Death of legendary Meath footballer, Paddy Meegan

The death has occurred of the All Ireland winning Meath footballer of 1949 and '54, Paddy Meegan, of the Syddan club. Paddy Meegan played in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day on four different occasions in a six year period during a glorious spell for Meath football. He was aged 90 and had been in ailing health in recent times. In latter years, he published poetry and prose in 'From the Life Around Me'. After coming through the minor and junior ranks Paddy made his Meath senior debut in the spring of 1942. He won the first of four Railway Cup medals with Leinster in 1945 and shares the distinction with Micheál O'Brien of being the only two Meath men to have won four interprovincial medals. The groundbreaking All-Ireland win of 1949 will never be forgotten in the annals of Meath GAA history as the Royals shocked a three-in-a-row chasing Cavan outfit, 1-10 to 1-6, before a record final attendance of 79,460. Mayo proved too strong for Meath in the 1951 All-Ireland decider but there was consolation as Paddy captained Meath to a famous NFL success in New York, having beaten Mayo in the 'home' final. In 1954, he lined out at top of the right and contributed four points in the 1-13 to 1-7 All-Ireland final win over the Kingdom, who were hot favourites going into that game. In the preceding years Paddy had captained Leinster to Railway Cup success and also represented Ireland against the Combined Universities. Funeral arrangements Paddy is deeply regretted by his loving wife Olive, son Gerard, daughter-in-law Angela, grandsons Martin and Conor, sister Kitty, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Reposing at his residence this Thursday from 2pm. Removal on Friday morning, leaving the house at 10am, to the Church of the Holy Cross, Lobinstown, for Mass at 11am. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.