Sorry to report the passing of Paddy Fitzsimons, a man of great achievements on the field of play and one of the most recognisable gentlemen around our largest town.

Gaelic Games were a significant part of the late Paddy Fitzsimons' life. First as a player with Navan O'Mahonys. Later his public house on Trimgate Street was a post-match destination for countless fans.

Along with his brother Jim, later TD, MEP and briefly government minister, Paddy played on the Navan O'Mahonys teams that claimed five consecutive Keegan Cup titles in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Paddy's achievements on the pitch culminated in 1963 when he was captain of the team that claimed a sixth SFC title in seven years. .

While still a minor, Paddy was drafted into the team for the 1956 Feis Cup final win over Syddan, joining Jim in attack. 

He left his mark by setting up Jim for O'Mahonys' second goal in a 2-8 to 2-2 win. That same year Paddy helped the club's second team win the intermediate football championship with a decisive final replay victory over Dunshaughlin

Wearing the number 12 jersey, Paddy joined Jim in the half-forward line for the minimum margin, 0-11 to 1-7 win over Skryne in the 1957 SFC final.  A last gasp Colm Hilliard point the deciding score. Later in the year the Feis Cup was retained with a final win over Ballinlough.

Jim and Paddy were on the pitch for the 1958 SFC final against Skryne at Kells that finished level, 1-5-each.

The Keegan Cup was retained with seven points to spare in the final replay, again at Kells, 2-6 over 1-2 the scoreline.. Paddy's second-half goal effectively ensured retention of the title by the Brews Hill outfit.

Later in the year the Fitzsimons brothers were on the score sheet as O Mahonys made it four Feis Cup titles in a row with a convincing win over Ballivor.

Paddy and Jim's brother Tom (now deceased) were all part of the panel for those SFC and Feis Cup successes.

Nevertheless Paddy was the sole Fitzsimons on the starting XV when O'Mahonys made it three SFC titles in a row at Trim with a single point win over Skryne in the 1959 decider, 1-9 to 2-5 at the finish. A couple of late Skryne goals had the Tara men level but Patsy Ratty's point was the games final score.

Paddy and Jim were again involved in 1960 when a big win over Drumbaragh secured a fourth Keegan Cup win in a row. 

When O'Mahonys made it five-in-a-row in 1961 with victory over Trim, the brothers were again on the score sheet, 1-8 to 0-8, in a low scoring game. Paddy posted two points while Jim's second-half goal was the difference.

The Fitzsimons' brothers and their team mates were eliminated from the 1962 SFC when falling by the narrowest margin to Skryne, 1-6 against 1-5, in the second round. 

Then the Meath senior championships was on a knockout system. The referee admitted that he played three minutes short. O Mahonys objected but the result stood. How close the Brews Hill men and Paddy Fitzsimons came to seven titles in a row.  

Paddy, as captain, and Jim completed their tally of SFC medals in 1963 when O'Mahonys won their seventh SFC title with an easy win over St Vincent's.

Paddy Fitzsimons had one more SFC final appearance. But, it was a losing one, to Kilbride, in 1967.

Paddy also served on the club's executive committee, including a term as secretary. Along with Jim, Paddy played on the county team.

A great footballer, businessman, family man. People of Paddy Fitzsimons' ilk are indeed a rarity. 

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. 

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