Meath Obituaries 2005

Larry Kearns (Slane)
An ongoing sense of loss still dwells over the parish of Slane, as the community attempts to come to terms with the untimely and unexpected death of Larry Kearns (59).
The late Larry was indelibly linked with Slane, and perhaps especially with Slane GFC. A familiar figure wherever gaelic football was played in Meath, the deceased was renowned for kindness, generosity, straight talking and honesty.
At work he was a valued agent for Jones Oil and cut a distinctive figure on the roads of Meath, Louth and North County Dublin. In Slane he was a one man recruitment agency!
Though the myriad of contacts developed between business and sports no young man or even woman from the area was left without employment for too long. Larry Kearns was a fixer in that regard and a nod from him to an employer was better than any reference.
As a footballer, he rose to the highest level and was an integral part of the Meath panel that won the Leinster championship and contested an All-Ireland Final against Galway in 1966.
He also lined out regularly in the NFL and O’Byrne Cup matches and had the distinction of playing at Wembley in 1966, the year the World Cup Final took place there.
At club level he achieved the highest honour locally when winning a Keegan Cup medal with Seneschalstown in 1972. Four years previously he had started at midfield for Slane when they won the IFC, defeating Bohermeen in the final.
The curtain came down on his playing career when he was full back for the Slane side that won the Junior B FC in 1983. But that was only half the story.
When he retired from playing, he took up a selector’s role with Slane and brought to it all the passion and commitment and drive that had hallmarked his playing days,
He was a driving force on the sideline as Slane again captured the IFC in 1984 and contested senior semi finals in 1987 and 1995. He also took time out to steer Slane to an under 21 title in 1987.
Away from the cut and thrust of football, he enjoyed other sports such as horse racing and had recently taken, with some success to mastering the intricacies of the local golf courses.
He was the captain of Simonstown Golf Society in 2001 and was preparing for his annual battle with the bookies on his regular trip to Cheltenham at the time of his passing.
A devoted family man, he married Joan in 1970 and they were blessed with five children - Helen, Emer, Sharon, Declan, the current Slane intermediate captain, and Caroline. They will miss his presence, wit and banter more than anybody. That was the thing about Larry Kearns, whatever he did he enjoyed it.
Victory and defeat were treated the same, and although the smile was more readily forthcoming if a win had been achieved it didn’t take too long to surface even after a setback.
The passing of Larry Kearns has left a void in GAA circles not alone in Slane, but in Meath that will prove almost impossible to fill. In his case it can truly be said we will never see his likes again.
To Joan, Helen, Emer, Sharon, Declan and Caroline we offer our deepest sympathies, also to his sister Bernadette, brothers Sean, Martin and Ritchie.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam
Slane GFC

Brigid Donnelly (Kilmessan)
A number of sporting fixtures were postponed as a mark of respect to the late Mrs Brigid Donnelly, Kilmessan, whose funeral took place in the village.
The deceased was a member of the Curtis family, Riverstown and was a camogie player and administrator and was also a matriarch of a well known sporting family.
Despite suffering a stroke over 20 years ago which left her without the power of speech and semi-incapacitated, she maintained an interest in all GAA sports and was a regular at Croke Park when Meath were playing, as well as local games in which members of her family were participating.
She passed away suddenly and peacefully at her home.
Mrs Donnelly was among those honoured at a function in Walterstown GAA centre last November as a member and captain of the Meath camogie team that won the Leinster Junior Championship,
She was also captain of the Kilmessan team that won the county championship in 1964, and won many league medals. In 1993, she joined the club’s Hall of Fame.
As an administrator, Brigid has been chairperson of the Kilmessan club, and assistant secretary and secretary of Meath Camogie Board. Mrs Donnelly was also a member of the selection committee of the Meath Camogie Board and often refereed matches throughout the county.
She was also an accomplished badminton player with the Skryne club in the late 1970s and was part of the Dublin and Meath mixed leagues.
Brigid married former Meath footballer Dinny Donnelly, whose family run the well-known victuallery business in Kilmessan, and their sons and daughters have all represented Meath, Skryne, Kilmessan hurling and camogie clubs and Dunsany GFC.
Fixtures involving the Skryne club and the Meath hurling team were postponed as a mark of respect.
Mrs Donnelly is survived by her husband, Dinny, family Willie, Paul, Ann, Tony, David and Aileen, son in law Peter Gorman, daughter in law Mary, grandchildren, brothers Pat Curtis, Trim, John Curtis, Riverstown, sisters, Peg Curtis, Navan, Kathleen Courtney, USA and Amy Harlin, Kilmessan, sisters in law Marie Martin, Moattown, Kildalkey, Ann Curtis, Riverstown, brother in law, Johnny Harlin, nephews, nieces and many relatives and friends.
Members of the Meath camogie teams of the 1960s as well as past and present members of the Kilmessan club, formed guards of honour at her removal and funeral ceremonies.
Her funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity, Kilmessan, to the adjoining cemetery.
- Kilmessan HC

Paddy Beggan
(Oldcastle/Drumree)
The death occurred on Christmas morning of Paddy Beggan, Smithstown House, Drumree, who was a well known Meath footballer, businessman and farmer.
Mr Beggan was a member of Meath’s first ever team to take part in an All-Ireland senior football final in Croke Park. The recent death in Galway of Kevin Devin leaves the captain, Moynalty’s Mattie Gilsenan, as the only surviving member of the team that played that day, in addition to panel member Bill Halpenny.
Mr Beggan played his early football with Ballinlough and Carnaross, but is best known for his association with Oldcastle, and played junior football with Meath in 1935. He joined senior colleagues for National League and challenge matches before making his senior championship debut three years later.
He recalled getting his first run as a substitute for Tommy ‘Boiler’ McGuinness at full back, and winning two Leinster titles and a National League medal with Meath. A controversial Kerry goal in that 1939 final “has been well rehearsed since” he said in an interview 10 years ago.
“In the last five minutes of the game, a high ball came in. Boiler and Dan Spring were locked in one another and could not jump. I was behind them and saw the situation. Should I have taken the ball? I changed my mind a few times. I was sure I would have got it. I didn’t jump and was afraid that the ball would have went to the right and my man Landers would have booted it into the net.”
The ball went to the left side where Charlie Sullivan was being marked by Pat Donnelly, and Sullivan booted it into the goal. “Kerry won by two points. I will never forget that ball. If I had taken it, Meath would have won their first All-Ireland.”
That 1939 All-Ireland team featured players like Mark Clinton, later to become a Fine Gael government minister and MEP, Pat and Tony Donnelly, and Jack Cummins, father of LMFM sports broadcaster, Brendan Cummins. The Kerry player Dan Spring was later a TD and father of former Tanaiste, Dick.
Mr Beggan recalled picking up Jim Kearney, Hughie Lynch, Kevin Devin, Mattie Gilsenan and Mark Clinton for training on his way from Oldcastle to Navan. Most of the 1939 team had retired by the time Meath eventually won their first All-Ireland in 1949, but Peter McDermott, who was on that 1949 team, recalled being introduced onto the panel in 1940, when he had to mark Paddy Beggan in trial games.
“You had to earn a kick of the ball off him,” recalled Peter later. “My schooling under the tutelage of Paddy Beggan was a major contributory factor to my 14 year spell on the Meath team.”
Paddy Beggan and his wife Brona moved to Smithstown House in 1956. He was involved in the motor trade, and had businesses in Navan, Kells, Dublin and Liverpool, as well as an extensive cattle farm at Smithstown.
The family was also involved in horses and a son, Ronnie, became a successful jockey in Britain. Last year Minister Noel Dempsey was at Smithstown to open the Beggan family’s new business there, the Royal Meath Equestrian Centre.
Mr Beggan devoted much of his later life to his business, farming and equestrian interests, but was always delighted to mark a Meath success on the GAA fields.
He was on hand when Tommy Dowd visited Dunshaughlin with the Sam Maguire trophy in 1996, and when the Meath team were training at Dunsany in preparation for the 2001 final, he was happy to talk to RTE about his footballing memories in an interview recorded at Smithstown.
Deceased is survived by his wife, Brona; daughter, Avril; sons, James, David and Ronnie, and other family members.
The funeral took place from the Church of St. Patrick and Seachnall, Dunshaughlin, to Dunshaughlin Cemetery. Rev. John Kerrane was the chief celebrant.
Courtesy of John Donohoe (Meath Chronicle)

