Meath GAA fundraiser and tribute in New York

Meath GAA Co Board, in conjunction with Kells native and New York businessman John Breslin, jointly-hosted a fundraising event during April to recognise the achievements of the former county team manager Sean Boylan and also to raise funds for the football team.

Breslin is a well-known supporter of the Meath GAA team and is also an enthusiastic horseracing fan.

The Kells man is a frequent visitor to many of Ireland's top racecourses to watch his horses running for Meath trainer Tony Martin.

The fundraising function took place at the well known Rosie O'Grady's in Manhattan with the MC duties performed by Simonstown Gaels clubman and former Meath Chronicle reporter Colm Keys.

Keys, now a top writer with the Irish Independent, displayed a real flair for the role and the audience was treated to video footage of Boylan's managerial tenure, from the 1984 Centenary Cup win in to the 1999 All-Ireland success.

Boylan was joined on stage by former Meath stars Bernard Flynn and Colm O'Rourke who regaled the audience with stories from their playing days.

Co Board officials also attended the event and chairman Conor Tormey addressed the audience while current Meath senior football manager Andy McEntee outlined the prospects for the forthcoming championship campaign.

'The fundraiser was a major success for all concerned and Meath GAA are indebted to the generosity and support of all that were present on the night,' commented a Meath Co Board spokesman.

'A special mention must go to John Breslin and Ronan Murphy from Kells and to Mike Carthy, owner of Rosie O'Gradys, for his hospitality,' he concluded.