Shocked and saddened to tell readers of the sudden death of Fine Gael politician Shane McEntee.

Shane was part of a great Nobber, north Meath, GAA family. All the McEntee brothers played football, Gerry winning All Ireland medals with Meath in 1987 and 88. Andy McEntee is the present manager of the Meath minor football team.

Shane usually lined out in the left full back position for his club but in local GAA circles became better known as a manager and enjoyed numerous successes in this role with many clubs , guiding Ballinlough and Syddan to Meath intermediate triumphs. He also spent a stint in charge of the Meath minors.

The McEntee family were always involved with Fine Gael and it was no major surprise when Shane was first elected to the Dail as a TD for Meath in 2005, replacing John Bruton in a by-election.

Shane McEntee was re-elected in 2007 and again in 2011 in the new constituency of Meath East. His star continued to rise amongst the Fine Gael ranks and at the time of his death he was Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture.

Shane only celebrated his 56th birthday on Wednesday December 19th

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