Paddy Murphy (Westmeath/Navan) Paddy was a native of Westmeath and a well known GAA personality in the county. Legend has it that in the Westmeath junior final of 1967, Paddy climbed onto the crossbar in protest at a late free given to Ballinacargy against his team Tubberclair. Later he came to live in Meath and managed the Warrenstown Arms in Drumree for many years. Paddy was a regular at games in Pairc Tailteann. Peter Fitzgerald (Kilskyre/Athboy) Peter came from a family long involved with Kilskyre hurling club. He died in November 2006. His father Tommy had sadly passed away the previous spring. Kathleen O'Reilly (Trim) One of twelve children, Kathleen was the last surviving member of the sporting Ward family from Laracor. She is survived by her husband of 64 years Thomas J. O'Reilly. Kathleen, like her sisters, was a talented camogie player in her youth while her brothers were also well known on the GAA fields. Jack Andrews (Trim) A long serving barber, Jack was one of the best known and most liked characters in the Trim area. A man of many talents, he served as a Fianna Fail Councillor and with his sister Kathleen Fay, won an All-Ireland ballroom dancing title in 1972. Amongst some of the famous faces who visited Jack's barber shop were well known actors Cyril Cusack and John Cowley, a big Meath supporter of The Riordans fame. Jack Andrews was also a noted referee, both hurling and football. He took charge of a Leinster minor hurling decider between Dublin and Kilkenny in Croke Park, not to mention four Meath senior football championship finals between 1957 and '61. Jack often recalled a little discussion with Louth's All-Ireland winning captain Dermot O'Brien, when the Ardee star reluctantly gave his name after a bad foul. He represented the county at underage level and suffered a heart attack after refereeing a game between Meath and Antrim in Mullingar during 1963. Margaret (Peggy) Hand (Dromone) (nee O'Reilly) Margaret's family have provided tremendous service,both on and off the field of play to the local Moylagh club for decades. A noted camogie player for both her native Bellaney and Meath during the 1930s, she was heavily involved in a number of voluntary organisations. One of her sons, Philip, played on the Meath senior team during the 1970s. Joe Clerkin (Tierworker/Navan) Joe owned the popular Flower Hill Lodge in Navan for nearly 20 years. A keen GAA supporter, he played with his native Moynalty during his youth. Jimmy Morris (Kells/USA) Jimmy emigrated to England in 1946, later moving on to Canada before settling in New Jersey in 1951. He won a minor medal with Kells in 1940 and retained a keen interest in gaelic games for the remainder of his life. Mollie Walsh (Kilmainham) (nee Monaghan) Mollie's family are synonymous with the Kilmainham club. One of her sons, Patsy, played for the Meath juniors while Joey, on moving to Kilbeg, was a vital part of the fine St. Michaels squad of the 1980s. Patsy (Pa) Muldoon (Moynalty) Patsy, a native of nearby Carlanstown, was heavily involved with the Moynalty Steam Threshing committee from the start and was a keen follower of gaelic games. James Madden (Kilmainhamwood) A farmer by occupation, James was a huge GAA supporter and was known to religiously telephone his brother Hugh in New York after every Meath match to pass on a blow by blow account of events on the field of play. Christina (Chrissie) Quinn (Crossakiel) Chrissie was a member of the Murray family from Kilskyre. Her children form the popular band Breege and the Startreks, a group who have performed at many a GAA dinner dance. Her younger son Eddie played with Ballinlough. Tommie McPartland (Kells) Although Tommie worked in Liverpool for 40 years, he returned to his native Kells two years ago. Both at home and in the UK he maintained a keen interest in the progress of the Meath team. Patrick Callan (Drumconrath/Navan) Patrick was a loved member of one of the most popular GAA families in north Meath. Indeed the Callan brothers are part of GAA folklore in the Drumconrath area. Patrick played with Drumconrath from 1955 until 1965 and in 1963, along with his brothers, who backboned the team, helped the men in red to a Meath junior championship. Tom Sherlock (Navan) Tom, a teacher by profession, was one of the grand old men of Meath GAA. His secondary education was received in Dublin college Colaiste Caoimhin, with whom he won All-Ireland colleges medals at both codes in 1938. In the same year, Tom lined out with the local Navan Gaels combination and was a member of the team which swept to Meath senior championship honours. Tom Sherlock was the last surviving member of