Pat Hanly (Roscommon/Australia)
The death took place in Australia of Roscommon native Pat Hanly, who sponsored the Meath ‘Footballer of the Year’ award for the last 30 years along with Peter McDermott.
Pat became very friendly with some members of the Meath party that went Down Under in 1968 and retained the links since then.
He was responsible for sending a thousand postcards to people in Meath who had contributed to fund-raising to make the famous trip possible.
Eddie Colfer (Slane)
It is with great regret that we record the death of our dear friend and former club colleague, the late Eddie Colfer.
Eddie first arrived in Slane in 1946 and almost immediately settled into the community with relative ease. From that time on he gave generously of his leisure time to enhance the lives of many people in the parish with his wonderful contributions to organisations he worked with, with a particular interest in sport.
He was involved with a boxing club in the parish for a number of years and also made a valuable contribution to Slane Credit Union, being a life long member, serving on the board of directors where he was the longest serving president of the board.
He was also a member of the organisation of the national ex-servicemen.
With Slane GFC, he was an outstanding clubman, both as a player and official. In 1949, he was a member of the Meath minor panel.
He was a prominent player on Slane’s JFC winning team in 1952, playing at right half back in the final victory over Carnaross. Three years later he was left corner back on the Slane team which lost to Duleek in the IFC final.
He worked with Slane Manufacturing Co. Ltd for 28 years and was very much involved in factory league competitions, winning a number of county titles in the 60s.
After retiring from playing, he continued to be involved with Slane club teams and trained the side that won the IFC title in 1968.
He acted as club secretary for a number of years, before serving as chairman from 1972 to ‘78, successfully steering the club through difficult times before later becoming an Honourary President.
As the funeral cortege arrived for Mass in the local church, there was a guard of honour consisting of players from the 1952, 1955 and 1968 teams plus current club officers and committee members.
Eddie was a dedicated family man and a wonderful neighbour, always willing to give a helping hand and he will be sadly missed in the Slane community, where he did so much good.
To the entire Colfer family, we offer our sincere condolences on their great loss.
- Slane GFC

Ciaran Delany (Batterstown)
There was widespread shock and sadness in the parish of Batterstown, Kilcloon and Little Chapel following the sudden death of Ciaran Delany, aged 19 years.
A native of Batterstown, he attended Rathregan NS and, as a treasured member of Blackhall Gaels, he commenced his playing career in underage football and hurling tournaments in 1995 and ‘96 including the Paddy McHugh and Jarlath Carty memorial competitions hosted by his own club.
In 1996 and ‘97 he represented the club in hurling and football from under 11 up to under 14. Ciaran was a member of the Under 13 FL Division 4 winning side in 1998 and played in the under 14 championship and Feile hurling that year.
Ciaran lined out at under 15 and 16 hurling levels for his county in 2000 and in 2001 he captained Blackhall Gaels to win their first under 16 HC title. Also in 2001 he played a star role in Meath’s All-Ireland Under 16 B hurling success and was on his club team which reached the JHC final.
In 2002 Ciaran played minor hurling with his club and county and took part in the JHC won by Blackhall Gaels. He was a member of the team which won the 2002 Grade 2 HL in March 2003 and figured in that year’s IHC.
His last game for Blackhall Gaels was in the under 21 B hurling semi-final outing last November.
His talents were not confined to Gaelic football and hurling as he played rugby with distinction while at Castleknock College and featured on inter-provincial panels. Ciaran represented his club, county, college and province with passion and pride.
Blackhall Gaels GAA Club wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to Ciaran’s parents Gerry and Mary, sisters Niamh and Emma, brother Thomas and to his extended family and many friends at this sad time.
He will be sadly missed by all his playing colleagues, friends and supporters. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
- Blackhall Gaels GAA Club

Tom Monaghan
(Nobber/Kilmainhamwood)
Meath Gaels, especially in Kilmainhamwood and Nobber, were saddened by the death of Tom Monaghan, Cruistown. The late Mr Monaghan is survived by his wife Kathleen, sons Thomas and Daragh, and daughter Catriona.
Born in 1935, he played minor football for Kilmainhamwood and Meath, he also played for Nobber in the 1956 JFC final (played in 1957). He was the star midfielder and was ably assisted by his brothers, Jack and the late Jim, as Nobber lost to Oldcastle. The deceased worked in London before he returned to play with a very promising Kilmainhamwood intermediate side.
He was a member of the 1962 Meath Junior team who beat Cavan at Ardee in the ‘home’ All-Ireland final and then went on to defeat London in the final proper at Navan. His wife, Kathleen, keeps his medal as a very special memento.
He lined out on the forty for the ‘Wood in the 1964 IFC final defeat by Walterstown and 12 months later was back again in the final for a victory over Duleek.
The late Tom completed his playing days with Nobber and gave many years of stalwart service to the club. Personnel from the Kilmainhamwood and Nobber clubs formed a guard of honour as he was laid to rest.
Frankie McEvoy (Navan)
Another link with the Navan O’Mahony’s five-in-a-row SFC winning team was broken with the passing of Frankie McEvoy, after a long illness.
Apart from winning MFC medals with the De La Salle club, he captained Meath in two Leinster minor deciders, losing narrowly to Dublin in 1954 and again the following year.
Frankie also served as Navan O’Mahonys assistant secretary in the 1960s and in latter years was treasurer of the club’s juvenile section. In this capacity he organised the car park on big match days at Pairc Tailteann.
The deceased was a holder of four SFC medals, he played a key role in the 1960 success over Drumbaragh with an outstanding display at centre half back.
The following year he was a substitute on the team that completed the historic five-in-a-row while his late brother, ‘Lollie’ McEvoy, lined out on the defeated Trim side.
Frankie was also a founder member of the club’s golfing society and for a number of years ran a successful newsagent’s business at Brews Hill and also in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen, sons Francis, Raymond and Lorcan, daughters Sheila, Kate and Aoife.

Oliver Briody
(Ballinlough/Boston)
The Kerry football club in Boston has been left in a state of deep shock by the sudden, untimely passing of club stalwart Oliver Briody.
Oliver, who was only 67, joined the Kerry club in 1964 and went on to hold many key positions during his time, including chairman, manager, selector, delegate and player. Indeed, over the years, he became the heart and soul of the club. Oliver was the type of man who could always be counted upon to carry out selfless work behind the scenes or tie up loose ends. His immense contribution to the Kerry club in Boston is immeasurable. He also served in many capacities on the Boston North East Board over the years. A man who did not know the meaning of the word ’No’ when it came to GAA affairs, Oliver will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him. He truly was one of a kind. Right up to the week before his untimely death, Oliver was giving freely of his time bringing players to and from matches. Earlier this year, he returned to Ireland to join in his brother’s 80th birthday celebrations. Originally from Ballinlough, Kells, County Meath, Ireland, Oliver was beloved son of the late John and Mary Briody of County Meath, brother of Liam and Jack of Ireland, Joe of Canada, and the late Sheila Collins and Mary McNulty. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces. A memorial service and funeral mass was held in Boston on Friday July 22 and Oliver made his final journey home to be buried in Moylough Cemetery. Members of the Kerry football club provided a Guard of Honour at the removal and the mass was celebrated by Fr Dan Finn from Kanturk in Cork, who played against Oliver on numerous occasions. Fr Dan delivered a fine ten-minute eulogy to Oliver, during which he outlined the many attributes of a man he remembers as a great competitor and honest individual. As far as the Gaels of Boston are concerned, you couldn’t say enough about Oliver Briody. He was of a rare breed and people like him are becoming scarcer all the time, especially within the GAA scene in America. He is a tragic loss to his family, wide circle of friends, and to the Association. Away from gaelic games, Oliver established himself as a highly successful building contractor. As an employer, he was fair and honest and very easy to get along with. He was always prepared to offer work to football immigrants and was liked and respected by everyone who came in contact with him. A shy man in spite of all his achievements, Oliver carried a playful smile on his face throughout life. He never sought publicity or pushed himself into the limelight. That was the kind of Oliver Briody – selfless and kind to the end. As they said ’goodbye’ to one of their favourites, the Gaels in Boston gave him a great send-off and no doubt Oliver was smiling down from his seat in Heaven.
- Boston GAA

Tom Yourell (Dunboyne)
There was widespread sadness in Dunboyne and surrounding areas following the passing of Mr. Thomas (Tom) Yourell on Saturday, April 23rd.
Tom, along with the rest of his family, was a very widely known and respected businessman in the community, though it will be for his involvement in GAA circles in the area that he will be best remembered.
Tom was responsible for the first football team being formed in Dunboyne in 1947 when he approached Fr Pat Carberry and he went on to serve as Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the club and was also a very generous benefactor to the club.
Tom Yourell's contribution to Dunboyne GAA is immeasurable, perhaps his greatest legacy of all will be 'Tom's Field', which he gave the club use of over forty years ago.
'Tom's' represented home for Dunboyne GAA for many years, not only for fixtures but also fundraising events as marquees were erected for Fair Days, dances and the like and is still in use to this day while Alpha House, which Tom also owned, was the venue for meetings.
Tom liked nothing more than to sit on the old wooden fence, swap stories, meet the people and see the club's players get hours of enjoyment in his field.
Players like Brendan Reilly, Enda McManus, David Gallagher and Tommy O'Connor all began their careers in 'Tom's' and only days before his death he was delighted to hear of a big crowd watching the U-16's against Simonstown.
There can be no doubting that Tom's passing mark's the end of an era in Dunboyne. He was a helper, advisor, historian and, above all else, a friend to one and all.
He may be gone from us but the legacy and memories of Tom Yourell will live on in Dunboyne forever.
Deepest sympathy is extended to his sister Mary, all the family and a very large circle of friends.
St Peter's, Dunboyne.

