmill club. He remained a keen sportsman all his life. Margaret ‘Peggy’ Gorman (Kilmessan) Peggy lived to the grand old age of 92 and was a retired ward sister in James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown. She always held a great passion for sport and in particular was a keen follower of the Meath football team. Peggy regularly attended matches in Croke Park and other venues around the country from 1935 right up to 2004.
Joe Fanning (Tipperary/Ashbourne) A native of Glenreigh, County Tipperary, Joe died at 67 years of age after a short illness. He was well known to many GAA players and supporters as a popular photographer at games throughout Meath, Jacinta Lyons (Yellow Furze) Jacinta, nee Darby, was a loved member of one of the most popular families in Yellow Furze parish. Although Jacinta’s life was cut short with illness, she crammed quite an amount of activity into her 42 years. Married to former Slane star Greg, she continued going to matches and attended the Meath senior ladies decider between Seneschalstown and St. Ultans on the Sunday prior to her passing. Jacinta too lined out in the Furze colours and her sons Niall and Jason continue the tradition. Jacinta was a sister of well-known Seneschalstown gael Patrick ‘Skinner’ Darby. James ‘Sonny’ Madden (Kilmainham) Sonny lived to the ripe old age of 89. A minute’s silence was held in his honour prior to the local Kilmainham - Drumbaragh championship quarter-final clash in Cortown at the end of September. He was president of the Kilmainham club. Tracey Smith (Navan) Popular Tracey, who was 29 years of age when she passed away peacefully at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, lived in the Troytown Heights area of the town. Her father Martin also sadly passed away later in the year and was an active Navan O’Mahonys club member and a huge Meath supporter. Martin Smith (Kells/Navan) Martin, who hailed from outside Kells, was one of the best-known personalities in his adopted town of Navan. Active in a number of organisations, he was chairman of Meath River Rescue. Martin was one of the Meath team’s biggest fans and travelled around the country following his beloved green and gold. An avid Navan O’Mahonys supporter, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes for the Brews Hill club. A former secretary of the club’s hurling committee, he was among the selectors of the team that won Meath senior hurling championships in 1985 and 1986. He regularly sponsored the club’s senior Hurler of the Year award. In his younger days Martin played football with the old Killallon club. Only 61 years of age, Martin was as usual supporting O’Mahonys in their replayed senior championship semi-final meeting with Wolfe Tones on the afternoon prior to his passing. He was predeceased by his wife Teresa and by his daughter Tracey during the summer. Madeline Clarke (Navan) Madeline lived to the grand age of 93 years and belonged to one of the best-known families in Navan. She was the youngest child of Peter Clarke from Trimgate Street. Peter was a talented footballer with the famous Pierce O’Mahonys combination and lined out in the Meath full back line against Tipperary in the All-Ireland final of 1895. Peter Clarke was also heavily involved with the great Aintree winning racehorse Troytown. Madeline’s grand nephew, 16 year old Alan Forde, was a substitute for Navan O’Mahonys in the Meath senior championship semi-final matches with Wolfe Tones. Ann ‘Nancy’ Clarke (Navan) Nancy was a member of the Kane family from the Trim Road, Navan. One of the first female employees of Navan Carpets, she had a great love for the GAA and was a loyal supporter of the Meath team. Patrick ‘Patsy’ Dunne (Drumconrath) Patrick was a former player, selector, secretary and committee member. He was also a president of our club. Patsy won a JFC medal with Drumconrath in 1963 and was vice-chairman, selector and player that year. His sons all played with us and both Pat (present vice-chairman) and Paul won JFC medals in 1996. His grandson Patrick is a present player. Patsy was recipient of a Meath Sean Gael award when nominated by the club in 2005 Joseph Halpenny (Drumconrath) Joseph Halpenny played underage football and was a brother-in-law of current chairman Michael Gallagher. A number of his nephews play with us including Leighton Irwin, Thomas and Kevin Dardis, Michael Og Gallagher, Terry and Mark Halpenny. John Irwin (Drumconrath) John Irwin, father of current player and committee member Leighton and former underage player Colin and uncle to all above listed under Joseph Halpenny was a great supporter of the club. Michael Hickey (Drumconrath) Michael’s grandsons David Hickey and Shane McCabe play underage with the club. John Callan (Drumconrath) John Callan was a great Drumconrath and Meath Gael and was president and trustee of our club. His sons David, Gerard and Brian all played underage with the club and David is a valued committee member. Johnny was a recipient of a Meath Sean Gael award in 2007. He was heavily involved in securing St Peters Park Drumconrath from the Land Commission in 1967 which finally gave the club a place they could call home. Johnny won a SFC medal with North Meath in 1950 and along with his brothers Pakie [RIP] Nickey, Noel, Brendan, Kevin [RIP] and Finian (with another brother Tony a mascot and his father James a member of the previous championship winning team [1928] proudly looking on) backboned the team when in 1963 Drumconrath won the JFC for the second time. Seldom if ever a Drumconrath or Meath game went ahead without Johnny Callan attending and in the ‘60s and ‘70s when cars where a lot scarcer than today he brought players from all over North Meath to county training. He was well respected at county committee level as was in evidence with a high number from the county committee in attendance at his funeral. His coffin bore both the Drumconrath and Meath flags in recognition of his great love of all in Meath GAA. Patrick Halpin (Drumconrath) Patrick Halpin, also a club president, was involved in the club from the early days and was a committee member in 1963, when the JFC was won. Neil his son was on the panel that day and later was involved with the Dunshaughlin club. Another son Gerry was also a player and committee member and his grandson Patrick plays underage football, thus maintaining the family tradition. Michael O’Neill (Drumconrath) This was a sudden death of a young man. Michael’s children Aine and Jamie play underage football with the club. Michael Doyle (Drumconrath) Michael Doyle, another former player and member of the 1963 JFC winning panel. Celia Gallagher (Drumconrath) Celia was the mother of current club chairman Michael Gallagher and of former player Tony. She was the grandmother of current player and Irish Officer on the Meath county committee, Michael Og Gallagher. Josephine McEvoy (Drumconrath) Josephine was the mother of former player Vincent and grandmother to present players Peter, Alan, Gavin and Colm. Thanks to Peter O’Halloran who provided obituaries on behalf of the Drumconrath club. Mick Heffernan (Rathflesk, Rathmolyon) Survived by his wife Anne, daughters Sylvia, Aileen, his son Paul and grandchildren, Mick was a very popular local building contractor and employer in the area and also a loyal supporter to the hurling club over many years. His son Paul has also played with the club in many grades over the years. Sympathies extended. Brigid Lawless (Rathmolyon) Mrs Lawless was postmistress in Rathmolyon Post Office for many years and she was always very pleasant to all her customers, especially the children. Mrs Lawless, along with her sons who have played for the club, have lended their support on many occasion Thomas Doran (Castletown, Rathmolyon) Tommy is survived by his brothers Paddy and Johnny. You would often see Tommy and one or other of his brothers at a senior hurling match. They enjoyed watching a good game of hurling, and a loyal supporter he was. Sympathy extended. Mary Griffin (Straney, Rathmolyon) Mrs Griffin is survived by her daughter Kathleen and sons Paul, Jimmy and John Joe. Her son Val passed away in May 2001. The Griffins men down through the years have played with Rathmolyon Hurling Club and when asked have always been loyal supporters to the club, which has been appreciated. Philomena Brogan (Trammon, Rathmolyon) Mrs Brogan passed away after a brief illness and is survived by her daughters Mary and June, sons JJ and Noel. Philomena's husband Paddy passed away a number of years ago. Noel was a player on the 1975 intermediate hurling final team, while Mary, along with her husband, local retailer Christy Ryan have been firm and loyal supporters of the club, Philomena will be remembered as kind and gentle person to all she met. The above obituaries were kindly provided by Niamh