Meath Obituaries 2000

Jim Clarke (formerly Duleek)
Jim Clarke who had lived in Dublin for many years was left half forward on the Meath team which was beaten by Kerry in the 1939 All-Ireland final and was at midfield when Meath retained their Leinster title in 1940. He played for Leinster in Railway Cup final of ‘43 and was at top of the left when the National Football League title was won in 1946. Jim also played a major role in Duleek winning the Senior Football Championship and Feis Cup double in 1943. He must also have created a record in university competitions as he played for UCD in seven Sigerson Cup Finals between 1937 and 1945 eventually winning the last two in ‘44 and ‘45. Jim went to his eternal reward in Summer 2000 having been ill for a few years.

Matty Maguire (Syddan)
Matty Maguire who died in August, actually played for Meath in the 1st Round of the Leinster Championship in 1949 (v Kildare). He was replaced by Seamus Heery for the next match, but though he did win his Leinster medal he was not a panel member when Sam Maguire arrived in September. Matty did however join his old mates during the Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 1999. He also was a member of the victorious Syddan team which won four senior football championships in ‘49, ‘51, ‘52 and ‘56.

John “Nobby” Clarke (Kells and New York)
“Nobby” Clarke who died in New York early in 2000 was a member of the panel for the 1954 All Ireland victory over Kerry. He had played in the first round v Wicklow. Nobby played for Kells Harps in the Senior Football Championship Finals of 1954 and 1955 losing to Skryne and St Vincents (Ardcath). Soon afterwards he emigrated to New York where he became deeply involved in GAA affairs, visiting Ireland most years as a Congress Delegate. He was also a regular summer visitor to his native Meath and was a great “Royals” supporter during Sean Boylan’s reign when he liked nothing better than to renew old acquaintances at Pairc Tailteann or Dalgan Park.

Matty O’Brien (Rathkenny)
Matty who passed away suddenly in January was centre half back on Meath’s Junior Football team which won the All-Ireland title in 1947 - Meath’s first All-Ireland football title in any grade. He played his club football for Rathkenny and Castletown winning an intermediate championship for the latter in 1946 while he also collected a senior football championship medal with Divisional side North Meath in 1950. He was a trustee of Rathkenny’s pitch up to the time of his death.

Johnny Timmons (Rathkenny and England)
Johnny Timmons who died in England in February was like Matty O’Brien a member of the successful Meath Junior panel of 1947. He also won a Senior Football Championship with North Meath in 1950 and an Intermediate with the Castletown side in ‘46. Uncle of County Board official Barney Allen.

Tommy Dolan (Ratoath)
Tommy Dolan who died in January was from a family synonymous with the GAA in his native village. He was Treasurer for 40 years and Secretary of the Ratoath hurling and football club for many years and was still an active member up to his death. One of his proudest days as secretary was when Ratoath won the Senior Hurling Championship in 1963 while the Junior Football Championship of 1970 was another proud milestone.

Vincent Moran (Commons Navan and Mullingar)
Vincent, a Garda in Mullingar, died in March while still a relatively young man. He had starred for Commons at full back in the 1960 Junior B Final which the club lost to Batterstown. Brother of John (former County Board Assistant Secretary and currently Secretary of Bective GFC), the Moran brothers had been stalwart members of the now defunct Commons club for many years. Vincent just like brothers John and Gerry also won many underage honours with Navan De La Salle.

Oliver Matthews (O’Mahonys Navan)
Oliver was only in his early 50’s when he passed away in July after a long illness. In his playing days Oliver won minor football and minor hurling championships with De La Salle (actually doing the double in 1963) and a Junior Football Championship with O’Mahonys in 1970 but it was his achievements off the field as an Administrator and an underage mentor at all levels over many years that made him a legend in the O’Mahonys club. One of Oliver’s proudest moments came during his illness when he saw his son Ian play such an outstanding part in St Pats All-Ireland Colleges victory in April. Oliver worked at Tara Mines for many years.