Oliver Coogan
(Navan/Dunshaughlin)
A profound sense of shock and an overwhelming feeling of sorrow settled on Navan and Dunshaughlin as news spread of the sudden death of Mr Oliver Coogan, 25 Beechmount Avenue, Navan, a highly popular and much respected teacher in Dunshaughlin Community College.
Aged 52, Mr Coogan, or Ollie to his many friends and acquaintances, died after taking ill at his home on Wednesday afternoon. His untimely demise was as sudden as it was shocking and has left his family, friends, teaching colleagues and his students reeling as they tried to come to terms with the loss of a man who touched the lives of so many young people who massed through his classroom during a career spanning over 30 years in Dunshaughlin.
Ollie Coogan was born to be a teacher, and he turned out to be one of his profession’s finest. A son of John and Julia Coogan who lived at Brews Hill in Navan, his father ran a successful general convenience shop in the area and his mother was a highly regarded teacher at Nobber Vocational School for many years. Ollie was educated at Scoil Mhuire, Navan and received his secondary education at St. Patrick’s Classical School in the town. He graduated from UCD and began a brief stint teaching at Kells Vocational school before being assigned to the then Dunshaughlin Vocational School in 1974, where he was to remain for the rest of his life.
History was his speciality and he had a deep and abiding love for the subject. Not only was his breadth of knowledge astounding, but also the forensic detail of historical minutia which he could recall relating to events that happened perhaps hundreds of years ago. What made Ollie Coogan unique, however, was his ability to impart this information in an interesting, informative and often entertaining way to his teenage students. One teaching colleague recalled last week how one could hear a pin drop in Ollie’s history classes as he held his students in the palm of his hand.
How much those students of Dunshaughlin Community College thought of Mr Coogan was evident last weekend from the scores upon scores of heartfelt testimonials and messages written by them which lined the walls of Room 4, Mr Coogan’s room. Words and phrases like ‘legend’ and ‘greatest teacher ever’ were repeated in so many of the hand-written notes that it is apparent Dunshaughlin Community College has lost someone very special indeed, a person who commanded unequivocal respect not only among his teaching colleagues, but among the student population as well.
Ollie had a particular love of Irish history which extended to his writing several books, the best-known being ‘Politics & War in Meath, 1913-1923’. He also wrote on the 1798 Rebellion in the county, in addition to a local history of Dunshaughlin, Culmullen & Knockmark. European history was his other forte and he delighted in taking his students to many of the famous World War II battle sites along the Rhine during school trips to the Continent.
Ollie was also able to see the benefits of new technology as it emerged in recent years and embraced wholeheartedly the world of IT, email, websites and PowerPoint as he transformed the way he taught history to his students in latter years. Some of his classes were as much lessons in technology as they were on Stalin’s Russia.
For many years he was instrumental in training GAA teams from the school at various levels, with great success. Indeed, the men who made up the Dunshaughlin SFC side that won the senior county championship in 2000, 2001 and 2002, were all put through their paces by Ollie while playing for various school sides at some point or other. At the time of his death, he was chairperson of the Meath Vocational Schools Football Board.
A mark of the man was that he always would ensure reports of his team’s games made it into the local newspaper in order to gain recognition for and to encourage his players, but he never was anxious to take any of the credit for their success himself. His instruction when the report was being faxed or emailed to the Chronicle would invariably be: “Leave my name out of it”.
Ollie was passionate about gaelic football in general and he never missed a match at Croke Park when the green and gold took to the field. He revelled in the glory days for Meath in the late 1980s and ‘90s and was despondent whenever the county side exited the Leinster or All-Ireland Championship.
In latter years, he became an inveterate traveller, particularly after meeting and marrying his beloved wife, Ann in 1995. Together, they visited many of the beautiful cities of central and eastern Europe, the Baltics and Scandinavia during the past decade. He also took up cycling and was often to be seen on the back roads of Meath, particular at weekends. He ran several marathons, too, in the mid to late 1980s, including those in Dublin and Galway.
Ollie Coogan packed so much into his relatively short life that it would take a book to record even half of it. A genuinely self effacing man who never promoted himself, even when he had good reason to, he always preferred to remain in the background. He loved languages - teaching himself German and Spanish - the Irish language, Irish music and culture and he was an accomplished fiddle player, but above all, he loved history. And he gave himself wholly and selflessly to his students during his 30 year career; nothing made him prouder than when his young charges achieved good grades in the Leaving and Junior Certificate exams.
Ollie is survived, in addition to his wife, by his brother, Tony, principal of Cortown NS, and other relatives, to whom deep sympathy is extended in their inestimable loss.
A guard of honour was provided by students of Dunshaughlin Community College at the removal of his remains from the Fitzsimons Funeral Home, Navan, to St Marys Church on Friday evening. Many present day students, and a great many past pupils, also were among the large attendance at the funeral on Saturday, bearing ample testimony to the esteem in which he was held. Burial took place afterwards in the old and picturesque Martry Cemetery, between Navan and Kells, from where his father’s people originated.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Betty Fox (Kells)
Betty was a member of the Fox family who have been actively involved with the club since its formation. She played pitch and putt to a high standard, winning many county competitions. Betty was also one of the original members of the ladies club.
Gaeil Colmcille GAA

Michael Lynch (Kells)
Michael was one of the characters of the club - and indeed of the town, always read with a smile and a yarn. He supported Meath through good times and bad, and travelled to every league and championship match. His presence will be sadly missed.
Gaeil Colmcille GAA

Tom Farrelly (Kells)
Tom was a staunch supporter of all local teams and never missed a Meath game - home or away. Following his return from England some years ago, he acted as umpire with many referees in Meath and the surrounding counties
Gaeil Colmcille GAA

Ann Connell (Kells)
Ann, with her husband Mick, have been members of Gaeil Colmcille for many years. She was a strong supporter of her club and county. Her untimely death after a short illness was a deep shock to her family and all who knew her. She was the grandmother of current Carnaross underage player Dean
Gaeil Colmcille GAA

John Reilly (Kells)
John was a lifelong club member who played for Kells Harps and Gaeil Colmcille. His particular strength as a player was at hurling in which grade he won numerous medals. John gave untiringly of his time and talents to the club where his many stories and witticisms will be retold for years to come
Gaeil Colmcille GAA

John Kenny (Wicklow/Moynalty)
Wicklow born John Kenny had a great love for gaelic football and took a keen interest in the fortunes of his favourite teams. Together with his late brother Patsy, he represented the Moynalty juniors during the 1940s/50s. His nephew Kenneth Nevin is a former player with Moynalty and current member of the executive committee
Moynalty GFC

Thomas Walsh (Moynalty)
Thomas was a fine footballer with the Moynalty juniors during the 1950/60s. With his late brother Mick, he was also involved with the no longer active Ughtyneill team
Moynalty GFC

Michael Lynch (Moynalty)
The village of Moynalty lost one of its great characters with the passing of Michael Lynch during the summer. He had a great passion for both hurling and football and travelled all over the country in support of Meath teams. His late brother Terence Lynch was a past captain of the Down county side with whom he played for a number of years
Moynalty GFC