Regan, Rathmolyon HC. Anna Farrell (Rathkenny) Anna Farrell was the mother of Mick, Richie and Tom, who were all heavily involved with Rathkenny GFC over the years. Mick won a junior championship medal with Rathkenny in 1984. John Powderly (Rathkenny) John was an active member of the club, serving on the committee for over 12 years. He was a cousin of Tony Wall, the great Tipperary hurler. PJ Reilly (Rathkenny) PJ was a member of the Rathkenny club for over 30 years as a player, selector and committee member. Thomas Meade (Rathkenny) Thomas proudly served on the committee when Rathkenny won the junior championship of 1984. He also played junior and intermediate football for the club. Kathleen Grimes (Rathkenny) Kathleen’s sons Eamon and Jim proudly wore the red and black for many years. Michael Hickey (Drumconrath) Michael was the father-in-law of Rathkenny gael Peter Downey Snr. Sheila Bellew (Rathkenny) Sheila’s sons Paul, Joseph and Jimmy Bellew played football with Rathkenny Johnny Flanagan (Rathkenny) Johnny was the father-in-law of Jimmy Bellew. Larry Rowan (Rathkenny) Larry played football for Rathkenny for many years. His sons Barry and Thomas carried on the tradition and Thomas won an intermediate medal in 2006. Noel Grace (Rathkenny) Noel was a brother-in-law of proud Rathkenny man Paul Smith and was a member of the Rathkenny GFC committee for many years. Pat Gill (Rathkenny) Pat was a brother of Liz Allen, who is the wife of Meath County Board chairperson Barney Allen. Our thanks to Gerry Gavagan for assembling all gaels from the Rathkenny club who passed on to pastures greener in the year gone. Oliver Barry (Blackhall Gaels) The Blackhall Gaels club and the community mourn the sad passing of Oliver Barry. He was a player during the 1950s for the Kilcloon arm of our club and remained a long-term supporter. Oliver was recently awarded a Sean Gael Award. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. May he rest in peace. Blackhall Gaels GAA Club. Peter Friary (Drumbaragh) Peter was a great supporter of Drumbaragh and all Meath GAA teams during his life. He had strong family connections with Emmet Drumbaragh through the Campbells, Carrys and Caffreys. His brother Tony is a current club president. Angela McCullagh (Drumbaragh) Angela passed away after a short illness. Her son Alan was goalkeeper for two of Drumbaragh’s under 21 successes in recent years. Eamon McCabe (Drumbaragh) Eamon was a fine player for Drumbaragh and Kells Harps. He won an All-Ireland junior medal with Meath in 1947. His grandson Sean continues to play for the club. Matt Grimes (Drumbaragh) Matt was a former player and also acted as club secretary in the 1970s. David Kennedy (Drumbaragh) David was a great supporter of Drumbaragh and Meath GAA. He was the club’s main sponsor in the early ‘90s. David’s son Cathal is a past player of the club. Podger Morris (Drumbaragh) Podger was from a great GAA background. His nephew Frankie Lynch is Drumbaragh club chairman. Podger’s grand nephews Trevor and Ciaran still play with the club. Paddy McCabe (Drumbaragh) Paddy was a great supporter of Drumbaragh and Meath all through his life. Sean Culleton (Drumbaragh) Sean played all his football with Drumbaragh in his younger days. A fine footballer, he lined out for Drumbaragh in the 1950s. He spent his latter years living in Dublin. Drumbaragh GFC Kathleen Hilliard (Navan/Mornington) Kathleen Hilliard (nee Kane) passed away peacefully at her Colpe Road, Drogheda, Co. Meath home on the 8th of June 2009. She was predeceased by her daughter Marie (3/6/1966) and her husband Ben (7/4/2003). Kathleen (Kitty) was originally from Trim Road, Navan and moved to east Meath with her husband Ben, who was also a native of Gainstown, Navan. Kathleen was the proud mother of Marie, Kathleen, Patricia, Dermot, Vincent and Colm and devoted her life to the hard work necessary to provide a good home and education for her children. Along with her husband Ben, they used their skills of the farming background gained in their youth to provide for their family, producing poultry, cattle and market gardening produce for the market of the day. Kathleen was a devout religious person and proud supporter of the GAA. She enjoyed playing camogie as a young girl and supporting her friends and relatives in the club championships in Meath. She was proud of the fact that her cousins from Kilmessan, the Kane brothers, were skilled hurlers and later on that her nephew Colm Kane was a member of the victorious Meath football teams of 1987/88. Kathleen was also very proud of the fact that her three sons Dermot, Vincent and Colm played for the St. Colmcilles teams at underage and on then to junior, intermediate and senior level. Her hard work as a club member in the early 1970s collecting money in the format of Coiste Gael and other fundraising events helped provide the necessary funds for the club to progress. Along with Ben, they travelled to all matches in support of St. Colmcilles, when matches were played in Des Smith’s field at Mornington and Kilsharvan, Seafield, Laytown and later at Pairc Ui Ris, Pilltown. Kathleen was a great supporter of the Meath teams. However, her proudest journey to Croke Park was to celebrate the Pioneer Association’s 100th anniversary by walking in procession from Parnell Square in Dublin to Croke Park and celebrate this occasion. Both had received their gold pioneer pins for their 50th year of continuous membership. Her memory lives on in the proud tradition of the GAA in St. Colmcilles where had sons Dermot and Colm, grandsons David Sheeran, Cathal and Cillian Hilliard, grandniece Ann Byrne and daughters-in-law Majella Hilliard, are all actively involved today. Lisa Kavanagh, St. Colmcilles GFC Margaret Russell Margaret, wife of Paddy Russell (RIP), who was an avid supporter of St. Pats, and was an uncle to Peter and Tommy Russell, who were on the 1963 intermediate team. Johnny Hughes & Mary Woods Johnny Hughes and Mary Woods were brother and sister of well known St Pats club lotto seller Kathleen Gough. Catherine Donagh Catherine died young, leaving two young boys. She was the daughter of Michael McKenna (RIP), former secretary of the club and selector of the victorious 1975 Junior B team. Dr. Jolley, our local club doctor, who has since retired and moved to Dublin to be near his family, lost his wife Josephine. We offer our sincerest sympathies. Olivia Keane Olivia, from Galway, died tragically young. She was the niece of St Patricks Development Officer Kevin Loughlin, who is in charge of the new project of three playing fields and a new clubhouse and stand. Jude Kennedy (St Patricks) Jude was a brother of Seamus Kennedy, who was on the panel of the 1963 intermediate football winning team. Tommy Sweeney Tommy was a member of the 1963 winning team. Molly McQuillan Molly was the mother of Michael McQuillan, All-Ireland winning goalkeeper with the Meath senior team. Iris Connolly Iris was the mother-in-law of John Cullen, the under 13 manager. She loved attending all the club’s social functions. Jim Kenna Jim, formerly from Wicklow, was the grandfather of James (Jinxy) Kenna, who plays on the St Patricks junior hurling team Tom Stack Tom came from Greenanstown, Stamullen and was ill for quite a spell. He served on the football club committee. John Shankey John was the brother-in-law of Johnny Purfield, who has held every position in St Patricks down the years. He is at present Grounds chairman and County Board delegate. Kindly provided by Pat Ryan of St Patricks GAA Paddy Donoghue (Boardsmill) After a long illness, Paddy passed away in 2009 at the home of his sister Margaret O’Brien. A very quiet man, he was a stylish hurler known for his excellent wrist work and for his movement on the field. He was outstanding in the junior final of 1956, playing at midfield when Boardsmill clawed back a ten-point half-time deficit to win. Again in 1958, he was outstanding as Boardsmill won their first ever SHC and O’Growney Cup. He was there again in 1964 when ‘the Mill’ won their second SHC. Paddy also won numerous league titles and other O’Growney Cups during that period. The mysterious disappearance of his brother Billy in the 80s (who also played for the club) had a huge effect on his family and the community but had a profound effect on Paddy as they had lived together.
