County loses another GAA stalwart in Liam Creavin

One of the county's - and country's - longest-serving GAA officials, Liam Creavin, passed away on Monday night, aged 91. Mr Creavin was secretary to Meath County Board for almost half a century, and at the time of his passing, he was one of Coiste na Mi's honorary presidents. Mr Creavin first served as secretary of the Minor Board in the early 1950s and was also the County Board's first assistant secretary, a position he held when the late Peter McDermott, who passed away just two months ago, was secretary. He was originally a member of the Parnells club but when that club became defunct, he was a founder member of the Navan O'Mahonys club in 1948. He became club chairman in 1950, a position he also held in 1951 and 1952. He was elected as treasurer in 1953, a role he filled until 1973. It was, however, in his position as county board secretary that Liam Creavin contributed so much to Cumann Lúthchleas Gael in Meath. His arrival coincided with a bleak period in the county's football history. But three Leinster titles in the 1960s were the prelude to All-Ireland success in 1967 and the historic trip to Australia in the spring of 1968. The trip was a mammoth undertaking but his energy and efficiency, along with the organisational skills of Peter McDermott and Fr Packie Tully, ensured that the unprecedented task was such an outstanding success. The late Mr Creavin was again a key administrative figure when the county's next successful spell arrived in the late 1980s. This era saw the advent of regular all-ticket games, a new experience for a rúnaí. Despite the extra burden and an ever-increasing volume of hard work, he maintained his great enthusiasm and cheerful disposition. A native of Lucan, he grew up at Bective Station, where his father was a station master. His wife, Ita, is a sister of former Meath footballer, Frankie Byrne, and the couple had four sons: Damien, Timmy, John and Freddie, and a daughter Colette. Timmy, who died tragically at a young age, was an outstanding defender and won numerous senior football championship medals with Navan O'Mahonys. There were many great games and many great successes during Liam Creavin's time as secretary, and in an interview for the 2007 Royal County Yearbook, he singled out June and July of 1991 for special mention. "The four games against Dublin in the 1991 Leinster Championship were something else," he said. "It was a truly remarkable saga and an incredible few weeks." The Sam Maguire Cup made its way to the Royal County five times while Liam Creavin was secretary and he said that "winning All-Irelands brought so much joy. An All-Ireland is an All-Ireland. They are not easily won and each one is equally special. Each one during my time as secretary meant a great deal." By comparison, he said losing an All-Ireland final represented a massive disappointment after getting to the last hurdle. He held temporary teaching posts in Kilkenny, Carrick-on-Suir and Waterford and his first permanent teaching position was in Dublin. He commenced teaching in the De la Salle School, Navan, in 1953 and was principal there for nine years until his retirement in 1985. Throughout his 44 years as Rúnaí, Mr Creavin was ably supported by his wife, Ita, and family. Yesterday, Coiste na Mi extended its deepest sympathy to his family on their loss.