Tommy Ludlow (Syddan/ London)
Tommy Ludlow died in London in February 2005. He made a generous gift of land in 1969 to Syddan GFC for a pitch. The club grounds and pitch since it was developed, has been named Ludlow Park after his family. A native of the area, he kept in touch with the goings on of Syddan and the parish despite residing in London. He also donated land to the parish of Lobinstown for a site to build the Church of the Holy Cross
Syddan GFC

Ted McConnon (Drumconrath)
Ted was a brother of Michael who played on our 1963 JFC winning team, and uncle of Keith, present underage player. Ted played with Drumconrath in the 50s and 60s before emigrating to England where he passed away this year
Drumconrath GAA

Maureen McDonnell
(Drumconrath)
Maureen passed away in September and was a follower of Drumconrath GAA. Both her sons Stephen and Jonny played with the club in the late 80s and early 90s
Drumconrath GAA

Brian Myles (Drumconrath)
Brother of present IFC player Jamie and underage player Daniel. Another brother Jody was part of the camera crew that follows Drumconrath football. Brian played underage football with Drumconrath/Meath Hill
Drumconrath GAA

John Daly (Castletown)
On the 1st of May 2005, Castletown GFC lost a great committee member and a dear friend in John Daly. John, a Garda stationed in Navan, played all his football at full back with Castletown and was a committee member for many years. He was often described as the gentle giant but in the words of his wife Marnie “his opponents may not have thought so.” He would arrive every Saturday night to the pavilion with his weekly club lottery tickets, right up to his untimely death at the age of 43 years. He is sadly missed as a club supporter, a member and above all, a friend. May he rest in peace
Castletown GAA

Colm Cooper (Drumbaragh)
It was with shock and sadness we learnt of the tragic death of one of our most promising and gifted footballers, Colm Cooper on Sunday 16th October. A sportsman of unbelievable talent, Colm was looking forward to playing in the under 21 semi-final for Drumbaragh later that day.
‘Coops’ learnt his trade at Drumbaragh NS and with the underage team in the parish, Round Towers, where his ability was apparent from an early age. An excellent soccer player, he played for youth teams in Kells, Dublin, Drogheda and Mullingar, winning numerous medals. He won an under 15 FC with Round Towers in 2000 and was an integral part of the victorious Drumbaragh Under 21 team of 2002, when only 16, lining out at wing half forward.
After a couple of years when he struggled with injury, it was in 2005 he really started to show his true potential on the field, while also taking his place on the Drumbaragh committee for the first time.
Anyone present in Athboy in July for the championship match with St. Ultans will never forget his sublime finish to the net from an audacious angle. Not many would attempt it, let alone finish it. Who can forget his display against Curraha in the league when he bagged two goals and a point as the Drums secured a crucial win. Perhaps it was fitting that his last competitive game for Drumbaragh was probably his finest when he showed his full array of skills. He scored at will, ending up with seven points, six from play, while also spraying passes around the field with ease and winning balls belying his stature as he ran the show from the centre half forward position, as the Drums defeated Clann na nGael in the under 21 quarter final.
Colm, whose father is club sponsor, always wore the green and red with pride and it was fitting that his coffin was draped in the club colours. The huge turnout at his home and at his funeral bore testimony to the esteem both he and his family are held in. The many gaels present, both old and young, who paid their respects, came from all over the county.
To his parents Billy and Kathleen, sisters Yvonne and Jenny, grandparents Jimmy and Mary, brother in law Kevin, relatives and friends goes the sympathy of all our club members.
His friendly nature and cheeky smile lit up everywhere he went. ‘Coops’ will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis
Emmet Druimbearaigh CLG

Kevin Ginnitty
(Drumbaragh)
The areas of Lloyd and Drumbaragh were deeply saddened at the news of the death of Kevin in April. From a great family of Gaels, Kevin was born and bred in the shadow of the Tower of Lloyd. Brother of County Committee Chairman, Fintan and well known local men Vinny and Noel, he was predeceased by his sister May at a young age. Kevin was a stalwart of central positions on Drumbaragh teams from the mid 40s until the early 60s. He became known locally as ‘The man with the shovels’, due to his huge hands. The many Meath gaels present at his funeral in Kilcullen, where he resided for many years, bore testament to the esteem both Kevin and his family are held in the Royal County. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam
Emmet Druimbearaigh CLG

Billy Boland (Curraha)
Curraha GAA Club lost one of its longest serving members this year with the passing of a loyal stalwart, Billy Boland. Playing alongside the great Peter McDermott, Billy was on the Donaghmore/Ashbourne Senior Championship and Feis winning team of 1942 before switching to play for Curraha in the mid-forties. Billy’s playing career may have been cut short due to an unfortunate shoulder injury but this did not deter him in anyway from committing himself as best he could to the game he loved. A dedicated GAA man (although he was known to wage a bob or two on the horses) Billy spent some years as Meath Minor Board Chairman and this experience enabled Billy to be in the position to always be on hand to give sound and much appreciated advice to both Curraha players and mentors. This important advice was much needed when Billy served on a couple of occasions as a selector for Curraha. His evident dedication to Curraha was greatly appreciated by our club and Billy was elected an Honorary President of Curraha in acknowledgment of this. Billy continued to attend all Curraha games up until his last year and his support and his qualities will be greatly missed by our club, Curraha.
Billy Boland was also heavily involved with Seneschalstown. Many in the Yellow Furze area regard him as the father figure of the clubs surge to the top of Meath football circles during the late 60s and early 70s. Billy was a selector when Seneschalstown gained intermediate honours in 1967 and again when the Keegan Cup was finally won in 1972. He also served as club chairman. His son-in-law Terry McDonagh played a pivotal role in that ‘72 success. Billy’s grandsons, William, Wesley and Darren McDonagh all played underage with Seneschalstown.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
Curraha GAA
Seneschalstown GAA

Kevin Connell (Curraha)
It was with great sadness that Curraha GAA Club learned of the sudden untimely passing of Kevin. He will be remembered as a great clubman, both as player and administrator. Kevin joined the club in 1976 and was centre-back on the team that won the Junior Football Championship in that year. He also served as a team selector and also as Chairman of the club and was instrumental in the purchase and development of our club grounds. In recent years his son Ken was a star with the Skryne seniors. Kevin will be greatly missed by his many friends. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

David Walsh (Kilmainham)
David’s involvement with Kilmainham GFC started from an early age when he was the team mascot. David rarely missed a game and he would visit the dressingroom with words of encouragement for the team and could be seen on the sideline handing out water to the players. A special young man, and a very popular supporter of Kilmainham GFC, his presence will always be missed at the games and outings, he was always there to join in the celebrations and to share the disappointments. David came from a great GAA family, his older brothers Joe and Jimmy played with Kilmainham and his brother Patsy, and his nephews Graham, Conor and Ian currently play. There was deep sadness at the passing of David. Huge crowds attended David’s funeral. Members of Kilmainham GFC dug the grave and formed a guard of honour. We all feel lucky to have known David and express our sincere sympathy to David’s mother Mollie, his brothers, sister and all the family His spirit still lives on.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam
Kilmainham GFC

Marie Morgan (Kilmainham)
Marie was a great supporter of Kilmainham GFC and a keen follower of the Meath team. Her late husband Paddy was a selector on the team that won the junior final in 1980. Her four sons, Donal, Paddy, Joe, Brendan and her son in law Tom Nelson played with Kilmainham.
Kilmainham GFC wishes to express sincere sympathy to Marie’s family and friends on their sad loss.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam
Kilmainham GFC

Jimmy Collins
(Batterstown)
Jimmy played football with both Kilcloon and Batterstown clubs. In the early years Kilcloon football teams trained and played matches on ‘Connells Lawn’ which was located on land owned by the Collins family
May he ‘rest in peace’
Blackhall Gaels GAA

Brian Staunton (Kilcock)
Brian, who died in a car accident this year, played underage football with Blackhall Gaels and was a member of the Under 16 football team in 2004
May he ‘rest in peace’
Blackhall Gaels GAA

Patsy McDonnell
(Ballinlough/Maghera)
Another link to the Ballinlough intermediate championship winning team of 1954 was broken with the death of Patsy McDonnell. He was predeceased by his brother Matty of 1949 and 54 fame.
Patsy later moved across the border to Maghera, where he played with the local Mac Finns. He was a founder member of Ramor Utd. where he served in various positions including chairman and spearheded the development of the impressive facilities on the Kells Road into Virginia. His eldest son Derek lives near Garlow Cross and in 2005 managed the Walterstown Under 12 team to Division Two honours.
A farmer, Patsy was also deeply involved in the Virginia Agricultural Show Society which he also chaired for some years.
His sons Derek, ex-Cavan and Ulster footballer, Brian, David and Kevin assisted Ramor Utd. to Cavan senior titles
Ballinlough GFC