Johnny Bird The suddenness of Johnny’s death shocked the whole community of Boardsmill. He went out to milk his cows as usual early in the morning and was found dead a short time later. It is hard to comprehend the shock it must have been for his wife Veronica and his three sons. While Johnny was not a footballer or a hurler, he and his father Jim made massive contributions to the development of the Boardsmill club. Not alone did the club benefit but all groups in the community because of the interest of Johnny and his father. This involvement grew even more as Johnny’s sons started to play with the school and club. Johnny and Veronica were very soon ever present at all underage and Boardsmill games. After the death of our former trustee Paul Daly, Johnny was unamiously put forward for the position which he held until his untimely death. Keith Fagan Keith’s death at just 37 years of age brought with it a complete sadness to the community. He died after a short illness which he fought up until the very last and the brave manner in which he fought will remain with us all. But for Keith’s wife Christine and their three small children, their sadness and loss is deepest of all. Keith was a member of the Fagan family from Agher in Summerhill and played football with Summerhill until he married his wife Christine and moved to Boardsmill. He played hurling and football with Boardsmill for a good number of years after. His good humour, great likeability and honesty made him very popular to all, on and off the field. His wife Christine, herself an outstanding camogie player and footballer who has represented Meath in both codes and is known throughout the county and beyond for her work as a GAA coaching officer, has received so much sympathy and support from all GAA people near and far and we hope this continues. Keith’s removal and funeral at Boardsmill was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, the small community has ever seen. Obituaries kindly forwarded by Boardsmill GAA. Marie Naughton (Dunshaughlin) Marie was a lifelong member of Dunshaughlin GAA club and was a regular at the club’s games and also a great follower of the Meath football team. She was at the Meath v Kerry game in Croke Park, even though she was very ill at the time. Marie was an aunt of chairman Jim Smith and one of the club’s senior selectors Martin Summerville. Her son Colm and lots of her nephews lined out with Dunshaughlin. Her grandchildren are now playing underage football with the club. Kathleen McDonnell (Dunshaughlin) Kathleen McDonnell passed away peacefully in August and was a sister of Patsy McLoughlin, who is one of the club presidents. Derek Davis (Dunshaughlin) Derek, aged 30, passed away in October after a brief illness. He was a son of John and Teresa. John is manager of the Meath camogie team and trained the Meath hurlers for a number of years. He also trained the hurlers and footballers of Dunshauglin at different times over the years. Kindly submitted by Dunshaughlin GAA. Detta Hyland (Na Fianna) Detta was wife of honourary club president Barney Hyland. Both Detta and Barney were active members of Enfield gaelic football during the ‘seventies and ‘eighties. Their son John was a member of the Meath junior football team in 1988, while their other son Bernard has been a football selector with Na Fianna CLG for the past number of years. Noel Kenny (Enfield) Noel was an outstanding forward who played on the Enfield football teams from the 1950s to the early 1970s. He performed at all levels for the club and was greatly admired for his direct scoring skills, and for his strength on the ball during play. Noel played in the 1954 juvenile final on a team trained by Fr Gillooly. Noel won a junior championship medal with Enfield in 1964 and was an excellent player in 7-a-side tournaments during the 1960s in Meath, Kildare and Westmeath. He represented Meath in junior football and went on to coach the Enfield junior team in the 1970s. It was always with a sense of fun and good humour that Noel recalled playing against rival teams in Meath and he had many great memories and lasting friends. It was fitting that the guard of honour at Noel’s funeral included past players from Enfield, and many other clubs in south Meath. He was a keen follower and loyal supporter of Meath football teams down through the years. Noel is sadly missed by his wife Olive, sons Paul and Enda and his daughters Sharon, Gemma and Una. He is also sadly missed by his many friends who loved to meet him and talk about football. Na Fianna CLG Tom Rooney (Kingscourt) Tom was a member of the farming community. A quiet, unassuming person, he was a formidable footballer for Meath Hill in his younger days. Tom also lined out with the now defunct Shale Brick side. He played with the Meath junior team and such were his skills on the football field that he received a Man of the Match award after a clash with Dublin in Parnell Park. Nancy Brennan (Beauparc) Nancy was the wife of the late great Seneschalstown Gael Conor Brennan. A native of Dublin, Nancy was a very popular person in her parish. She was very close to her sister Mary, who sadly passed away less than 36 hours before her. Teresa ‘Tessie’ Gilsenan (Navan) Nee McGuinness, Tessie lived in the Parnell Park area of Navan. A very popular character, a number of her grandchildren and grand nephews play with either of the town teams. Tessie was the grand aunt of current Meath and O’Mahonys defender Cormac McGuinness, while her grandson Barry Hussey is a skilful forward with Simonstown. Jimmy Rafferty (Syddan) Jimmy was a great supporter of Syddan and Meath. The family helped out in building the pavilion. His brother Sean was a prominent player with the club in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Anna Halpenny (Syddan) The mother of Paddy, a former player and referee of the club, and grandmother of Luke, who played this year with the intermediate team. Michael Sweeney (Syddan) Michael died suddenly in May 2009. His son Michael played with the intermediate team this year. Michael was a former coach, selector and sponsor of various underage teams in the club. Christy Dillon (Syddan) Christy lived in New York but never forgot about his roots, making sure he got The Meath Chronicle every week to check on Syddan and Meath results. He also came home for big games. He was a brother of James and Tossie, who played with the club. His nephew Niall is the present chairman of the juvenile club. Other nephews Stephen, Thomas, Brian and Conor have been prominent members of various teams over the past number of years. Johnny Thompson (Syddan) Johnny was a committee member of the club in the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. He was also a selector for a number of years. During this time Johnny would fill his car with half the players of various teams to bring them to matches. Despite not playing much himself, Johnny took great pride in the achievements of his neighbours and two closest friends, Paddy Meegan and Bill Halpenny. All courtesy of Syddan GFC Tom Smith (Skryne) The late Tom was an uncle of Sean, a former Skryne star and was granduncle of Declan, Raymond and Brian. Sean, Declan and Brian won SFC medals with Skryne, while Declan and Brian were on successful Meath teams in the minor and under 21 Leinster championships. Olive O’Brien (Skryne) Olive was the wife of Dom O’Brien, former Skryne and Meath footballer. Dom, who won two senior championship medals with Skryne in 1954 and 1965, played in seven senior finals. He gained senior hurling honours with St. Patricks in 1954 and with Kilmessan in 1961 and 1962. Dom was an outstanding member of the Meath senior team from 1956 to 1961. Olive was the mother of Ronan, an outstanding Skryne player during the ‘eighties. He played in the senior finals of 1984, 1985 and 1987 but success eluded him on each occasion. Marie O’Brien (Skryne) The sudden death of Marie brought sadness to the O’Brien family. Marie was the wife of Cyril, a member of the legendary footballing stars from Skryne. Cyril, now residing in Portarlington, Co. Laois, won a senior football championship medal with Skryne in 1954. He wore the green and gold jersey in the mid ‘fifties before emigrating to Canada. Cyril is the brother of the famous Paddy, winner of two All-Ireland medals in 1949 and 1954 with Meath and also honoured with the full back position on the Team of the Century. Teresa Johnson (Skryne) Teresa was the wife of Amby Johnson, a member of the well-known Skryne sporting family. Her brother-in-law, Kevin, was on the 1939 Meath All-Ireland team narrowly beaten by Kerry in the final. Kevin won All-Ireland junior honours with Meath in 1947 and four senior football championship medals with Skryne and five senior hurling medals with Kilmessan. Teresa and Amby’s son David played underage with Simonstown during the 1980s. Nancy Murphy Nancy died in September at an advanced age, and was the mother of the late Tommy, one of Skryne’s star footballers and winner of a senior championship medal in 1965. Her six sons wore the blue of Skryne with distinction. Two of her sons won U21 championship medals with Skryne, Fintan being the more successful, winning three SHC medals with Kilmessan and wearing the green and gold of Meath. Nancy’s grandson Ciaran won two SFC medals