Paddy Meegan.

THE 'big red book' was missing but there were still plenty of surprises for the great Paddy Meegan as Syddan GFC hosted a 'This Is Your Life'-style show to honour its most decorated GAA star in the Newtown Country Club last Friday night.

The two-times All-Ireland medal winner recently celebrated his 90th birthday but looked about 30 years younger as he recounted great days in the life of a Syddan and Meath footballer to a captive audience.

Among the surprises was the reappearance of the ball from the 1951 NFL final in New York of which Paddy, who captained Meath that day, was once the proud owner.

That precious memento went missing many years back after being given out on loan. It was only located last week in time for Paddy's tribute night and was reunited with its shocked but very delighted owner during the show.

To read the full story see this week's Meath Chronicle.