Anna Lydon (Ballinlough)
The start of the year came with sadness to the Ballinlough area with the passing of one of our most flamboyant supporters - Anna Lydon.
For decades Mrs Lydon followed the fortunes of the Red and Whites from senior to the youngest juvenile sides. Sometimes accompanied by her teddy bear bedecked in the colours and rosettes and transported by Claire and Tom Ryan.
During games, some of her favourite terms such as ‘watch the hop’, ‘mark up’, ‘stay with them’ were heard at numerous grounds around Meath. Her son Raymond won junior titles in 1988, intermediate in 1991 and two Division 1 titles in 1997 and 1999. Great enjoyment was had by Anna in her son’s achievements. Her daughter Martina was a noted ladies player with Moylagh, winning many titles.
Grandsons and granddaughters can be presently found assisting Ballinlough, Carnaross, Moylagh and Moylagh ladies. She attended many of their games and one wonders where she found the time for all this support. Her last game was to cheer on Ballinlough Under 17s in Moynalty in December 2004, when they won the final.
Testimony to Anna’s popularity was the crowds that assembled for her removal and funeral mass. A joint guard of honour was performed by Ballinlough footballers and Moylagh ladies
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis
Ballinlough GFC
Moylagh Ladies

Gerry Bellew (Bellewstown)
Bellewstown lost one of its best known characters when Garry Bellew passed away just after Christmas 2004. Although Gerry did not play much football he was one of the club’s most loyal followers and was instrumental in the setting up of the local club in 1966 and served on the committee for many years
Bellewstown GFC

Paddy Brannigan
(Bellewstown)
Paddy Brannigan passed away after a short illness in his 90th year this summer. He won a Meath intermediate championship medal with Duleek in 1939, after which he rejoined the Bellewstown team which had reformed in the early 1940s. When that team went out of existence, the Bellewstown players threw in their lot with Young Irelands (Cushenstown) in 1949, and that year they won the Meath Junior Championship, with Paddy lining out on the forty.
In later years Paddy served as a selector with the Bellewstown team in the 1960s, and enjoyed going to see his extended family playing for many of the local teams around
Bellewstown GFC

Peter Black (Bellewstown)
The Hill of Bellewstown lost one of its greatest ever players this year when Peter Black passed away in June. He played his underage football with Duleek and won a Meath Minor Championship with them in 1960, in which year he also played with the Meath minors. Around this time, players from Bellewstown played adult football with St. Vincents, Ardcath and he lined out in the 1963 Meath SF Championship final losing team against O’Mahonys. In 1966, he was one of the main instigators in the formation of the Bellewstown club. Although no success was achieved in his time, they lost to Moylough in the 1968 junior semi final and there was no prouder man in Kells in 1986 when Bellewstown lifted the Junior A Championship.
After winning an All-Ireland junior medal in 1962, Peter played with the Meath seniors in the early sixties, but dropped from the inter county scene from 1963-1966. He was recalled to the panel in 1966 and won an All-Ireland medal in 1967. Following this he toured Australia in the memorable trip down under with the Meath team. Peter came on as a substitute in the first game for Noel Curran at full forward, played in the remaining three games and scored two goals in the process. He won his second Leinster SF medal in 1970 in the first 80 minute final.
Peter, a terrific player to gain possession, retired from football in 1971 due to a serous knee injury and following his marriage, went to live in Navan
Bellewstown GFC

Rosie Farrelly (Dunderry)
Rosie Farrelly, who died at 96 years of age, was a life long Dunderry supporter, as was her brother Pat (Rattigan), who predeceased her by a number of years. Her son Seamus had a long and distinguished career on the field of play and is the current vice chairman of the club
Dunderry GAA

Mary Martin (Dunderry)
Mary Martin from Lambay, Dunderry, the mother of Joe, Patsi and Dominic who do and have carried out sterling work for the club in promoting the games and whose daughter May (Grogan) is a frequent supporter of her son Enda in the Dunderry colours
Dunderry GAA

Jimmy McCormack (Dunderry)
Jimmy McCormack, Meadstown, Dunderry who died during the year in his mid 80s, was the last of his generation of fanatical Dunderry/Meath supporters. The last of his siblings to die, he was predeceased by his sister Margaret (Peggy), Molly, Paddy and Tommy. Tommy was a long standing chairman of the club and he and his brothers played for the club with distinction. Their children and grandchildren are heavily involved with Dunderry on the field of play and on the committee in a link that exceeds a century
Dunderry GAA

James Conroy (Trim)
On the night of Sunday 24th. July 2005 Trim GAA Club suffered a tragic loss when one of our finest young footballers, James Conroy, was tragically taken away in a car accident.
His contribution and loyalty to Trim GAA club over his 12 years as a player was enormous. For the last three years James was a member of the Trim senior football team. On the night previous to his accident he came on as a substitute against Dunderry in the Senior Football championship. On the day of his accident he had been to Kiltale GAA club to support the Trim Junior B and Junior D teams in their championship outings.
James was first brought to the GAA club by his parents Vincent and Kitty in 1993 at the age of seven. He quickly learned the skills of gaelic football and at this young age he displayed lots of potential and quickly came to the attention of his mentors as a young player of great ability who stood out amongst his fellow players. He took part in the club/school leagues and was on the winning team in 1994. He was also a member of the Trim U’12 Reserve football team of 1997 that won the Meath Championship. Even though only eleven years old he was one of the main players on the team that year.
In his fourteenth year he progressed onto the Meath U’14 football team. In the subsequent years he represented Meath at U’15 and U’16 level and played for Meath minors in the Ulster and Leinster leagues. At 17 years of age he was brought in to the Trim Senior Football squad and made his debut in the Meath Division 2 League Final against Blackhall Gaels in 2003. He made an outstanding contribution to Trim’s success that day and laid the foundations for a great career in the red jersey.
James also played football and hurling for St. Micheal’s National school in Trim and was on the school team that won the Cumann Na mBun Scoil hurling competition in 1999. He also played on all of the Gaelic football teams in his term at Boyne Community School.
Although Gaelic Games was his first love James proved to be an all round sportsman. He excelled at soccer with Trim Celtic and also spent a year playing with a Dublin/Meath selection and represented Ireland at an U’17 soccer tournament in Scotland in 2003.
James inherited his love for Gaelic Games from his mother and father who are both avid GAA supporters. To both of them we extend our deepest sympathy.
Trim GAA

Christopher (Kit) O’Rourke
(Kells)
From a well known Kells family, he played for both Kells Harps and Kilmainham in his younger days. Kit was also a long serving member of Kells Band

Mark Geoghegan
(Kildalkey/England)
Mark emigrated to the UK from his native Kildalkey during the early 70s. His family enjoy close connections with Kildalkey HC. A brother, Cecil, lined out with the Meath seniors while another brother, Jimmy, is a popular GAA correspondent with the Meath Chronicle

Una May (Ashbourne)
Nee Kelly from County Tyrone, Una married the late Jackie May, a star Meath footballer from the late 1930s, early 1940s. A sister of Una’s married Peter McDermott, another Meath great. One of her daughters married Johnny Logan of Eurovision Song Contest fame. She was predeceased by her husband Jackie in 1995

Mary Hesnan (Navan)
Mary was the sister of Francis and Paddy Ward, famous Gaeil Colmcille Kells footballers from the 1960s and 70s. Paddy is now actively involved with the Dunshaughlin club

Patsy Kennedy
(Walterstown/Navan)
Patsy was one of the most popular figures around Navan. A former Spicers Bakery employee, he later became a skilled home decorator. Patsy never missed a Walterstown or Meath game.