with Skryne in 1993 and ‘99. Paddy Farnan The untimely death of Paddy at the relatively young age of 55 was deeply regretted in the parish of Skryne. Coming from a well-known family with a GAA background, Paddy was an outstanding footballer. He played in all grades with Skryne, winning a Curran Cup juvenile football medal in 1966. Although Paddy was overage for some of the great minor and under 16 wins in the mid ‘seventies, his displays in these grades provided a lot of promise. Paddy was a member of the Skryne Under 21 team in 1974 that lost narrowly to Ballivor in the final. The sturdy, bearded defender was outstanding at full back in 1975 when Skryne won the title after a hard game with Navan O’Mahonys. Paddy made his way onto the Skryne senior team in 1975, success came his way with a Feis Cup win in 1977, the first for twelve years. He helped Skryne retain the trophy in 1978 and also win the senior football league. Paddy was part of two more Feis Cup wins in 1980 and 1981 but senior championship honours eluded him. He gave loyal service to the junior and intermediate teams before retiring. Paddy’s funeral mass in Skryne Church and his burial in the Hill of Skryne graveyard drew one of the biggest crowds seen for many a day. His coffin was draped in the Blue and White number three jersey of Skryne, and was given a guard of honour from his house to the graveside by his comrades. To his wife Mary, sons, Connor and Tommy we extend our deepest sympathy. Kindly supplied by Skryne GFC Jimmy Crocock (Skryne/Ballivor) Jimmy was a regular figure on the Fair Green, Navan each Friday running his veg and bedding plant stall. A lifelong pioneer association member, he was a keen follower of both the Skryne and Meath teams. William ‘Willie’ McGrath (Duleek/Navan) Willie was a great follower of all sports and especially the Meath team. Ballivor GFC send their condolences to the families and friends of the following: John Fagan John played in his youth for the club and was a great supporter of both Ballivor and Meath. Annie Fulham Annie was another great club and county supporter and her grandson Cian plays underage with Ballivor. Annie Leech Annie is the grandmother of Ballivor junior players Cillian and Brendan Canavan. Patrick ‘Pudser’ Toole (Ratoath) Pudser was an outstanding hurler and won a Meath senior hurling championship medal with Ratoath in 1963, the last time the club won this particular grade. He sadly passed away on August 13th 2009. Pudser was a great clubman throughout the years. Ratoath GAA Maria Yourell (Dunboyne) Maria was the niece of the late Tom Yourell, one of the founders of the Dunboyne club back in 1947. Tom acted as club secretary and was a club trustee at the time of his death in 2005. Louise ‘Lou’ Gilsenan (Dunboyne) Lou was the wife of the late George Gilsenan, a former president of the club and a legend in local GAA affairs. The Meath Hill club wish to pass on their condolences to the families of the following: Tom Rooney; Paddy Griffen; Richard Owens; Michael Tinnelly; PJ Daly; Mrs Carolan, Mrs McEnaney; Mrs Hanratty.
Johnny Lynch There was a deep sadness in Kilmainham and surrounding townlands following the untimely death of Johnny Lynch in November this year. Johnny played football with Kilmainham GFC and served as an active member on the club committee for many years. Johnny had a great love of Irish history and tradition. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Seamus Reilly Seamus was a popular figure around the town of Kells and played football both with Kilmainham and Drumbaragh Emmets. After his playing career Seamus could be regularly seen at matches involving the local football clubs. He was also an avid follower of the Meath team. Both deaths supplied by Kilmainham GFC Patrick ‘Pat’ Conlon (Dublin/Ballinabrackey) Pat was the brother of Ballinabrackey stalwart Kevin Conlon. Kevin was a former player and trainer with the club. Ellen ‘Nellie’ Gorman (Ballinabrackey/Edenderry) Nellie was the sister of former Ballinabrackey stars Luke and Kevin McNamara. Kevin was a regular on the great Meath teams of the 1960s. Both obituaries supplied by Ballinabrackey GFC. Matt McMahon (Nobber/Castletown) Matt was originally from Castletown where he played football in his early years. The highlight for him was winning a Meath minor championship medal with Boyne Emmetts in 1958. After a few years living in Dublin he and his family moved to Cellar, Nobber in 1970, where Matt became involved with Nobber GFC as a committee member and was heavily involved in the purchasing and the development of the present pitch. In 1980, he was secretary of the club when Nobber won the intermediate championship. In the years after that Matt was involved at underage level and also spent time as a selector with the Dee Rangers. A man made a comment about Matt to this author one time when he was with the Dee Rangers stating “that he would never panic or get rattled”. Matt, who departed this life at the early age of 69, has two sons, Declan involved with Nobber as First Aid officer and Pat as assistant secretary and PRO with Castletown where Matt started his football involvement. As a mark of his standing in Castletown and Nobber both football clubs and members of the Boyne Emmetts formed a guard of honour at his removal on the Tuesday evening to Nobber Church and on Wednesday afternoon to the local cemetery. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh a Ainm. Supplied by Castletown and Nobber GFCs Joseph Kett (Bective) Was a popular member of the club’s minor team which captured Meath league division four honours in 2003. Bective GFC Patrick Dunne Patrick won a juvenile medal in 1950 and went on to play for Carnaross at adult level. Vincent Mooney Originally from Kilskyre Vincent’s three sons played for Carnaross. One of his sons, Vincent Jnr, won junior and intermediate medals with the club in 1991 and 1993. Shane O’Connor Shane was a big supporter of the Carnaross underage teams which his brothers were part of. Winnifred O’Reilly Winnifred (nee Stafford) was a nurse in London during the Blitz. She was the matriarch of the well-known O’Reilly family which has given great service to the Carnaross club down through the years. Her three sons John, Gene and Brendan are former players and are all still heavily involved, while her grandson Matthew is a current player. Another grandson, John Sheehan, plays for Clann na nGael. John Reilly John played centerfield for Carnaross, winning a junior medal in 1955 and an intermediate medal in 1957. John Tevlin John’s son JJ played for Carnaross and won junior and intermediate medals with the club in 1991 and 1993. Molly Tevlin Molloy was an aunt of JJ who won junior and Intermediate medals with Carnaross in 1991 and 1993. Supplied by Carnaross GFC Kathleen Rogers Mother of former secretary Jim, John and Gerry McCormack, three former players and current club members. Margaret Stafford Wife of Larry, current trustee of club, and mother of Justin, former chairman, and Martin, join treasurer for over 25 years. Joe Dolan, father of Martin. Jimmy Collins, former club president and intermediate championship medal winner. John Greene, former player in the 1940s. Pearl Curran, wife of former club chairman Henry, also deceased. Ellen Cassidy, mother of Jimmy, Petes, Padraig, Ambrose, Dermot, Gerry and Ollie. Joe Reilly, former club member. Philomena Regan, mother of Christy. Anna McGillick, mother of Derek. Supplied by St Michaels GFC Patrick ‘Patsy’ Brady (Proudstown, Navan) Patsy was a member of one of Navan’s oldest families. A skilled chair maker, he was heavily involved in the Simonstown Lane Residents Association. Patsy’s wife Rita is a prominent member of Navan AL and Claremont Stadium committee and is a former president of the National Athletic and Cycling Association. His son Raymond is a former player and secretary with the local Simonstown Gaels. Patsy’s daughter Elizabeth is principal of Slane NS and current chairperson of Seneschalstown GFC. Elizabeth’s son and Patsy Brady’s grandson Stephen starred at left half back as the Furze club swept to Meath senior championship honours in early November. Anthony Cregan A legend in his own time, his full back play was well known and respected throughout the county. A tremendous servant for the club. After a lengthy playing career he served as president of the club in his later years. Mattie Lawless Very valued member of Dunderry GFC. Played with distinction through all grades for the club and was a great follower of the club up until his untimely death. Kevin Colgan A man who served the club in the 1940s. Played with Dunderry and wore the colours of both Meath and Dublin. After leaving the Dunderry parish, Kevin was a vibrant supporter of the club and supported Dunderry right until his passing. A regular figure at the annual