Bartle Lenehan (Duleek)
Bartle Lenehan was in his mid 60’s when his life came to a sudden and tragic end during July last. He was fatally injured in an accident involving farm machinery. Bartle had been an outstanding midfielder in his day and one of his proudest moments was helping Duleek to Intermediate Championship success in 1955 when there were six Lenehans on the team (not all related). He was also selected for Meath Junior team on a few occasions. Bartle’s wife Rita is a member of a well-known GAA family - O’Dwyers, Dunshaughlin. Son Bartle (Jnr) is a prominent member of Duleek Intermediate team while daughter Joan has been PRO for the club in recent years.

Andy Eiffe (Ratoath)
Andy aged 73 died in June after a short illness. When Ratoath teams were at their best at either hurling or football in the ‘50s and ‘60s one name dominated the team sheets - the rather unusual one of Eiffe. Andy (the eldest) was usually a member of the back-room team, while brothers Noel, John, Jim and Bill did their bit on the field Andy’s contribution was immense. In fact his contribution to the parish of Ratoath down the years has been remarkable. He was that type of man - Chairman of one committee, Secretary of another - master organiser particularly where fund-raising or charitable causes were concerned. A noted athlete in his youth, Andy had many County Championship wins on the athletic track. Son Brian followed in his footsteps in this regard while other son Sean was selected for Meath minor and junior football teams.

Eddie O’Reilly (Oldcastle)
Eddie, from the townland of Summerbank, was in his late 70’s when he died in June. In his youth he won a Leinster Colleges medal with St Finians Mullingar but he will be best remembered for looking after the juveniles in Oldcastle over many years. He was also deeply involved in athletics - an outstanding athlete in his younger days and in later years as an administrator in Community Games activities.

Sean and Packy Doyle (Drumree)
Two brothers aged around 60, died within two months of one another in the Spring of 2000. Both had starred for their club back in the late 50’s and 60’s winning the junior championship in ‘59 and Intermediate honours in ‘61 and again in ‘69. Many old Gaels will remember their late father Paddy Doyle (affectionately known as The Rah) a legendary GAA figure for years at matches and County Board meetings.

Patrick Maguire (Kells)
Was a GAA official in Kells for most of his life, always involved with Kells Park, and acted as a steward as Pairc Tailteann on the occasion of major championship matches. In his playing days he was a member of Kells Harps team which won Junior Football Championship in 1951.

Kevin Coleman (Laytown and formerly Duleek)
Kevin Coleman who died in March was another of that great Duleek team which brought off the Senior Championship/Feis Cup double in 1943. He was also a member of the Meath panel for a few years in the ‘40s winning a Cairnes Cup medal (Drogheda Tournament) in 1944. He was still a playing member of Duleek when they won the Intermediate title in 1955 and also played his part as a committee member for many years.

Bridget Reilly (Kilberry)
This grand old lady had passed the 100 year mark when she passed away in March. Many of the Meath ‘49 heroes attended her funeral always remembering how she had catered for them in Brú na Mí Gibbstown while in “Collective” Training for the All-Ireland finals of ‘49, ‘51 and ‘52.

Mick Mongey (Rathkenny)
Mick who died in March aged 60 was one of the twin brothers who starred as juveniles with Rathkenny in the mid ‘50s. Mick (like brother Tom) went on to win Minor Championship honours with Boyne Emmetts. Later on he played adult football with Slane and O’Mahonys as well as his native Rathkenny. He was a Trustee of local Townsend Park and played a big part in producing the History of Rathkenny Club for Centenary Year.

Noel Conlon (Kildalkey)
Noel was in his ‘80s when he died in August. A useful hurling midfielder with Kildalkey back in the ‘40s he had to retire early due to a knee injury. He then turned his attention to the administrative side and was instrumental in the acquisition of Kildalkey Park in the ‘50s. He was a Trustee of the Park until his death. Also a loyal supporter of Meath football teams down the years, he was ever present in Croke Park at the big matches up to a year or so before his death.