Patricia O’Brien (Navan)
Patricia was the mother of a well known Windtown family. A number of her sons and grandsons are heavily involved with Bective and Simonstown

Mary Kelly (Kiltale/Trim)
Mary was a great follower of GAA games and in particular the Trim hurling teams

Dermot Forde (Navan)
Dermot was a leading figure in the Meath political world for over 30 years. The fortunes of the Meath footballers were always close to his heart. His grandsons play with both O’Mahonys and Simonstown underage teams

Tom Murchan (Dublin/Moynalty)
Tom was from a grand old Moynalty family who are deeply immersed in GAA affairs

Christopher (Christy) Garry
(Ballivor)
Christy passed on to greener fields on Christmas Day. A player in both codes with Ballivor during his younger days, he was Vice President of the club at the time of his death. He also served the club in many other capacities, including that of Chairman. He was in this leading role when Ballivor captured the Meath intermediate championship, beating Moylagh after a replay in 1971. Later in the mid 70s when Ballivor officially opened their new grounds, Christy led the Artane Boys Band through the village to the pitch

Andrew Ryan (Limerick/Navan)
A native of Limerick, Andrew taught in St Pats Classical School from 1978 until 2003 and became a firm follower of the Meath football scene

Bridget (Bridie) McClory (nee Clinton)
(Crossakiel)
Nee Clinton, Bridie was the popular post mistress in Crossakiel Post Office for decades and came from a family involved with Kilskyre Hurling Club

Margaret Giles (Navan)
A very popular lady, Margaret was married to Edward ‘Ned’ Giles who is rated by many as Meath’s finest ever hurler. Ned also acted as Chairman and Secretary of O’Mahonys. Her sons Ronan and Eamonn were mainstays of the great O‘Mahonys team of the 70s and Ronan was goalkeeper and captain when the Royals captured the National Football League trophy in 1975. Eamon is of course, the father of Trevor. And like his grandfather but in a different code, Trevor could be described in years to come as Meath’s finest ever footballer. One thing is for certain, the late Margaret Giles was very proud of all her family

Patrick Keelan (Meath Hill)
Patrick was the last surviving member of an old north Meath family. Along with his brothers he was a vital member of the Meath Hill team which gained junior championship honours in 1942

Bernard (Barney) Collier
(Kells/Ashbourne)
Barney worked in the bar trade and was a great follower of the Meath football team

Michael Smith
(Ballyjamesduff/Navan)
Michael was a native of Ballyjamesduff but moved to the Graigs over 40 years ago. His son John was an outstanding underage footballer with Simonstown and of late has played adult football with Carnaross

Margaret Murray (Navan)
From an old Navan family, many of Margaret’s relations are involved with Simonstown and O’Mahonys

Patricia McCormack (Kingscourt)
Nee Carolan, Patricia played camogie for Cavan in her youth. Her sons Padraig, Larry and Sean all played for Meath. Sean was the goalkeeper on the All-Ireland winning Meath team of 1967

May Kealy (Rathkenny)
A name synonymous with this part of the county, May’s husband Tom is one of the trustees of the Rathkenny club. Her son Tony was a regular on the Rathkenny team for a number of years

John Wall (Rathkenny)
John’s son Sean is the well known Meath GAA correspondent for the Drogheda Independent. Sean played with Rathkenny for a number of years as did his brother Pete. John’s wife Julia was a sister of Meath County Board Secretary Barney Allen’s mother

Mick Garry
(Oldcastle/Rathkenny)
Mick was an active Rathkenny club member for a number of years. He worked for former Meath great Peter McDermott in Navan and rarely missed a Meath game

Elizabeth (Lily) Rooney
(Oristown)
Elizabeth was the wife of Sebastian (Sib) Rooney, a well known figure in Meath politics. A number of her sons played with the Wolfe Tones club

Thomas Stenson (Trim/Dublin)
Thomas, who lived to the ripe old age of 93, was a well known Trim hurler in his youth and could recall the day when the local priest had to be called to settle a dispute between Trim and Kilmessan

James (Jim) Long (Mornington)
Jim was a native of Kerry and amongst his relations in the south west was Kingdom football legend Tom Long. A great football follower, he was a brother in law of former Meath great Kevin McConnell

James (Tony) Wallace (Athboy)
James was a great follower of Meath teams and played with the old Martinstown club

Peter Flood (Boardsmill)
Peter was a huge follower of the Boardsmill and Meath teams, travelled to many games and possessed a great knowledge of GAA matters

Philomena McCarthy (Ballybay)
Philomena, who lived in Knocknamaddy outside Ballybay, was the mother of well known Walterstown GAA personality and Meath senior championship sponsor, Cathal McCarthy. Philomena, nee McNally, came from a family steeped in gaelic tradition. Another son Paul, played for Monaghan and she was proud to see all her Walterstown grandsons pull on the famous black jersey at senior level. John McCarthy won an All-Ireland minor medal in 1990 and an under 21 All-Ireland three years later

Rose Lodge (Longwood)
Nee Higgins, Rose’s family are involved with Boardsmill. Son Timmy was an excellent hurler

Robert Porter (Carnaross)
Robert was the father of John and the grandfather of current star Killian Porter. Killian was a Meath minor in 2003

Paddy Morris (Carnaross)
Paddy was the father of a large and well known Carnaross family, most of which have close connections with the local club. One of his sons Tony, played on various county teams, is still a current player and team selector

Anna Gillic (Carnaross)
From the Oakley Park area of the parish. All her sons were heavily involved with the old Dulane club and now the Carnaross unit. One of these sons, Eugene sadly passed away in 2004. Another, Aidan, has served Carnaross in every possible position, was an inter county referee and is the father of Meath All-Ireland hero PJ

Margaret Stenson (Longwood)
Most of Margaret’s sons have played with Longwood. One of these, PJ is current treasurer of the club. Another son, Eamonn, who has played inter county hurling, still togs out for the Kildare border unit

Tommy ‘Cogler’ Fagan
(Summerhill)
Tommy or ‘Cogler’ as he was popularly known, made a major contribution to Summerhill, both as a player and official. He played in goals when the south Meath club won the Junior Championship in 1953. In 1954 while acting as secretary of Summerhill, Tommy was chosen to play with the Meath juniors, despite being in his thirties at the time. He was later elected President of the Summerhill club

Larry Dwyer (Summerhill)
An outstanding full back, Larry was on the Summerhill teams that won the minor championship in 1942 and the junior title in 1953

Kevin Tynan (Oldcastle)
Kevin Tynan was a huge servant of Oldcastle GFC. A player in the 1960s, he acted as an underage selector and caretaker of the club. Kevin rarely missed an Oldcastle game, be it at under 12 right up to his beloved senior, sometimes intermediate team

Joe Dalton (Ballinabrackey)
Joe was a former Ballinabrackey committee member and was involved with various underage teams

Tom Swords (Ballinabrackey)
Tom served on numerous Ballinabrackey committees

Eamonn ‘Dev’ Duignan
(Ballinabrackey)
Eamonn, popularly known as ‘Dev’, played at centre half back for the Meath juniors and was a star Ballinabrackey club player.

Donie Flynn (Baconstown)
Donie, who died at a very young age, was a star hurler and footballer. He played junior hurling for Meath and gained a number of medals in both codes for the old Baconstown club

Mary Ellen Bailey
(Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon)
Mary Ellen was the mother of Mick and Tom Bailey - well-known sponsors of Meath GAA activities and the Blackhall Gaels club in particular. Her daughter Geraldine Cuttle is the Chairperson of the Ladies GAA in Ratoath and Mary Ellen’s granddaughter Leanne is a star player with the club.
We quote from the Western People
“The death took place peacefully in Roscommon County Hospital of Mary Ellen Bailey (nee Browne), Boho, Ballintubber. She was wife of the late Michael and was a member of one of the most prominent families in the parish.
Mary Ellen was truly one of the old stock, a lady who was raised in the ethos of rural Ireland and who had a great sense of place and belonging. She was good natured, kind and welcoming and a friend to many. Many were the great changes she witnessed in Irish life and society since her childhood days. She was a cherished wife and mother, neighbour and friend. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam.
There were large attendances at the funeral ceremonies on both days. A wake was held in the family home and family, neighbours and friends gathered to reminisce and share happy memories of Mary Ellen and reflect on her special contribution to the community life of the Ballintubber area.
Removal took place from the family home to St. Bridie’s Church with burial in Ballintubber Cemetery following concelebrated Requiem Mass.
She is deeply regretted by her family, Kathleen Frayne (Ballyhaunis), Rose McLoughlin (Cushinstown), Pat (Tulsk), Michael (The Ward), Geraldine Cuttle (Ratoath), Tom (Batterstown), Jim (Rolestown) and Mary Clare Quinn (Boho), sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, 38 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.”