that fine side. He taught in a number of counties and continued his involvement with gaelic games in all areas he worked and lived in. His last position before retirement was as principal of Wilkinstown National School. During this time he became the inaugural chairman of the newly formed St. Johns club, who gained Meath intermediate honours in their first year of existence in 1974. Later Tom acted as a very capable chairman of the first football leagues run in the county during the mid 1970s. Patrick Flanagan (Fletcherstown/Navan) A mechanic by trade, Patrick, from a well known Wilkinstown family, was a very keen GAA supporter. William Kearney (Castlemartin) Willie, a farmer, was a great sports enthusiast, especially where gaelic games were concerned. Evelyn Shanahan (Navan) Evelyn's son Gerry is a well known photographer at GAA games in the county. She was an aunt to the Sheridan family who are heavily involved with the Seneschalstown club. Oliver Burns (Oldcastle) Oliver was one of the best known characters in the north Meath town, where he lived his entire life. Heavily involved in the local Oldcastle Brass and Reed Band, he played with the Oldcastle club in the 1950s. His son Oliver was an outstanding footballer and won a Meath intermediate championship medal in 1987. Maisie Reilly (Killallon) Maisie was a member of a well known Killallon family. Her son Noel was an outstanding hurler with Kilskyre and a footballer with the old Killallon club. Noel Gannon (Clonard) Noel was part of a family who have provided great service to the GAA in the south west of the county. A regular at midfield for Clonard, Noel played a key role as Junior B championship honours were gained in 1971. John Cusack (Athboy/Trim) A very successful and popular businessman, John, who was only 56 years of age, was a regular supporter of Meath GAA activity and his company, Cusack Homes, was the proud sponsor of the Meath junior football championship. John's son of the same name is a promising player with the Trim club. Kay Dixon (Kilmurray, Trim) (nee Loughran) Kay was the wife of Meath GAA immortal Paddy Dixon, the centre half back on the mould breaking 1949 team. She was also a member of another great GAA family. Originally from Kilmessan, Kay's uncle was the great Joey Loughran, a player judged by many of the older generation as the greatest hurler and footballer to ever emerge from the plains of Royal Meath. Sadly Paddy Dixon also passed away later on in the year. Tommy Harmon (Kildalkey) Originally from Slane, Tommy came to live in the Kildalkey area in the early 1930s. A noted hurler with the local club, he served as Chairman of Kildalkey HC and always remained an avid supporter. His sons continue the tradition. Margaret Norris (Carnaross) Margaret lived to the grand old age of 92 and was a follower of gaelic games all of her life. A member of the famous Ward GAA family from Dulane, she played camogie for the local club and had the distinction of lining out in Croke Park. Her husband Peter Norris played for the Meath seniors in the early 1930s. Some years later their grandson PJ Gillic repeated the feat as Meath captured All-Ireland senior honours in 1987 and 1988. Francie Owens (Kilmainhamwood) Francie was 88 years old when he died. A loyal Meath supporter, he rarely missed a big match involving the green and gold in Croke Park. Francie was head of a family who have provided great service to the GAA in this part of north Meath. Josie King (Navan/Kentstown) (nee Gibney) A number of Josie's family played with Navan O'Mahonys. Josie's husband Franco, was a noted hurler with Dunboyne. Michael Collins (Bohermeen) Michael died two weeks after the death of his mother Margaret. Involved with football in the area for many years, he was a member of the Bohermeen team which swept to junior championship honours in 1965. Michael was also highly interested in cycling and clay pigeon shooting, a sport at which he represented Ireland in the veterans category. Con Grimes (Navan) Con, a native of Derry, was appointed station master at Navan Railway offices in 1962. Hugely popular in the town, he was involved in many local organisations. His grandsons, Sean and Richard Grimes, were involved with Simonstown while granddaughter Grainne played for Meath underage teams. Con's daughter Alma is the wife of former Walterstown player Ray Reynolds and their sons Ray and Niall continue the GAA tradition. John Roche (Kells) John suffered a tragic accident earlier in his life. Confined to a wheelchair, he was a regular at the front of the old Nally Stand as Meath earned many a famous victory. His brother Nicholas played senior