Michael Smith (Cortown)
Mickey Smith was in his 80’s when he passed away in June. He had been a founder member of Cortown GFC and was Chairman for many years. He also represented the club for many years as County Board delegate and played a major role in acquiring the playing pitch in Cortown. His proudest moment came at the official opening of the pitch in Centenary Year. Mickey, a brother in law of former County Board Deputy Vice Chairman and Ballinlough clubman Frank Nulty also played a major part in promoting underage football with St Cuthberts.

Donal Kearney (Oldcastle)
A well known figure in the legal profession, Donal rose to become a District Justice firstly in the Dublin area and than the number 10 district which covers Meath.
An outstanding athlete back in the 30s and 40s, Donal was a key member of the Oldcastle team that captured Meath junior honours in 1944 and went on to compete against Skryne in the senior decider the following year. He usually lined out in the half forward line and was a first cousin of ‘49er’ Jim.

Jim Kenny (Nobber)
Older supporters will recall Jim as the man who rode his bicycle all the way from Nobber to Croke Park back in the 70s to support the green and gold. Jim’s bicycle was bedecked in the county colours and he was warmly hooted by supporters going and returning from the match. His reply was a good hearty hand wave. A scorching summer afternoon in 1975 was a bad day for Jim and Meath. The previous month the Royals had claimed the NFL trophy at Dublin’s expense but neighbours Louth caused a major shock in the first round of the championship. Later that evening Jim’s mode of transport was stolen outside Croke Park. Some years on the Nobber man received a bad injury from a passing car on one such venture and this effectively finished Jim Kenny’s near 100 mile round trip.

Others deaths during the year involving GAA families in Meath include -

PJ Cassells, Navan - father of Joe Cassells (former All-Ireland captain) and Oliver (County Board Auditor).

Mrs Marie Carry, Navan - wife of former Gaeil Colmcille, Drumbaragh and Meath player Paddy.

Henry Curran, Carlanstown - former Chairman and Committee member of St Michaels Club, part of a great St Michaels footballing family.

TJ Price, Castletown - one of a family of brothers who gave such great service to Castletown over many years, one, Pete playing for Meath regularly in the 50s/60s.

Mrs Nan White, Creewood Slane - mother of All-Ireland winner of 1967 Mick White.

Fr Jim Halpenny - brother of All-Ireland winner of ‘49 Bill Halpenny.

Matty Morris, Kells - played football and hurling for Kells Harps back in the 50s.

Padraig Curtis, Kilmessan - son of former Meath and Kilmessan hurler John, who lost his life in a motoring accident. Represented Kilmessan at all levels in the juvenile ranks and at U21, junior and intermediate levels.

Jim Brady, Ratoath - father of well known Ratoath mentor and former player Dessy.

Joe Drew, Slane - one time Secretary and County Board Delegate of now defunct club Newtown Blues (Grangegeeth).

Mrs Mary Dunne, Ardcath - mother of St Vincents County Board Delegate and former goalkeeper Dickser Dunne.

Larry Tully, last surviving brother of Rev Fr Tully former County Board Chairman.

Vincent Geraghty, Duleek - brother of Duleek official Eugene and Seneschalstown selector Ger and uncle of All-Ireland winning captain Graham.

Mary Brennan, England - sister of Seneschalstown veteran official Conor.

Mrs Margaret O’Callaghan, Boyerstown - mother of well known set of brothers who have served Dunderry down the years as players and officials and of course grandmother of current players Barry and Keith.

Brendan Farrell, Kilmessan - former Chairman of Kilmessan hurling club.

Toddy Boyle, Commons, Navan - former Commons player and an enthusiastic Meath and O’Mahonys supporter. Uncle of Finian Murtagh and brother-in-law of John Moran.

Mrs Mary Galligan, Oldcastle - sons Peter and John are staunch members and officials of Oldcastle GFC.