Margaret Porter (Oldcastle)
Nee Kavanagh, Margaret’s family were heavily involved with the Oldcastle club for a long number of years

Katherine Kerr (Kells)
Katherine’s late husband Frank was Kells Town Engineer for a long number of years. Her sons were involved in a range of sports and one, also Frank was a star defender for the local Gaeil Colmcille

Patrick Coyne (Ratoath)
Patrick is the father of Paddy Coyne, a Ratoath club player

Mick Ennis (Ratoath)
Mick won hurling and football medals with the Ratoath club in the 1940s and 1950s

Mrs Everard (Ratoath)
Mrs Everard's family were heavily involved with the club in various capacities for many years. Her sons, the late Tommy and Peter were noted players while she is the grandmother of present player James Everard

Dan Daly (Ratoath)
Dan’s sons played with Dunshaughlin and his daughter Edel Daly is the present Ratoath club physio. His grandson Stephen is an underage player with Ratoath

Michael Boyle
(Roscommon/Ratoath)
Michael was a native of Roscommon. His brother Brendan runs the Ratoath club’s golf society. Brendan’s sons (Michael’s nephews) Kevin at under 17 and Emmet under 14, are star underage players. Emmet was a regular on the Meath under 14 side during 2005

James Farrell (Trim)
James was a member of Meath’s 1954 All-Ireland winning panel. He was an outstanding footballer and hurler in the late 40s, 50s and early 60s, winning a number of senior hurling titles with the town team. James was on the Trim team beaten by Navan O’Mahonys in the Meath senior football final of 1953, but was rewarded 9 years later when Trim won their only senior football championship title, beating Ballinlough in the final of 1962. In later years he was an avid follower of both Trim football and hurling teams.

Michael Treacy (Crossdrum)
Michael was a native of Westmeath and won a number of football medals with the St Josephs club in Terenure, Dublin. With his wife May he moved to Ballinacree in the early 1950s and the family became heavily involved with both football and athletics. His son Sean wore the Meath jersey at underage level and was a permanent fixture on the St Brigids team for years

Anna Wall (Syddan)
Anna was an avid follower of Syddan. Her son Kevin played for the club in the 70s and 80s and was also an outstanding Meath minor footballer

Ronan Coyle (Ballinacree)
Ronan came from a family heavily involved with the local St. Brigids club. An outstanding underage footballer, he was a regular on the Brigids team during the late 80s and early 90s.

Nicholas Halligan (Kildalkey)
Nicholas was a great supporter and went to all Kildalkey games

Moira and Tom Darby
(Kildalkey)
Moira’s sons Tom and John were heavily involved in the Kildalkey club. Sadly Tom died in October 2004 and Moira passed away the following December

Johnny Clarke (Kildalkey)
Johnny was the last surviving member of the Kildalkey team that captured the Meath junior hurling championship of 1943. He was only 18 years at the time

John Malone (Kildalkey)
John’s brother Jim was heavily involved in the Kildalkey club some years past

Seamus Sheerin (Athboy)
Seamus won a junior championship medal with Athboy back in 1955

Bridget Browne (Athboy)
Bridget was the wife of the late John Browne, a former hurler with the Athboy club

Paddy McKeogh (Dunboyne)
Paddy, who died tragically after an accident last February, was a great supporter of both Dunboyne and Meath. He was a regular attender at Dunboyne club bingo for many years

Hugh Gerrard (Crossakiel/Navan)
Hugh followed the fortunes of the Meath team at all levels. He was the father in law of well known referee Gerry McGivney and a number of his grandsons play with Simonstown Gaels

Eddie Clerkin (Stamullen)
Eddie played with St. Pats and is a brother in law of club registrar Pauline Clerkin

John and James Farrell
(Stamullen)
Sadly John and his son James died within a matter of weeks of each other. They were father in law and brother in law respectively to club hurling coach John Finnegan.

Grace Farrell (Stamullen)
Grace was the mother of Mary Davitt, St. Patricks club treasurer. She is the grandmother of Meath ladies footballer Grace Davitt who plays with the Dunboyne club

Mary Dowling (Stamullen)
Mary was the mother of Paul Dowling, a former St. Patrick’s club player. Her grandsons and granddaughters play with St. Patricks

Francis Campbell (Stamullen)
Francis played underage hurling with the St. Patricks club. His brother Austin also lined out with Pats hurling teams

Pat Rooney (Oldtown)
Pat was a sponsor of the club and was a brother in law of former Mayo All-Ireland great Jimmy Curran, who has provided St. Patricks with great service since coming to live in the area over 40 years ago

Anthony Haran (Stamullen)
Anthony was a former committee member and Honourary Club President. He is the father of former club star Tommy, grandfather of current player Mark and of Paul and Andrew, who played underage with St. Patricks.

Peter Fox
(Kilskyre/Killallon)
Peter was one of the main driving forces in the old Killallon club. His son Tommy played senior football with Ballinlough and was goalkeeper on the Kilskyre intermediate hurling team in the year gone

Joe Martin (Kilmessan)
Joe was a handy hurler and was a regular on Kilmessan junior teams of the 1970s. He was a big follower of the various Meath teams

Josie Smith (Kilbeg)
Josie was the wife of Christy Smith who was a former President of the St. Michaels club

Jim Keenan (Kilbeg)
Jim was President of the St. Michaels club. His son Donal played for the junior champions early on in the year before emigrating to Australia

Eileen Dunne (Skryne)
Eileen’s sons Cyril and Gerard played with the Skryne club

Christina O’Reilly (Kilberry)
Nee Mongey, a number of Christina’s sons have played with the local Wolfe Tones

Sarah Geraghty (Kilberry)
Sarah’s family were heavily involved with clubs in the area over the years. Michael was a former secretary of Wolfe Tones and was an outstanding defender on the St. Johns team (St. Johns and Gibbstown amalgamated at the end of that year to form Wolfe Tones) which won Meath Intermediate Championship honours in 1974

Bridget Halleran (Kilberry)
Bridget was originally from Clonbur, Co. Galway. Her son Sean was an outstanding player on the old St. Johns and present Wolfe Tones combination during the late 60s and early 70s

Frank Smith (Nobber)
Frank was a loyal supporter of both the club and county scene. His son Gene is a current committee member and a former Chairman of the Nobber club

Eileen Byrne
(Dunshaughlin)
Eileen hailed from Dunshaughlin and her sons and daughters are keen supporters of the GAA at local and county level. She was the sister of well known gael Patsy McLoughlin, current President of Dunshaughlin GFC
Dunshaughlin GFC

Christina Josie McCarthy
(Dunshaughlin)
Mrs McCarthy was 87 years of age and was a valuable member of Dunshaughlin GFC back in the 1950s and 1960s. After all games the club would play the jerseys were left in her house. She would wash and scrub them by hand and dry and air them and leave the jerseys ready for the next encounter. During the years in which the club ran carnivals, she was an active member of the ladies committee, working hard in the supper room. To her husband Hughie and family, the club extends its deepest sympathy
Dunshaughlin GFC

Sean Moran
(Mayo/Dunshaughlin/Kells)
A native of Mayo, Sean worked in England for a spell before returning to live with his wife, Nuala (nee Kenny) in Dunshaughlin. He played with the club during the 1960s and was left corner back when junior championship honours were gained in 1967. To his wife Nuala and family, the club extends its deepest sympathy

Dunshaughlin GFC
John Farrell (Ardcath)
John was an outstanding goalkeeper on the St. Vincents, Ardcath team that swept to Meath senior championship honours in 1955

Kitty Clarke
(Simonstown)
Kitty was a member of the well known Clarke family from Simonstown Lane. Brothers Joe and Mickey were founding members of the club which started off playing games in a field owned by the Clarkes in 1965

Tommy Murray (Na Fianna)
Tommy was a former secretary of the old Baconstown club during the mid 70s when the club house was built. A great clubman he was also termed the Memory Man such was his knowledge of GAA affairs past and present

Kevin Clarke
(Tuiterath, Seneschalstown)
Kevin was a great supporter of both club and county. His son Pat is the well known referee. Other sons Gerry and Joe Clarke also played with the Seneschalstown club as do Kevin’s grandsons Colin, Barry, Shane and Brian

Patrick Finnegan (Yellow Furze)
Patrick was a former player with the Yellow Furze club and a great supporter

Dermot Macken (Brownstown)
Dermot was a former player and Chairman of the Seneschalstown club. His sons Vincent, Kevin, Michael and Joe have provided great service to the Furze. Dermot’s daughters Bernie, Betty, Eileen and Angela all played camogie with the Kentstown club

Kevin Mongey (Seneschalstown)
Kevin was a former player with the club as were his sons Eric and Colm

Bernadette Mongey
(Seneschalstown)
Bernadette was the wife of James (Jamser) who was a life long member of the Seneschalstown club
Aurelita Farrell (Seneschalstown)
Aurelita’s husband Kevin was a past player and a Seneschalstown Club President in recent years