football with Colmcille Gaeils. John went on to take part in two Dublin City Marathons, in 1982 and 1984. Later he also represented his country at table tennis in the Paralympic Games during 1992 and 1994. John King (Curraha) John's father Richard was renowned for breeding Easter Hero, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1929 and 1930. He continued his father's love of horses. John was also a big GAA follower and died during the Meath-Dublin championship replay in June. George Bagnall (Rathmolyon) George was one of the best known personalities around his area of south Meath. A life long member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, he was both a founder member and first Chairman of the old Baconstown hurling club in 1962. George won championship medals with three clubs, Boardsmill, Baconstown and finally with Rathmolyon in 1975. A guard of honour was formed by local GAA clubs at his burial in Kill Cemetery. Gretta Murray (Athboy/Dublin) Nee Donohoe from Martinstown, Gretta lived to the grand old age of 88. Although residing in Dublin for many years she never lost interest in the Meath GAA team and followed its fortunes and that of the players right up to the summer gone. George Lynagh (Rathmore/Navan) George was a native of Rathmore near Athboy and came to live in Navan over 30 years past. A quiet family man, he was popular in all circles. An avid Meath and GAA supporter, George became heavily involved in the juvenile section of the Simonstown club, acting as a selector and as manager of various underage teams. His son Barry played at under 14 and 16 level for Meath back in the mid 1990s. George was also a big handball supporter and a number of his nephews play with the St. Ultans and Simonstown clubs. Carmel Galligan (Cork/Navan) A native of Rathcormack, Co. Cork, Carmel was married to Clement Galligan, the popular owner of 'Clems' licenced premises on Watergate Street, Navan. Clem was a footballer of note in his native Cavan and his establishment is the haunt of many GAA enthusiasts. Carmel's sons played with Simonstown at underage levels. Matthew McKeon (Kilskyre) Matty was a larger than life character in the Kilskyre area. He played underage football with Ballinlough and served Kilskyre HC in a number of official capacities. Mannix Dowdall (Navan) Horseracing and GAA followers throughout Meath were saddened to learn of the death of Mannix Dowdall, Donaghmore, Navan, at the age of 86 after a short illness. Mannix's working life was spent on Navan Racecourse and on his retirement, the Mannix Dowdall Maiden Hurdle was named in his honour. Born in January 1921, he lived near the Round Tower at Donaghmore and started working at Navan Racecourse at the age of 16, in 1937. Over the 68 years of his association with the racecourse at Proudstown, he witnessed many changes, including the recent significant improvements to the facilities there. He also worked at the Bellewstown and Laytown meetings. Even after retiring, Mannix Dowdall was a familiar figure at the Proudstown course and always returned to present the prize in the maiden hurdle named in his honour. He was also a well known GAA referee in the 1960s, and in the 1970s was an officer on the Meath Referees' Association. He played his early football with the Kilberry club, and in later years was associated with Navan O'Mahonys and had attended this year's Meath-Fermanagh game in Pairc Tailteann. Mr Dowdall possessed an immense knowledge and always had great time for everybody. He looked after the maintenance of Donaghmore Cemetery beside his home, and was laid to rest there. His son Philip is a well known member of the Navan O'Mahonys club. John McCarthy (Cork/Navan) John hailed from Cork city and moved to live in Navan almost 30 years past. One of the best known characters in the town, he was popularly known as Corky. Naturally, John followed the Cork hurlers and footballers with a passion and sadly, died in Croke Park prior to the Meath-Cork All-Ireland semi-final showdown last August. Paddy McCabe (Cootehill/Navan) Paddy was one of life's gentlemen. A very religious man and a native of Cootehill in Cavan, he moved to Navan in 1941. A noted footballer in his youth, he was on the Navan O'Mahonys team that gained junior championship honours in 1949, the first title ever won by the Brews Hill club. During the 1950s he shared lodgings with the late great Dermot O'Brien, who captained Louth to All-Ireland glory in 1957. Paddy's sons David and Paul (nowadays Sport Editor at The Weekender) both played with Simonstown, while his grandsons, the McGranes, excel at underage level with both Waltersotwn and Meath