Lorraine Shanahan, Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick - girlfriend of All-Ireland winner of 1999 Hank Traynor. Lorraine was only in her mid 20’s and had accompanied the Meath team on the trip to Dubai before suffering the illness which was to prove fatal.

Helen McDonagh, Navan - a prominent member of Simonstown club particularly in the social and catering sphere and mother of well-known Simonstown official Gerry.

Kitty Dungan, Dunmore, Navan - member of well-known O’Toole family synonymous with O’Mahonys club. County Convention delegates have reason to be thankful to Kitty for looking after their welfare at the tea-break over many years.

Johnny McLoughlin, Dunshaughlin - staunch Dunshaughlin official and supporter over many years.

Christy Gorman, Kilmessan - was the veteran of the team when he lined out in goal for Kilmessan to regain the senior hurling championship of 1961 after a long spell in the doldrums.

Peter Blake, Curraha - deeply involved in athletics and community games, Peter had been PRO for Curraha GFC for a long period some years ago.

Frank Swan, Lismullen, Skryne - had played junior football for Skryne and hurling for the old Dowdstown club. An expert on all GAA affairs and statistics and a staunch Skryne supporter. His death was a very poignant one as wife Mary died one day later and two funerals took place at the same time in Skryne cemetery.

Tom McKeown, Kilskyre - a former official of Kilskyre hurling club.

Mrs Alice Brown, Martry - three sons played for Martry and Harps. One of the sons, Tom was also a well-known referee for many years.

Jack Grall, Baltrasna, Oldcastle - in his late 80s Jack had played for Moylagh in his youth and served as a selector in the 70s.

Bosco Kane, Navan - one of Meath’s greatest supporters. Despite all the successes of recent times his idol was still ‘67 hero Jack Quinn.

Colm Kavanagh, Bohermeen (24) who died tragically in September was son of former Bohermeen star Jim and nephew of well-known referee Paddy.

Bill Delaney (85) Laois - a famous footballer for Laois and Leinster in the ‘30s and ‘40s who also served as a referee and Central Council Delegate, was father of Donaghmore/Ashbourne Chairman Gerry Delaney.

Ultan Brady Boyerstown and Mullingar - played for the old Boyerstown club in the 50s and 60s.

John Gavin Navan - grandson of GAA enthusiast and Pairc Tailteann steward Martin Gavin.

Michael “Stoogie” Rennicks, Navan - played for Martry in the ‘40s and ‘50s. Brother of Referee Francie who died in 1999 and uncle of Ken and Dermie.

Christy Blake (92) Wilkinstown - a member of a family always deeply involved in GAA affairs. A keen Meath supporter all his life.

Mrs Mary Dowd, Dunshaughlin - mother of Val and Ger and grandmother of Graham and Trevor of the victorious Dunshaughlin team 2000.

Tom Farrell (78) Batterstown - A native of Galway, Tom was associated with the old Batterstown club and played hurling for Batterstown, Ratoath and Kilmessan.

Ned and Veronica McManus, Rathmolyon - The couple who died in tragic circumstances (an accident in the Sligo/Donegal area) were parents-in-law of well-known Meath and Rathmolyon hurler John Gorry.

Mrs Rita Caulfield, Carnaross - mother of former Carnaross player John and sister of Jack and Tommy Smith both of whom represented Meath.

Paddy Thornton, Dublin and Skryne - won Under 14 and Under 16 championships with Skryne in the 50s and played in Junior B final against Longwood in 1959. Resident in the city for many years. Died in September after a brief illness.

Danny McGarry, Gibbstown - died tragically in late October. Member of a family much involved with Wolfe Tones. Brother-in-law of Tommy Dowd and Colm Keyes (GAA journalist).

Alfie Nelson, Navan - died in late October after a few months illness. From a family deeply involved in O’Mahonys. Wife Rosie, is a daughter of the late Christy (Buffer) Ratty and sister of the late Harry, winner of 7 SFC medals. Alfie’s nephew Davy is the manager of O’Mahonys SF team.

