Matty McDonnell, Ballinloughs greatest ever footballer. An All Ireland medal winner as a 19 year old in 1949 and again in '54. First on the scoresheet against Cavan in '49. Numerous Railway Cup selections, chosen on Ireland teams which competed against the Combined Universities during the early 50's. His goal proved vital as Meath won the NFL title in far away New York in late 1951. Led Ballinlough to the Meath intermediate title in 1954. Bad knee injuries brought an early ending to an outstanding career. But Mattie McDonnell returned to manage his beloved club and despite on going health problems guided Ballinlough to the 1988 junior title.

Sadly Mattie passed away at the young age of 64 in 1994. His family presented the Matty McDonnell Cup to the Meath County Board. And each year the winner of the Intermediate Football Championship receives this splendid trophy.

Our pic reads from left, Matty comes to the aid of the Man in the Cap Peter McDermott during one of the mighty battles with neighbours Cavan. The Matty McDonnell Cup which will be heading either Ballinabrackey or Ballinlough direction in 2014. And extreme right, Gary McDonnell, Matty's son, will be a selector with Ballinlough on Sunday.

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