teams. Brian was a defender on the St. Patricks Classical senior school team in 2007. Joe McDonnell (Brownstown) Joe was one of the best known and most popular personalities in the Kentstown area. Well known for his coaching at underage soccer levels, Joe was also a huge GAA supporter. While sick he attended Meath NFL games at Pairc Tailteann and just some weeks before his death, saw his son Damien star at centre half back as the Furze went under to near neighbours Duleek in the under 16 Division 2 decider. Sarah Burke (Connemara/Cortown) A teacher by profession, Sarah hailed from Carna in Connemara and came to live in Bohermeen many years ago. Her sons have made huge contributions on and off the field to club's in the parish. Larry Kiely (Trim) A publican and a big GAA supporter, Larry was one of the grand old characters in Trim. Recent years have seen Kielys Bar as sponsors of the various Boardsmill teams. Jimmy Gough (Ardcath) Jimmy was one of the best known businessmen in this part of east Meath. Some 50 years past he set up a small shop in the village and nowadays the words Goughs of Ardcath are very familiar ones. In his youth Jimmy lined out in goals for his native Garristown and later served as a selector with St. Vincents. His family became synonymous with the hillside club and son Raymond lined out with various Meath underage teams. Joseph Quirke (Hill of Down) Like most people from his area, Joseph was a great Killyon hurling and Meath supporter. Agnes McCormack (Cavan/Dunsany) Agnes was the sister of the great Phil 'Gunner' Brady of Cavan fame. Coming to live in the Killeen area 30 years past, she became highly active in local affairs. Agnes was the aunt of many of the famed Brady clan from Mullahoran, including world champion handballer, Paul Brady and the present Cavan senior football team manager, Donal Keoghan. She was also the mother in law of former Meath and Skryne star Padraig Finnerty . Ita Maguire and Carmel Woods (Garlow Cross) The death of Carmel Woods came just two weeks after that of her mother Ita Maguire. Both had celebrated their birthdays in July with a family dinner. Carmel was a big GAA supporter, and in 2001 her son John captained Navan O'Mahonys to a minor hurling championship at the expense of Kilmessan. While working at Bellinter House she became very friendly with Sean Boylan who, with the Meath senior football team, were regular visitors after a training session in nearby Dalgan Park. Ciaran Maree (Donaghpatrick) Ciaran was an accountant by profession and an extremely keen sportsman. An avid follower of his local club Wolfe Tones, he had played at under 14 and 16 levels for the Oristown parish unit and at one stage, was team captain. Patrick Tormey (Kells) A native of Kells, the 41 year old Packie played for his native Gaeil Colmcille and was a key member of the side which swept to Meath intermediate honours in 1986. A big, towering midfielder, he later served Moynalty with distinction. Packie was also a very useful rugby player. Norman Donnellan (Stackallen/Athlumney) Norman was a native of Stackallen and became a popular partner in the well known Navan accountancy firm of Fagan, Lynch, Donnellan. He was an extremely talented all round sportsman and excelled in the tennis and golfing worlds. Norman Donnellan was a dapper and highly dangerous corner forward with Rathkenny for years and gained a Meath junior championship medal with the club in 1984. On moving to Athlumney, he threw in his lot with Walterstown, where he worked with the juvenile section and also acted as coach to the Walterstown ladies team. Norman Donnellan's daughter, Julie, and his son David maintain this great GAA tradition with the Walterstown club. Bridie Fay (Trim) Bridie's husband Luke was a stalwart Trim footballer during the 1950s and 60s. Michael Coughlan (Limerick/Navan) Described as an absolute gentleman by all who knew him Michael, a native of west Limerick, moved to live in Navan 30 years ago. A highly respected teacher in O'Carolan College, Nobber, he became very involved within the underage structure of Simonstown. Michael was manager of the 2007 under 14 side, as he was when these lads were under 12 and under 13, a bunch of players who had garnered a selection of medals in those three years. Aided by his good friend Martin Barry, the duo built a very formidable force. But Michael Coughlan was always prepared to beaver away in the background, getting jerseys ready, notifying players and quietly slipping out of scene when the trophies were being handed out. A big Limerick hurling supporter, Michael, with his wife Ada, rarely missed a Meath league or championship