golf classics. Eddie Farrelly Gave great service to the underage section of the club and played with great distinction, especially in the U21 grade. Kindly supplied by Dunderry GAA The Killyon club would like to offer their condolences to the families of the following: Sean Rooney; Paddy McCabe; Colm Smyth; Kitty Corrigan; Paul Ryan; Nannie Fulham; Pat Shanley; Mary Dixon; Mamie Ging; Joe Clyne Bernard ‘Benny’ McDonald (Clonee) Benny, as proprietor of McDonalds of Clonee, was well-known for his sponsorship of the St. Pauls club. The club’s lotto draw was regularly held on the premises, not to mention the after match drinks. Benny, who served on the committee, was St. Paul’s club president at the time of his death. Peter Husband (Oldcastle) Peter was a former Moylagh player who lined out with the club during the 1950s and 1960s. He played most of his football in defence, was fierce in the tackle and fought for possession with great determination. He will be missed by all at the Moylagh club. Moylagh GAA Kieran McGuinness (Walterstown) Kieran’s father Oliver was a former chairman of the Walterstown club. His brothers Andrew and Paddy played with the Blacks. Christopher Carroll (Athlumney, Navan) Christopher comes from a great football family. His brothers Paddy, Ambrose, Frankie and Jimmy all played with Walterstown. Donal ‘Don’ O’Brien (Garlow Cross) Don lived to the grand old age of 89. He was a great Walterstown supporter and rarely missed a match. Don was the uncle of the O’Brien family from Johnstown and included amongst his nephews are former Meath manager Mick O’Brien and present boss Eamon. Stephen Clynch (Garlow Cross) Stephen played underage with the Walterstown club. His father David was a former chairman of the Blacks and is a regular turnstile operator at Pairc Tailteann. Walterstown GFC Mary Anne English (Allenstown) Mary Anne’s husband Tony English was involved with underage football in Bohermeen parish. Her son Pat was an outstanding chairman of St. Ultans for a number of years. Dessie Rogers, involved with the Meath juniors in recent times and a former county player is a son-in-law of Mary Anne. Dessie’s son and Mary Anne’s grandson is Gary Rogers, who plays for St. Ultans and is a well-known soccer goalkeeper. Margaret ‘Margo’ Travers (Bohermeen) Margo came from a family long associated with football in the Bohermeen area. Her brothers Christy and Pat are involved with St. Ultans. Margo’s nephew Colm Travers captained St. Ultans to junior championship success in 2000 and is still playing. Another nephew Pauric Travers is the current treasurer of the club. Patrick ‘Paudge’ O’Brien (Castlemartin) Paudge had a long and distinguished playing career with Martry GFC and won a junior championship medal with the club in the mid-sixties. He received the Hall of Fame award from St. Ultans a few years ago and was Honorary President of the club at the time of his death. His daughter Nuala is a playing member of St. Ultans ladies and is their current chairperson. Obituaries supplied by St. Ultans GFC Michael Ledwith (Kildalkey) The Ledwith family have a long association with Kildalkey hurling club. Michael’s sons Joseph and Alan both played as did his brother Val. His niece Suzanne Ledwith is the current treasurer of the club. Matthew ‘Matt’ Nugent (Kildalkey) Matt was a lifelong supporter of the Kildalkey hurling team. Jean Monaghan (Kildalkey) Jean was the mother of Anthony Monaghan, the current secretary of the Kildalkey club. Anthony was a former hurler and footballer with Kildalkey. All deaths supplied by Kildalkey GAA. Curraha GFC pass on their sincerest sympathies to the families of the following: Gerard Oates (Bodeen) Gerard played underage football with the club for a number of years and we extend our sympathy to his family on his untimely passing. Seamus Muldowney Seamus was a well-known figure in the parish and there was deep sadness at his passing earlier this year. We extend our sympathy to his family. Larry Cranny Larry taught for a time at Curraha NS and we offer our sympathy to his family. Maura Devanney (Coolfore) Maura was well-known in the parish and we extend our condolences to her family. George Crawley (Duleek) George was an uncle of the Coyle family and we extend our sympathy to them on his passing. William ‘Bill’ Farrell (Clonard) Bill was a lifelong supporter of the Clonard team. Clonard GFC Malachy Tuite (Ardcath) Malachy was heavily involved with the underage section of St. Vincents some years back. He remained a great supporter of the club and the legacy lives on. Malachy’s son Willie is the current chairman of the club, a role which another son - Gerry Tuite - also carried out successfully in the past. William ‘Willie’ Hand (Ardcath/Garristown) Willie was a great supporter of the Hillside club. His son Pat played with the Vincents at all levels and is a current committee member. Mary Wall (Slane) Mary was the mother of Anne Courtney, the current treasurer of the club and long-time committee member. Dr. James ‘Jim’ Costello (Leitrim/Clonmellon/Galway) Dr. Jim practised in Clonmellon for many decades. Part of his catchment area included the adjoining position of north Meath. Jim treated many a gaelic footballer for injuries when the role of the physio was just a figment of one’s imagination. He played football for his native Leitrim in his younger days and on retirement moved to Barna in Galway.
Nancy Renehan (Oldcastle/Killallon) Nee Tuite, Nancy hailed from outside Oldcastle and reared a large and very popular family in nearby Killallon. All of her sons played football for the old Killallon club and some hurled with Kilskyre. Nancy was married to the late Eugene and their legacy lives on with many of their grandchildren involved with clubs in the locality. Noel O’Reilly (Navan/Kilmessan/London) Noel was a member of one of the oldest families in Navan. A huge Meath supporter, Noel’s son Brian was an outstanding hurler for Kilmessan in recent times. Kiltale Hurling Club Obituaries Charlie Kane - Died 20th April aged 86 years. Charlie was a great support of Kiltale hurling Club and Moynalvey football club over the years. He with his wife Betty were proud of there two son’s Arthur and Joe with their involvement in the hurling club as players and selector. Charlie was a great character and will be missed and was judged number one in the area. Clare Kelly - Died 16th August, aged 82 years. Clare (nee Bannon) married Paddy Kelly (Snr) from Kiltale in 1960 and took up residence in the parish at that time in one of the first houses built on the Church Road area of the parish. She had two children Paddy (Jnr) and Lorcan. She was a huge supporter of the Kiltale Hurling Club and all its activities. Clare was a great tennis player and was also a camogie player. Clare gave great support to husband Paddy during his playing days with the Kiltale club and the Meath county team and continued this support when sons Paddy and Lorcan started playing with the club. She was also proud to be part of her grandchildren’s involvement in hurling and camogie. Clare will be sadly missed as a loyal supporter to club and county. She was very proud of the way Kiltale hurling club developed over the years and the role her family played in that development. The family thank all the gaels from the county and the wider GAA world who sympathised with them during their huge loss. Bobbie Donovan (Newbawn and Kiltale) Bobbie was born in Newbawn, Co. Wexford. He played football and hurling with Newbawn and St Martin’s between 1946 and 1959 and football and hurling for Wexford between 1948 and 1954. He played with four Wexford teams in 1948: senior hurling, senior football, junior hurling and junior football. Bobbie’s last game for Wexford was playing at corner forward in the 1954 All-Ireland final against Cork. During his playing career he won two Leinster senior hurling medals in 1951 and 1954, one Oireachtas medal in 1951, one county junior football with St Martin’s in 1957, one county minor football with Gusserane in 1945, two All-Ireland runners-up plaques in 1951 and 1954. In 2005, he was recipient of a Coiste Na Seana Ghael Loch Gorman special award. In 1959, Bobbie’s work with the Agricultural Institute took him from Johnstown Castle to Grange. He played hurling with Moynalvey and was involved with the training of the reformed Kiltale hurling club. He played in the 1966 intermediate hurling final with Moynalvey when they lost out to Baconstown. Bobbie was also involved for many years with the Trim branch of Comhaltas and Scurlogstown Olympiad. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam. Brian Harnan Brian Harnan died in February 2009 after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Mary, sons Liam and Paul, daughters Bernie, Ann and Clare. Both his sons have provided tremendous services to Moynalvey GFC and Meath, with Liam winning two All-Ireland medals. Paul is very active at underage level with the club. Brian’s grandchildren are successfully involved in gaelic games in Moynalvey, Summerhill and Boardsmill. A guard of honour was provided at his funeral by Moynalvey GFC club members and players. Ar Dheis De go Raibh a anam. Nathan O’Malley Eighteen-year-old Nathan died tragically in September 2009. He was the son of Kathleen and Ollie O’Malley. Nathan played football with Moynalvey GFC and underage hurling with Kiltale. To Kathleen, Ollie, Ryan, Chris and Laura and extended family, we offer our deepest sympathy and ongoing support. Bridie O’Sullivan Bridie O’Sullivan was predeceased by her husband Brian (2008), who was a former chairman of Moynalvey GFC. A very popular lady, Bridie was a member of the Hoban family. Fr. Peter Mulvany Fr. Peter Mulvany, Honorary President of Both Moynalvey gfC and Kiltale HC, died in October 2009 after a long illness. Born in Wilkinstown, he was ordained on 22/12/69 and served in the Korean missions until 1983. Fr. Peter was involved in mission education in Ireland until 1985, and was appointed curate in Navan in 1990. In 2001, he became parish priest of Moynalvey and Kiltale parish where he made several improvements to many of the parish and school facilities. Bishop Michael Smith celebrated the funeral mass, while guards of honour were provided by Moynalvey GFC, Kiltale HC and both national schools. His easygoing manner and charm endeared him to all. His passing is a great loss to his family, our parishes and community. On behalf of Moynalvey GFC and Kiltale HC. we extend our deepest sympathy to his family. Our thanks to Moynalvey GFC and Kiltale HC for the above obituaries. Henry Burke (Ballinlough) The second link of the history-making 1954 Ballinlough intermediate championship team to depart was that of Henry Burke of Lisnagun. Henry played at half back on that great team that was also beaten in the 1953 Feis Cup final after a replay, by Kells Harps. He was a member of An Garda Siochana and was based in Callan, Waterford and Dunmore East before he retired. He also acted as club president. Henry was very involved in the general community and painted the local church railings when it was done up. He was the recipient of the club’s Golden Jubilee Hall of Fame award in 2004. His son Ciaran continues to keep the family name in the GAA. He acts as an umpire for Munterconnaught referee Noel McEnroe and is currently on the committee of the Cavan club. He supports Cavan and Meath county teams. He is survived by his wife Maura, son Ciaran, daughter Geraldine (in California). Nicholas Gaynor (Ballinlough) The first link of the 1954 intermediate championship team to pass away was Nicholas Gaynor. He operated at full forward in the history-making 1954 winning side and was on the Feis Cup team of 1953, who went under to Kells Harps after a replay. Opponents never got anything soft from Nicholas. A game in the ‘54 campaign against Dunderry was recorded as been being the roughest game ever played. Nicholas was in the thick of things. Former County Board chairman Fintan Ginnity christened Nicholas as ‘Stonewall Gaynor’ after having received an over-robust challenge from him. He got a few runs with the county around this time. A club president, Nicholas was the recipient of the Golden Jubilee Hall of Fame trophy in 2004 and the county ‘Sean Gael’ award in 2007. He was a farmer by profession. Nicholas was joined upon death with his son Kevin. He is survived by wife Eileen, son Paul (in New York), daughters Olive, Irene, Gladys and Carol. Patsy and Margaret ‘Gretta’ Gaughran (Crossakiel) The deaths of first Patsy and then wife Margaret (Gretta) Gaughran within ten months of each other were sad news for the Crossakiel community. Both enjoyed life to the full and were frequently seen supporting the Meath teams in Croke Park and Ballinlough and Kilskyre teams locally. They have left great connections to the GAA at local level. Son Ollie is chairman of St. Patricks GFC in Stamullen and previously chaired the club’s Development Committee, who erected three full-size playing pitches. Another son, Padraic, is a former Ballinlough player, current committee member and co-sponsor of the club. Padraic was also a former handballer with Crossakiel Handball Club. Kevin is involved with the Crossakiel Tidy Village committee, while Aidan and Dermot are supporters of the Royal County. Daughter Grainne married Tomas Tobin of the old Fyanstown GFC. They are also survived by sons John, Ultan (in Germany), daughters Margaret Clinton and Etna, to all of whom our sympathies are extended. Patsy is a brother of Gerry, former chairman of Ballinlough GFC and 1954 championship team member and Sean Gael recipient in 2005. Margaret Sherlock (Crossakiel/Drumbaragh) The death occurred in Drumbaragh of Margaret Sherlock after a brief illness. She and husband Frank gave great employment in the area during bad times at their turkey processing business in Seymourstown. Sons Peter, Liam and Brian played underage football with Ballinlough and rugby with Navan. She is survived by husband Frank, sons and daughters. Bartle ‘Battie’ McEnroe (Munterconnaught/Ballinlough) The communities of Ballinlough and Munterconnaught mourn the passing of Battie McEnroe, from Ashpark, Crossakiel after a brief illness. Battie was born and reared in nearby Ryefield, Co. Cavan. Battie was a keen footballer all his life, assisting his native Munterconnaught to the Cavan junior title in 1945. Battie also made countless appearances for the Breffni juniors around that time. The highlight of his career was when he played against Annagh (Belturbet/Redhills) in the 1945 Cavan junior final. Unfortunately, Battie only lasted five minutes as he was carried off with a serious knee injury, losing the final by two points and bringing a premature ending to his career. He married Mai Gilsenan and then moved to the Ashpark area of Crossakiel in the early ‘fifties. GAA legacies are with his nephews Jim Gilsenan (Munterconnaught footballer who made an appearance on the TV’s Powerade club advertisement). His grandson David has also lined out with Ballinlough at intermediate and senior level and won underage titles with Ballinlough, scoring 3-7 out of 3-9 in an Under 12 final against Rathkenny. He is predeceased by son Noel, who passed away tragically, and is survived by wife Mai, son Malachy and daughter Mary. Thanks to Ballinlough GFC Michael Gaynor (Kilskyre) The Kilskyre area deeply regrets the passing of Michael Gaynor from Cloncat late in 2009. He was a Bord na Mona employee for 32 years and was a great fiddle player, playing with Glenamona Ceili Band for years and was its last surviving member. The GAA connection is grandsons Michael, Shane and Joey who played underage football and hurling for the Ballinlough and Kilskyre clubs. Seamus (Shamie) Moran, partner of daughter Teresa is a GAA referee with Na Fianna, in Robertstown, Co. Kildare. Michael is survived by sons Shane (Crossakiel), Seamus, daughters Teresa, Annette, Kay, Shelly, Helen and Laura (all residing in Kildare). Kilskyre HC Luke Mahon (Athboy) A big GAA man, Luke’s son Eddie was a star player on a very good Meath 1975 minor team. Eddie played both senior hurling and football with the town team and was on the 1979 Martinstown-Athboy combination which swept to Meath intermediate football honours. Later Eddie Mahon was to perform a lead role as his adopted Wexford shocked Meath in the 1981 Leinster championship. Christopher ‘Kit’ Tuite (Athboy) Kit was a member of the Meath squad that won the All-Ireland junior hurling championship in 1948. There were two finals, a ‘home’ final against Limerick and an ‘away’ final with London. Phyllis Geraghty (Athboy) Phyllis was the wife of the late Larry Geraghty, a former Athboy player and club chairman. Their son Patsy was a star hurler with the club during the successful days of the 1960s and 1970s. Our thanks to the Athboy club for the above obituaries. Charlotte Flanagan (Navan) Charlotte was a very popular young lady who played underage football with Simonstown. Veronica ‘Vera’ Cooney (Laytown) The Cooney family have become synonymous with the GAA in this part of east Meath. In last year’s edition we recorded the death of Vera’s husband Padraig, one of the club’s founder members, who acted as secretary of St. Colmcilles. A job also undertaken by the couple’s son Neil, a member of the St. Colmcilles panel which gained Meath intermediate championship honours in 1988. Paddy Rafferty (Kingscourt) Paddy gave over 40 years of working service as a lorry driver to Gypsum Industries. In his younger days he was a formidable footballer with Kilmainhamwood and also played with the old Gypsum Rangers club. Mary McEnroe (Moynalty) Mary was the widow of Pat