Navan O'Mahony's are the most successful GAA club in Meath football having won the senior football championship more times than any other club, despite being only formed in 1948. However, football has been played in Navan since the late 1800's when indeed Navan Pearse O'Mahony's contested the 1895 All-Ireland final against the Tipperary champions, but lost to the Munster side after a replay and in controversial circumstances when the referee admitted to getting the score wrong, but GAA officials refused to grant the Meath side the match or a second replay. The fall out from this incident resulted in the club being disbanded for an amazing 53 years, when a group of men decided to establish what is today known as Navan O'Mahony's. During the intervening years, O'Mahony's have become the leading club in the county and one family name that has been associated with them through that time has been the Fitzsimons'. The people of Navan may feel that the family would be more commonly linked with politics as the Fitzsimons have been involved in affairs of state for the past 75 years, as they have served the community with distinction in the Dail, Senate and Local Authority. Padraig Fitzsimons has been Town Councillor for the past two years, while his father Paddy and grandfather Pat were a Town Councillor and Senator respectively in the past and indeed his uncle Jim served as an MEP until recently. Nonetheless, the family has also given great service to O'Mahony's down through the years and both Paddy and Jim played on the great team that won the five-in-a-row between 1957 and '61. The brothers had the distinction of captaining the side as Jim raised the Keegan Cup in 1961, while two years later Paddy lofted the trophy. Padraig and his brother Jarlath played with the club at underage level and have a medal haul that many players would be envious of, while Jarlath is now the current chairman of the club. "I wouldn't have played much football myself, but I have always been a keen supporter of the club down through the years and my father and uncle played for them," said Padraig. "O'Mahony's have produced some great teams down through the years, like the one in the late fifties and then the one during the 80's. They have a great bunch of lads there at the moment and hopefully they can dominate like their predecessors." The Blue and Whites first success came in 1948, when they annexed the junior title and just five short years later, O'Mahony's were crowned the senior football champions for the first of many times with Tony McCormack having the honour of lifting the Cup, following the win over Trim. Following a return to the intermediate ranks, the club gained their second senior title in 1957 and followed that win up with four consecutive wins to reiterate their stance as the best club team in Meath. Titles have been secured on a fairly regular basis ever since at all levels while, the hurlers of the club have obtained two SHC's, both coming in the eighties. "The club have a very good underage structure in place and that has seen the adult teams benefit in both codes. A lot of people would say that they would have liked to see O'Mahony's win more, but the facts speak for themselves," stressed Padraig. Following the GAA scene for so many years, Padraig has seen many changes in the game and he admits that he admires every GAA player for their contribution to the game. "It's not only inter-county players that give huge commitment, but club players give every bit as much and this goes largely un-noticed by many people. I've seen what the O'Mahony's lads do in training and I'm sure it's the same in every club, but the level of fitness among players has certainly increased over the years," he pointed out. "There really is a professional approach to the GAA these days and the preparations that players go through during the season are on a par with professional soccer players, earning thousands every week. "I have to take my hat off to all those lads as the commitment they give is unreal and it is so time consuming especially if you have a young family at home." Apart from following the fortunes of Navan O'Mahony's on a regular basis, Padraig works in the family business that runs two pubs and a funeral parlour in the town. Fitzsimons' Bar has been established for the past 46 years and is one of the top GAA pubs in the town, where many supporters and players alike gather to discuss the events in Pairc Tailteann that day. Situated on Trimgate street, the pub was initially run by Paddy, but his son Jarlath now handles the day-to-day events. Padraig looks after the Stone House Bar and Restaurant on Kennedy Road, which is running for the past seven years. This premise provides top quality carvery food on a daily basis, while also providing entertainment at the weekends, although if you prefer the quiet night in with a bottle of wine, their off-licence has a fine selection to choose from. With a funeral parlour to look after also, Padraig has a hectic schedule, but two years ago he decided to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and uncle by entering the hectic world of politics. "I took over from my father as Town Councillor two years ago and it is a five-year term. I like the job, but it is important to keep on top of things, otherwise you can get snowed under very easily," stressed Padraig. "I hope to do a lot more work over the coming years and it is great to be involved in the development of the town and see the increase in the town environment, especially when only 20 years ago this country was in recession." Having such a busy schedule means that Padraig must have a very understanding family and he admits that he is very fortunate in this department. "My wife Louise is very understanding and has always stood by me. She and the kids Niamh (12), Rossa (10) and Fionn (4) have given me great support and I'm a very lucky man to have them by my side." Tweet

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