game. His son Niall was a member of the successful Meath 2007 under 14 squad. Catherine Clusker (Dunshaughlin) Catherine was the mother of Tommy and Harry Clusker, two tremendous underage workers with the St. Martins club. She was the grandmother of Ciaran, Stephen and Niall who have played with the Martins and various Meath underage teams. Ned Durnin (Ashbourne) It was with sadness that the news of the death of Ned Durnin hit the Ashbourne and Meath area in December 2006. Ned, who played football with both Donaghmore and Meath, was in his late 70s at the time of his death and was well known throughout Meath GAA circles. Originally from Dublin, he moved to the Ashbourne area at the age of six some time in the 1930s, where his family lived at the Nine Mile Stone just outside the village. He started his playing career with Donaghmore around 1946/7 and joined the Meath panel in 1949 shortly after their All-Ireland final victory over Cavan. His first game for the Royal County was a Fitzsimons Cup game in Navan in 1949. He travelled with the Meath team to New York in 1951 where they beat the hosts on a scoreline of 1-10 to 0-10 in the National League Final. Ned was part of the victorious All-Ireland winning side of 1954, where he lined out in the half back line against Kerry, a result that denied Kerry a three in a row as the Kingdom recorded victories in '53 and '55. His last senior game for the Royal County was against Wicklow in 1957. He did make a return to inter county football in 1960 when he played for the Meath junior side against Offaly. At club level he starred for Donaghmore at senior, intermediate and junior grades. He won two intermediate titles with the club in 1950 and 1959, when he lined out with his brother Morgan and cousins Barney and Jim Kearns. The respect he held within the GAA circles of Donaghmore Ashbourne and indeed Meath was evident at his funeral. The Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA sends their sympathies to his sister Maura and his extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Des Loughran (Robinstown) Des was a member of the well known Loughran family from Robinstown. He played for Dunderry and was a vital part of the excellent team of the 1940s which gained intermediate championship honours in 1944 and 1947. Eamonn Kane (Robinstown) Eamonn played for Robinstown and is the grandfather of current Dunderry player David Jennings. Helen McGlew (Boyerstown) A tragic loss at a young age, Helen was the wife of well known Dunderry clubman Dick McGlew. Bridget Nally (Irishtown) Bridget lived to the grand old age of 102 and was the aunt of well known Dunderry clubman and County Board delegate Tommy Nally. Johnny Mulligan (Churchtown) Johnny was a member of the prominent Mulligan family from Dunderry. He played football at all levels for the club. His father was a founding member of Dunderry GAA club. Josie O'Brien (Tullaghanogue) Josie was the mother of the O'Brien family who played football for Dunderry. Kathleen Clarke (Kilmessan) Nee McDonagh from Kilbride, Trim, Kathleen was the sister of former Dunderry star Terry McDonagh. Her husband Dominic is the present vice chairman of Kilmessan hurling club. Kathleen's son Niall plays hurling with the club while daughters Sarah and Aine are very useful camogie players. Members of Kilmessan hurling club acted as pall bearers as Kathleen was carried to her final resting place. All supplied by Dunderry GAA Nancy Smyth (Collon/Navan) Nancy originally came from Collon and was the wife of the late Felix, Castletown's hero in the intermediate final of 1946. Her grandsons play with the Seneschalstown and Donaghmore Ashbourne clubs. Matilda 'Tillie' Collins (Athboy/Trim) A native of Athboy, Tillie, in her 90th year, was the last surviving member of a 15 strong Conlon family. In her younger days, she was a noted camogie player, Irish dancing champion and remained a fluent Irish speaker. Tillie had a great love of all sport and particularly gaelic football and hurling. Christopher Sheridan (Fordstown) Christopher was a member of Cortown's first championship winning side, the victorious Division 3 final combination of 1981. He remained a keen supporter of the club. Brendan Duffy (Cortown) Brendan was a great supporter of the Cortown club. Owen Connell (Nugenstown) Owenie was a good supporter of Cortown and many of his nieces and nephews contributed hugely to the club over the years. All of the above supplied by Cortown GAA club Joseph 'Joe' Purfield (Stamullen) Joe was a former Treasurer of St. Patricks and won a Meath intermediate championship medal with the club in 1963. He remained a great supporter