McEnroe, who was a member of the great Moynalty team that won a number of county titles in the 1930s. Pat was full forward on the first Meath team to win the National Football League in 1933. Mary’s family are all actively involved with the Moynalty club and three of her grandsons, Sean and Paul Lynch and Kevin McCormack, have all played underage football with Meath. Annie ‘Nancy’ Young (Dangan) Nancy was the matriarch of a great GAA family. Her sons, Noel and Andy played for ‘the Hill’ at all levels, with Noel lining out in the county jersey. Amongst Nancy’s sons-in-law are former County Board treasurer Colm Gannon and Kildare All Star Davy Dalton. A number of her grandchildren have starred at club and county underage level. Nancy was extremely proud of the achievements of Davy and Seanie Dalton, Noel’s son Caolan Young, the Rispin trio of Gerry, Paul and Brian and the Gannons - Mark and David. Nancy Young’s granddaughter Jenny Rispin is a terrific all-rounder and besides representing both club and county at ladies football, also plays camogie with Kiltale and Meath. Incidentally, on the last Sunday of November, Caolan Young captained Summerhill to the Meath under 21 title. Bridget Thompson (Agher) Bridget was the mother of Paul Thompson, who was full forward on Summerhill’s first senior championship winning combination in 1974. Another son, Gerry, also played for the south Meath club. Paul’s children, Gary and Nigel Thompson, keep the family tradition alive in the Blue and Gold colours. Batty McEnroe (Oldcastle) Batty was a great club person who loved the GAA and had a major influence on all his family who continue to play leading roles within the association. As a member of Oldcastle GFC he acted as president, club chairman and team manager on various occasions. He was also a Sean Gael recipient. Batty was a lead player as Oldcastle gained Meath junior championship wins in 1944 and 1956. In the 1940s there was no intermediate grade in Meath and the junior side of ‘44 went straight to the Meath senior decider of 1945. A start-studded Skryne combination proved too strong on the big day, Batty lined out at left full back. Batty was the last member of that great 1940s side to pass on to pastures greener. However, the legacy lives on. John McEnroe, his son, was right full back as Meath captured the Leinster minor football championship in 1980 and in 1988 from his centre half back position captained Meath to All-Ireland junior success at London’s expense. This game was played in Croke Park before the All-Ireland final replay featuring the Royals and Cork. Another son, Leo, was a star minor for Meath in 1985 as another provincial title was garnered. John’s daughters are outstanding underage footballers. Leo also lined out with the county under 21s for a number of years and again claimed provincial honours. Third son Bart was an above-average full back and with his brothers formed the backbone of the 1987 Oldcastle team which swept to intermediate honours. Ten years later Oldcastle again made it to the senior county final and although Dunboyne finished with a bit to spare, the McEnroe name was still to the fore. In recent years Bart McEnroe has been heavily involved with Micky Harte in his role as a sports physiologist and has gained much acclaim for his role in the Red Hand success. Leo played county senior, managed the Oldcastle team and in recent years has become involved with the Ramor club in Cavan after moving to nearby Maghera. Married to Anne Cole, a number of his brother-in-laws have donned the Cavan jersey at all levels. His son James has already played minor and under 21 for the Breffni County and looks a senior star in the making. John Smith (Oldcastle/Westmeath) John played for Oldcastle during the 1940s and ‘50s and remained a great supporter of both club and county. Dinny Smith Dinny was club president. He played an active part in the running of Oldcastle GFC and was an ardent supporter of both club and county. Paddy Hamill Paddy played for Oldcastle and was a great GAA supporter. Fr. Eugene Conlon Fr. Eugene was also a president of the club and performed tremendous work in the development of Gilson Park. Patsy Kenny Patsy played with the club and was a great Oldcastle supporter. Dean Walsh Dean was a good underage footballer with the club. Willie Timmins Willie carried out great work in the underage section and with the legendary underage mentor, the late Eddie O’Reilly from Summerbank, enjoyed great success with the girls camogie team. Tommy McKiernan Tommy’s sons played underage with the club. Dion McKenna Dion was a brother-in-law of Kerry great Tom Long. His sons played underage with he club. He was a great supporter of Oldcastle GFC. Rose Moore Rose was another enthusiastic supporter of the club. She ably assisted and encouraged her husband Eamon who works tirelessly for Oldcastle GAA. Anna Gillic Anna was the matriarch of a great Oldcastle GAA family. A mighty woman and a great GAA supporter, she passed this love of our national games onto her sons. Eamon won an All-Ireland Colleges medal with St. Pats of Cavan as a left full back in 1972 and has managed a number of local teams at adult level. He was also part of a very successful Munterconnaught team back in the 1970s. Like Eamon, another son Mick also wore the Oldcastle jersey, became involved with St. Pats of Stamullen for a period, was a Meath selector and was highly involved in this capacity when Meath won the All-Ireland junior competition in 1988. Liam Sheridan Liam was always willing to help out in any manner he could. Members of his family played for Oldcastle. Robert Hawdon Member of Robert’s family are very much involved with the club. Bridget Fox Bridget’s family is steeped in GAA matters. Her daughter Margaret is the current PRO of the club, while her son Ollie played underage for Oldcastle. Jean ‘Jinny’ Fox Another family steeped in all things gaelic, Jinny’s son TP would have got on any all-time great Oldcastle selections. And TP’s son Sean kept the family name to the forefront when proving himself as an agile and brave goalkeeper on the Oldcastle team which claimed 2009 Meath intermediate honours. Our sincere thanks to Oldcastle GFC for providing the above obituaries. Eileen Sugrue (Donaghpatrick/Navan) A very popular lady, Eileen’s sons Paddy and Sean played for Wolfe Tones. Denis County (Kerry/Navan) Denis was a big GAA supporter. His son Declan played junior football with Wolfe Tones. Declan was an excellent underage footballer with neighbours Simonstown and won a number of underage medals with the town club. Kathy Lynam Kathy was the wife of Terry Lynam, a past player with Kilberry. Their son Terry Jnr. was an outstanding underage player and has acted as a selector with the Tones. Phyllis O’Connor Phyllis was the mother of Batt O’Connor, trainer of the Wolfe Tones’ junior team. She was also the grandmother of Brian O’Connor, PRO of Wolfe Tones during 2009. Kay White Mayo native Kay was the mother of Paddy White, sponsor of Wolfe Tones for a number of years. Thomas Munnelly Thomas’ son Tom was a former player with Wolfe Tones. His wife Anne was an outstanding camogie player and starred for Meath in the 1940s. Our thanks to Wolfe Tones GAA for their help in compiling the above obituaries. Pat and Josephine Gill (Cortown/Bohermeen) Pat was the brother of Elizabeth Allen, wife of County Board chairman Barney Allen. He was a great supporter of both club and county. Josephine Gill was an aunt of both Elizabeth and Pat. Brendan McEntaggart (Dunshaughlin) Brendan was a big supporter of Dunshaughlin GAA. His son Matt was a selector with the club during the 1990s. Another son Joey is also a lifelong member of the club. Paddy Fedigan (Trim) Paddy played with Trim during the 1970s and was a very stylish hurler. Frank Kennedy (Trim/Navan) Frank was a former player with Trim and played underage with the county. So did his brother Jack Kennedy, who was on the Leinster minor winning team of 1972. Jack also played county senior football. Frank's son Shane was an outstanding underage footballer with Simonstown and as a wing forward or midfielder, provided tremendous service to the town team for ten years at senior level. In more recent times Shane moved back to his father’s club. Kathleen Grifferty (Donore) Nee Everard, Kathleen was one of 12 children. Her husband and Kildare native Seamus Grifferty was a star player with St. Marys. Their sons John and Tony likewise wore the green and red and Tony later obtained an intercounty transfer to Drogheda side Newtown Blues. At present Kathleen’s grandchildren play for the Marys. Fr. Dan O’Mahony Aged 90, Fr. O’Mahony was a Cork native who played hurling for Meath and won an All-Ireland junior hurling championship with the Royal County in 1948. Fr. O’Mahony was from Berrings, Inniscarra, Co. Cork, the