Breda Maguire (Kentstown)
Breda was the former owner of the poular Maguires in Kentstown and was a sponsor and great supporter of the club

Rose Quinn (Hayestown)
Rose, the wife of James, was a great follower of the Meath senior football team. Her son Martin and daughters Celine, Linda, Shirley and Martina all played with and supported the Seneschalstown club

Conor Brennan (Seneschalstown)
Conor Brennan was one of the earliest contributors to our Royal County Yearbook. He was, and rightly so for decades known as Mr. GAA in the area of the Yellow Furze which Conor lovingly labelled his parish. Whenever a GAA death occurred within the club then it was to Conor that all heads turned. And without fail, his words expressed in a glowing framework a very accurate account of the departed one’s life. Conor Brennan knew his history and loved the GAA. It is hard to write an obituary on Conor, where would one stop? How do you put on paper the deeds of this man? But perhaps an interview with local journalist Noel Coogan carried out some years back gets closer to the bone, obtains an insight into the great man and details some of his GAA involvement. We reprint Noel’s chat with Conor.
In many clubs all over the country there are men, who [although they may not have been great footballers or hurlers in their younger day, some may not have played at all] have contributed nobly to the rise of the Gaelic Athletic Association. One such "pillar" of the Association in Meath, undoubtedly, is Conor Brennan from the Seneschalstown Club.
Conor’s interest and participation in G.A.A. affairs dates back to the late 1920’s, and his dedicated work for his club for nearly half a century has often gained him the so appropriate tag of Seneschalstown’s "Mr. Football". This loyal servant of our national sports organisation must have gained many friends and admirers with his quiet and courteous manner plus his affable dignity as regards the wonderful part he played in the rise of the Association in the Royal County. Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Conor and spent a very enthralling hour with him as he turned the clock back and recalled some of the highlights of his "career".
He started off by telling me that he never played football. "I had the intelligence to know that I lacked the guts and determination to play gaelic football" he quipped. But off the field Connor Brennan certainly did not lack determination and one of his earliest memories is cycling to Croke Park back in the late 1920’s, particularly to see the wonderful Kerry v. Kildare clashes of that era. The deeds of great players of that time like John Joe Sheehy, Con Brosnan and Paul Russell from Kerry and Paul Doyle, Larry Stanley and Matt Goff of Kildare were recalled. Conor also looked back to some of the fine games between Meath and Kildare in those early years. "Great Meath players at that time were Mattie ’Buller’ Rogers, Charlie Cudden, Mattie Russell, Father McManus and Joey Loughran, one of the greatest midfielders of all time" I was told.
The first football team that Conor remembered in his native Yellow Furze parish was Knockerke in the late ’20’s but there was Gaelic football in the parish before the G.A.A. was formed. The present Seneschalstown club was set up in 1932 and since then Mr. Brennan has been involved in the organisation quite a bit. "Club work has always been a great pleasure and the club has won all the county championships" he remarked. Conor strongly objects to his parish being called Beauparc!. He related the following to me: "There is no such parish in the Diocese of Meath as Beauparc and the natives of the parish never gave permission to change the great Irish name of Yellow Furze. The name Yellow Furze goes back to the Penal Days when our forefathers attended Mass in a makeshift church down in the clumps of furze, just a few fields away from the present new Church. The pass word was "Are you going to the furze", to Mass, Confessions, etc., and so in 1826 when a Church was built the parish priest named it Yellow Furze. "I recall the esteemed G.A.A. writer Paddy Downey, stating in an "Irish Times" article, at the time of the opening of Seneschalstown’s new park, that it was a pity that the club ever changed from it’s lovely name of Yellow Furze (there was a team called Yellow Furze Grennans shortly after the G.A.A. was formed) and certainly yours truly can vouch for the same in the light of some copy takers in the National daily papers, attempts to spell and pronounce Seneschalstown.
Conor Brennan’s long association with the G.A.A. has left him with many happy memories and when I asked him what was his happiest day he picked out three "winning our first juvenile championship, our senior final victory over Navan O’Mahony’s in 1972 and the opening of our new park in1974. The latter occasion saw a great wish fulfilled with Kerry and Meath playing the opening match to honour a son of the parish, Fr. Tully."
The veteran Seneschalstown Gael does not think Gaelic football is as good as it was, say 25 years ago. He compared the standards as follows: "It has changed and is not as good now. We need to try and speed up the game and get the hand pass back to perfection. No, I do not agree with the Dublin style hand pass. Men like Peter McDermott, Frankie Byrne, Brian Smyth and Paddy Meegan should be asked to coach players in the art of hand passing. Also I would like to see the one hand pick off the ground introduced. It is a pity that some of the Australian football rules were not accepted by the G.A.A."
Again going back to the past Conor feels that the Kerry v. Galway All-Ireland final of 1938 was the best game of football he ever witnessed. He singled out Mattie Rogers as the greatest forward ever seen. Singing the praises of this fine attacker of other days he said "Buller could turn his back to the posts and shoot a point from as far out as 45 yards. Nowadays players have to take the ball in to the 14 or 21 yards line to score." Changing the subject to referees, Mr Brennan picked out Paddy Ratty from Navan as the best "man in the middle" in his time. Continuing he said: "We have some good referees in Meath at present, particularly Aidan Gillic , Liam Brady, John Ennis and my own clubman Tommy Collins." He selected the Navan Gaels combination of the late ’20’s and the early ’30’s as the best Meath team seen, quipping "it is a pity that there was no club championship in those days".
Conor has been a regular attender at Meath County Board meetings for the last 40 years and holds a proud record of having missed only one convention in that long period. When asked as to who was the greatest character at meetings he named the late Jack Callaghan from Skryne who was known to all as "Bundy" "and will always be remembered for his witty comments. Conor obviously has much regard for long serving County Secretary, Liam Creavin whom he described as "a wonderful fellow, civil on any question and always smiling." But "the greatest" in his book is Peter McDermott, who receives the following tributes from Conor:"As a player, you name it, he has won it. As a referee he was one of the best. Now he is a great official and speaker. Delegates could talk and talk but when finished Peter could "down" or pass a motion in a few words. His finest achievement was the part he played in Meath’s historic trip to Australia. I will never forget his advice when the question of the trip arose- ‘grasp it as it may never rise again’ and this he did."
While reluctant to single out particular Seneschalstown players he did pay special tribute to Ollie Geraghty saying "he is an example to all our players as a footballer and a sportsman." Then he paid tribute to the Seneschalstown supporters in the ’Furze and Kentstown. “Their support and interest has left the club with a first class Gaelic Centre. But without Fr. Seamus Mulvany it would never have been built."
Then I asked him for his views on Gaelic Centres and he replied: "The emphasis these days seems to be on youth. We need the youth and as such we should cater for them. But the parents and senior citizens must also be part of the scheme. Old Gaels like to be remembered and love to be brought together for a reunion." And what about modern music and bands? "I am always worried about the possibility of damage to the roof and ceiling but young people enjoy the ’noise’. The clubs should remember our official guide where the important words ’preserve our identity’ are to be found. Now that we are in the European Community we must protect our language, music and dancing or all will be gone" said Conor. In conclusion I asked Mr. Brennan if he would devote the same time to the G.A.A. if he had the opportunity of living his life over again? He said: "Yes, I would and maybe more time. The G.A.A. was the foundation stone of the 1916 Rising but now we seem to be resting on our oars. We tend to forget that there are still six counties to be recovered. Nobody seems to care, the Republican spirit of the G.A.A. is almost dead and we need more of the spirit of past years in our present set up."
There you have views on various matters from Conor Brennan, one of Meath’s greatest Gaels who is also a great Irishman and a gentleman.”
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.Lisa Callan

Sinead Ledwidge
Aimee McCabe
Clare McCluskey
Deirdre Scanlon
No list of ‘Friends we Lost’ during 2005 would be complete without the inclusion of the five angels who prematurely departed this life at the end of May. Some of the girls were keen followers and participated in GAA activities. A minutes silence was held prior to the Meath-Dublin championship game held in Croke Park some 13 days after the tragic accident. For the full 60 seconds a pin could be heard drop amongst a near 70,000 attendance as both Meath and Dublin people stood shoulder to shoulder in complete unity. Our deepest sympathies and the thoughts of all Gaels in Meath go to the families of Lisa Callan, Sinead Ledwidge, Aimee McCabe, Clare McCluskey and Deirdre Scanlon.