of the Pats, especially on sports days when his donation of a lamb (Guess the Weight) was a huge help. Joe, who was also involved with threshing events, was the brother of Johnnie Purfield, a former club chairman and county board delegate. Joe's nephew Robert Purfield is one of the best up and coming referees in Meath. Gerry Marry (Balrath/Duleek) Gerry, who was well known in the political world, was a larger than life character and very popular around the county. He was a great supporter of St. Patricks and was nominated by the club as their Sean Gael in recent years. A big follower of all games and events in the locality, Gerry was never afraid to voice his opinion on matters relating to St. Patricks. He was a great admirer and friend of Pats' stalwart Pat 'The Red' Collier. Gerry Marry was an Honourary President of St. Patricks. The club formed a guard of honour as his remains were removed to Ballymacgarvey Cemetery for burial. Both supplied by St. Patricks GAA Stiofain O Mealoid (Rathcairn) The townland of Rathcairn and the general Athboy area were stunned in late October by the tragic death of 18 year old Stiofain O Mealoid. Popularly known as Tuck, he was a substitute on the Clann na nGael panel who swept to Meath junior championship honours in the autumn gone. Later Stiofain played a lead role in the number 2 jersey as Gaeil Colmcille were outscored in the Reserve League Division 5 decider. Stiofain came from one of the best known and most popular families in the community and less than two days before his death, starred for the club's under 21 footballers as they beat Drumree. He was a Leaving Certificate student in Colaiste Pobail in Rathcairn and the day before that Drumree game, Stiofain, described by County Board Vice Chairman and neighbour Cathal Seoighe as a 'class act', had passed his driving test. Tom Casey (Moynalty) Tom was a former chairman of Moynalty GFC and also served on the club's committee for a number of years. He played football at all levels for the club and lined out for underage hurling teams. Tom was a great Moynalty and Meath supporter. Mary Reilly (Shancarnan, Moynalty) Mary was a member of the well known Andrews family from Athboy. She was a great supporter of both club and county. Her son Charles played for Moynalty and represented Meath at minor and junior level. He remains actively involved with the north Meath club in a coaching and committee member capacity. Mick Mooney (Syddan) Mick played on the winning Syddan intermediate team of 1941. His brother Tommy was chairman of Syddan when the club won the Meath senior football championship of 1956. Mick's nephews, Noel and Declan Mooney, also starred with the club. Peg Brady (Killyon) Peg was the wife of current Killyon President Phelim Brady. Phelim was a former player with the club, as was their son Joe Brady. Jim Joe Maguire (Killyon) Jim Joe played juvenile hurling with the Killyon club during the 1950s. Jimmy 'Keiser' Quinn (Killyon) Jimmy was also another talented underage hurler with Killyon Anthony Halpin (Killyon) Anthony was a former juvenile player while his father Larry gained a Meath senior hurling championship medal with Killyon in 1918. Celia McCarthy (Killyon) Celia was a big supporter of Killyon HC. All of the above supplied by Killyon HC Mary 'Moll' Cooney (Castlejordan) Mary was the head of a well known Ballinabrackey family. Her son Christy was manager of the 'Bracks' in 2007 and has looked after many of the club's underage teams over the years. Patricia Brazil (Ballinabrackey) A member of the well known McCormick family, Patricia was the mother of Columb Brazil, who represented Meath at all levels from underage right up to senior and who won an All-Ireland Colleges medal with the Carmelite College of Moate back in the late 1970s. Columb was centre half back on the Meath team beaten by Down in the All-Ireland minor final of 1977. Kevin Murray (Boardsmill/Trim) Members and supporters of Trim GAA club were shocked and saddened by the passing of Kevin Murray, late of Griffin Park. Kevin had been a stalwart member of the club since arriving into the town. Although a playing member of the Boardsmill club, Kevin gained a minor hurling medal with Trim in the late 1940s. He won a senior hurling medal and an O'Growney Cup medal in 1958 and continued playing into the early 1960s. He emigrated to the USA for a number of years but returned and settled down with his wife Mary in Griffin Park. The father of four sons, he became heavily involved with the club as the lads entered their teens. He had a great love of hurling and passed this on to his sons who proved to be outstanding