youngest of a family of five of Daniel O’Mahony and Hannah (Wiseman) and was the last surviving member of his family. He was also known as Donal, to differentiate him from his father, and was affectionately known as ‘Dano’ to friends and colleagues in his Salesian Confrere. His early secondary schooling was in the famous hurling nursery, the North Monastery CBS in Cork, known as ‘North Mon’. From 1936, he continued his secondary schooling in Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, with the Salesians, and did his novitiate in Ballinakill, Co. Laois in 1941. Deceased took his vows when he was professed in November 1942 and then spent two years studying philosophy in Shrigley, England. In 1944, he returned to Warrenstown for practical training, and made his final profession as a Salesian in Ballinakill in July 1948. It was during this period in Warrenstown that he played hurling with Meath and was part of the 1948 All-Ireland junior success. The Meath Chronicle centenary publication recalls that he was one of those that shone for the winners in the Leinster final against Kilkenny, along with Ollie Reilly, Pat and Tony Donnelly and Michael O’Brien. The ‘home’ final was against Limerick in Portlaoise, which Meath won by 5-9 to 2-1, and qualified to meet London Irish in the final ‘proper’ at New Eltham, London, marking the official opening of the grounds there. The match ended in a draw at 3-5 each, and the replay was held before 6,000 spectators in Navan, where team mates of Fr. O’Mahony included Brian Smyth, Niall Collier, Mick and Paddy Kane, the Donnellys, Dick Grogan, Sonny Kelly, Larry Wright and Austin Foran. Brian Smyth and Michael O’Brien went on to be part of the 1949 All-Ireland winning Meath football team. At one stage in Pallaskenry, Fr. O’Mahony was asked to play for Limerick, but felt he couldn’t as it would mean togging out against his native Cork. A further period in England was spent at Balisden, and he was ordained in Beckord in 1952, before returning to Warrenstown, where he was bursar. In 1958 he transferred to Pallaskenry. He returned to the then College of Agriculture in Warrenstown in 1980 and remained in Meath until moving to Windfield Nursing Home in recent years, where there was always a steady stream of visitors to see him. Dan Joe Kiely (Trim) Dan was the last surviving member of his generation of a well-known Trim family. A larger-than-life character, he was renowned for his story telling and one-of-a-kind jokes. Dan Joe was a great GAA supporter. John Dermot ‘Rodney’ Quinn (Longwood) John Dermot played for Longwood in his younger days, was club treasurer for a spell and remained a huge supporter. It was one of his greatest wishes that Longwood would win the Meath junior championship and sadly he died the day before this year’s junior decider in which ‘the Wood’ overcame Dunsany. John Dermot was a brother-in-law of Michael ‘Stoney’ Burke and uncle of Meath county star Michael Burke and his brother Colman. Hugh ‘Hughie’ Lynagh (Rathmore) Hughies was the oldest living member of one of the most popular and respected families in the Rathmore area of Athboy. His sons and nephews are big GAA supporters. PJ Lynch (Cavan/Navan) PJ was a huge GAA supporter and was heavily involved with the old inter-firms competitions. Alfie Clusker (Navan) Alfie was part of an old Navan political and sporting family. He played football with clubs in the Bohermeen area. Brigid Timmins (Slane) Brigid was an aunt to Barney Allen. Her brother Johnny won an All-Ireland junior medal with Meath, while other brothers Dick and Tommy were to the fore as Rathkenny triumphed in the intermediate football championship of 1934. Lucy Reilly (Rathkenny) Lucy was a loved and very popular member of an old Rathkenny family. Many of her uncles and cousins are huge Meath GAA supporters, while her great-aunt Kay Gogarty was secretary of the Royal Meath Association in Dublin for a number of years, including 1949 when the RMA hosted the Meath team who were winners of the All-Ireland crown for the very first time. Patrick ‘Podger’ Morris (Kells) The towns of both Kells and Trim were saddened by the death of Podger Morris in July this year. He may have been a proud Kellsman but he represented Trim as a hurler. Whilst still a teenager Podger found himself in Trim as a trainee barber - a profession he was involved in for much of his life. He won a Meath minor hurling championship with Trim in 1947 - playing in goal as they beat Kilmessan in the final. Podger was also involved in the fundraising committee that helped finance the building of Gaeil Colmcille’s Gaelic Centre in the 1970s. He worked in various aspects of the Kells club’s activity for most of his life and was a regular attendee at functions held in the Gaelic Centre. In latter years, Podger’s door on Newmarket Street became renowned as a meeting place for people to chat and debate the matters of the day - many of which were often GAA ones. It was not unusual for groups to be huddled around his door talking long into the summer nights. Many All-Irelands were won and lost on that door. Podger’s passing meant Kells and Trim lost a great character. Paul Bellew Paul was deeply involved with Castletown GFC from the early ‘seventies until his untimely death. Indeed, at the time of his death he was club president and County Board delegate. Although he never played football with Castletown, his love and dedication for the club was known to all. Down the years Paul held various positions in the club, including chairman. He was very proud to be chairman and selector in 1976 when Castletown won the intermediate championship. Paul was a tireless fundraiser for the club and dedicated much time to making sure Castletown always had some of the best facilities in Meath. He was very popular with all club members and was a great Meath supporter, who took great pride from watching his son Liam win a Leinster minor medal with Meath in 1980. Everyone who knew Paul would know how much he would have enjoyed watching his two grandsons, William and Paul, win under 13 medals with Castletown this year. So hopefully, the Bellew name will be involved with Castletown for many years to come. Castletown GFC Patrick McCabe (Kells) Patrick, along with his brother the late Eamon, was an excellent player with the old Kells Harps teams. He was a staunch club and county supporter. Patrick helped out Gaeil Colmcille behind the scenes with regards to club draws etc. Anthony ‘Tony’ Sheridan (Kells/Moynalty) Tony’s son Trevor was an outstanding footballer with the Kells senior team for a number of years. No job was too great for Tony and he could be regularly seen lining the Kells pitch prior to matches. A great clubman, he was a big Meath supporter. Both obituaries supplied by Gaeil Colmcille GAA Mary Gallagher (Athlumney) Nee O’Brien from the Kentstown Road area of Navan, Mary was the mother to Tom Gallagher, the very popular and active Simonstown juvenile secretary. Kevin McConnell (Castletown) The passing took place of Meath footballing legend Kevin McConnell. Kevin, who hailed from Castletown, donned the number four jersey as Meath swept to All-Ireland success in 1949 and 1954. With the O'Brien cousins from Skryne, Mick, at right full and Team of the Century full back Paddy 'Hands' O'Brien, Kevin formed what many rate as the greatest ever full back line in the history of gaelic football. Kevin was also in his usual left full back role in 1951 when Mayo got the better of the Leinster men. Later that year Meath travelled to New York and gained NFL honours. The Castletown man also appeared in the two All-Ireland finals of 1952, when Cavan pipped their southern neighbours after a replay. A strong determined footballer in the traditional mould, Kevin McConnell could have donned any of the defensive jerseys from 2 to 7 and his talents were rewarded by the Leinster selectors. Four Railway Cup medals adorn the McConnell household as do five provincial mementos. Kevin was a Castletown man through and through and indeed after retiring, held every position possible in the club. However, in 1950 he was part of a strong North Meath amalgamation which swept to Meath senior championship honours. In later life, Kevin and his wife Therese lived in Navan and the couple were a permanent fixture at all kinds of games in Pairc Tailteann. Kevin McConnell Snr. left a rich GAA legacy. We say senior because his eldest son Kevin played for Meath right through the 1970s and was voted Meath Player of the Year in 1977. Kevin Jnr. is the father of present Dublin star Ross McConnell. Kevin McConnell was predeceased by his son Michael. Other sons include Paddy, who is heavily involved in the Bective club and who has also worn the Meath jersey, Brendan and James who, like their older brothers served Castletown with distinction for years.