Seamus Heery, right half-back on Meath's first All-Ireland SFC winning team in 1949, who died earlier this month, was the recipient of a tribute from Brendan Cummins at this week's County Committee meeting.

"The players on that team became heroes and subsequently legends.  They have been held with much affection over the years, they showed the way," said Cummins. 

"After playing at right full-back in the earlier games, Seamus moved to the number five position when Micheal O'Brien returned after injury, for the All-Ireland semi-final against Mayo and the final victory over Cavan." 

The Central Council representative said Heery had a brilliant career, being captain for the 1951 All-Ireland final which Meath lost to Mayo. The captaincy came about as a result of being captain of the North Meath team, an amalgamation of Rathkenny, Kilmainhamwood, Nobber and Meath Hill, which won the county SFC in 1950.

Earlier in 1951 the Rathkenny man earned the Irish Independent 'sports star of the week' award for his display in the 'home' National League final win over Mayo. He missed the final win in New York because of injury, which brought about a premature end to his career with Meath.

David Heery of the Rathkenny club, son of Seamus, thanked all who offered support following the death, especially 1949 captain Brian Smyth and Jim Curtis from Syddan.

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