Tom Wheeler, Ratoath - was involved with Ratoath through the 40s, 50s and 60s. A highly respected club member.

Betty Quigley, Ashbourne - nee Brunton - played camogie for Meath during the 1940s and won many medals.

Peter Cassidy, Kilbeg - won Feis Cup medal with St. Mary’s (Kilbeg-Moynalty) in 1937 and an intermediate with Carlanstown in ‘45. A founder member of St. Michaels and a life president.

Peter Blaney, Wilkinstown - a founder member of both Kilberry football and Wilkinstown hurling clubs.

Thomas Regan, Summerhill - a great follower of Kiltale and Meath hurling.

Joseph Curley, Moynalty - a brother of former Roscommon star and Cavan manager Eamonn, son Joey was a Moynalty regular for years.

Wayne Carroll, Carlanstown - tragically killed in a road accident. 19 years old, Wayne was a promising player with St. Michaels

Alfie Kearney, Kildalkey - a brilliant hurler with Kildalkey over 50 years ago.

Brendan Coyle, Bohermeen - a regular at Bohermeen matches

Harry Hobbs, Dunboyne and London - played hurling and football with his native Dunboyne. Always kept a close eye on Meath matches.

JJ Ward, Clonee - Well known historian and businessman, JJ, like his father before, provided a field for the local team.

Jimmy Kearney, Athboy - a keen hurler and footballer with Kildalkey in his youth, Jimmy was an avid follower of the Meath football team.

Paddy Gore, Rathkenny and London - loved to read about the Meath GAA scene.

Patrick “Pa” Geraghty, Garlow Cross - rarely missed a Meath match

Alfie O’Reilly, Navan - a great worker for Navan O’Mahonys and was on the Fair Green for every Meath homecoming since ‘49.

Jim Coulter, Navan - a native of Donegal, Jim became deeply involved with Simonstown and especially their badminton section on moving to Navan. Sons play underage football with Simonstown.

Mary Brennan, Julianstown - a staunch follower of the Meath footballers.

John Browne, Athboy - a skilful hurler, John’s brother Tommy was a member of the victorious Meath minor hurling team of 1929.

Michael De Lacy, Ballivor - A keen supporter of Ballivor and was involved on the club’s lotto committee.

Fr James Bird, Kilmessan - a native of Kildalkey, amongst his ordination class mates was the late great Fr Packy Tully. Parish priest of Kilmessan from 1974 to ‘96, James was a great follower of the local hurlers.

Patrick Fay, Robinstown - attended the Meath-Mayo final of ‘96 while 89 years of age. In his younger days played for Tullaghanstown, Boyerstown and the Navan De La Salle.

James Brady, Bective - a grand uncle of Trevor Giles, James was an ardent follower of Navan O’Mahonys.

Pat Matthews, Drumconrath - a very popular figure around north Meath, his sons Pat, Tom and Gerard gave great service to Meath Hill and wore the county jersey on various occasions.

Sean Ludlow, Duleek - a member of the great Duleek team of the early 1940s. Sean was also a regular on Meath teams around this time.

Michael White - a native of Kilskyre and, although living in Delvin, followed the fortunes of his native county for 60 years.

Fr Patrick Stewart - retired parish priest of Moynalvey-Kiltale, Fr Patrick got involved in GAA clubs on his arrival in the various parishes he served. These included Navan, Bohermeen, Kilcloon and Summerhill.

Dessy McDonnell, Carnaross - a member of an old north Meath family which has given great service to Ballinlough and Carnaross clubs.

Kit Shaffrey, The Commons - In his younger days travelled around Ireland supporting Meath.

Christopher Lynagh, Athboy - a number of grandsons play with Athboy and Simonstown.

Eileen Swatman, Dunsany - the mother of former Dunsany and now Bective official Bobby.

Brian Smyth, Navan - a dedicated supporter who acted as a steward at games for many years.