hurlers. They were equally good at football as well. At a time when fortunes of Trim hurling were at a low ebb, Kevin, in conjunction with George Caffrey, Ted Murtagh, Harry O'Connor, Martin Dunne, Johnny McEvoy and Johnny Gantley, put in a huge amount of work, which culminated in the winning of two minor titles in a row in 1983 and '84. He was a selector on the Trim senior hurling team that made the breakthrough in 1985 by reaching their first semi-final since 1964. Although disappointed with that result and another semi final defeat in 1986, Kevin, Sean Colgan, Jim Fay and Harry O'Connor stuck to their task and were rewarded with the senior hurling crown in 1987. After taking a break, he acted as a selector from 1991 to 1998. In this period Trim added four more senior titles to their collection. During these years he also acted as a selector on the Meath minor hurling team and was the groundsman in St. Loman's Park. He took this role very seriously and the pitch was always in immaculate condition as a result of his efforts. Kevin Murray was one of Meath's greatest supporters, both hurling and football. He rarely missed a game and took great pride in Meath's successes between 1986 and 2001. He saw his son Declan win an All-Ireland B hurling medal in 1993 and had the great pleasure of witnessing Declan and Benny in action when the Meath senior hurling team hit great heights by beating both Wexford and Offaly in the National Hurling League, while also giving Offaly a severe shock in the 1996 Leinster Senior Championship at Croke Park. It is fair to say that Kevin was an integral part of Trim GAA for well over thirty years. He contributed much to the success of the club in so many ways, both on and off the field. His four sons were some of the best dual players to ever play for the club. They were a credit to the club and to Kevin and his wife Mary. His sudden death has left a void in the club and in the town. The club wishes to pass on its sincerest condolences to Mary and her sons Kevin, Martin, Declan and Benny. It may be small consolation to them at this time, but it can be said without a shadow of a doubt that he made a lasting contribution and he will be greatly missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis Trim GAA club Bobby Whyte (Trim) The death occurred of Bobby Whyte (65) who was the holder of an astonishing 11 Meath senior championship medals. Seven of those came in hurling with Kilmessan between 1961 and '78 and he was a member of the great Summerhill team which won four successive SFC titles between 1974 and '77. His first success with Summerhill was a junior medal in 1966 and that was followed by an IFC award in 1972. A Feis Cup medal arrived a year later when he was centre half back on the team that beat St. Johns in the final. He played his underage hurling with Kiltale and now his son Stephen plays with Kiltale and recently won his first senior hurling championship medal with the Kiltale club. He didn't move into goals with Summerhill until 1974 and played in seven successive SFC finals in that position, including the '77 replay against Seneschalstown. That was a very special year for Bobby as Summerhill also won the Leinster Club Championship with a final victory over the star studded St. Vincent's team from Dublin. Along with Mattie Kerrigan, he had the distinction of winning SFC and SHC medals that year, he also completed the senior double the previous year. Apart from the seven SHC medals he won with Kilmessan, including three-in-a-row between '76 and '78, the deceased also served as chairman and selector with the club and was manager when they won their last senior title in 2004. Bobby also played hurling with Meath and was a county selector in the late '80s and early '90s. The funeral took place in Dangan and was attended by his former playing colleagues on the Summerhill and Kilmessan teams. He is survived by his wife Kathleen and children Eleanor, Marcella, Robert and Stephen. A minute's silence was observed before the Summerhill and Seneschalstown SFC quarter-final game. Daire Maxwell (Skryne) There was widespread shock and sadness in the parish of Skryne and beyond on Saturday, May 12 as word started to filter through of the tragic and untimely death of 16 year old Daire Maxwell. Over the last number of years Daire had played his part in the underage sector of Skryne GFC, moving up through the grades and in the process growing into a talented young footballer. Daire loved playing football, especially with Skryne, where the underage players in the club were his friends and the senior pla Tweet

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