GAA community in mourning at the passing of Fintan Ginnity

The GAA community in Meath is in mourning today following the death of former Co Board chairman Fintan Ginnity. 

Mr Ginnity served as chairman of the Meath Co Board from the mid 1980s to 2005 and oversaw the most successful spell in Meath football when four All-Ireland SFC titles were won by teams managed by Sean Boylan. 
There was also success at minor, junior and u-21 levels. 

Born in 1928 Mr Ginnity was also a driving force  in the redevelopment of Pairc Tailteann and development of the centre of excellence in Dunganny. 

He is widely regarded as one of the best ever chairmen of Meath GAA because of his commitment to the cause of promoting Gaelic games, as well as his vision and foresight.  

He was seeking his 21st year as chairman in 2005 when he lost by one vote (80 to 81) to Brendan Dempsey. Mr Ginnity accepted his defeat graciously. He also thanked all concerned for 20 great years.

He said he worked by the rulebook treating everyone the same for the good of the GAA. As he finished his speech and stepped away from the top table Mr Ginnity received a standing ovation. 

 Mr Ginnity won a number of awards for his commitment and dedication to the GAA. In early 2009 he was presented with the 2008 Meath GAA Hall of Fame award at the Trim clubhouse.

 In 2014 he was greatly surprised to receive the Meath Sports Awards Hall of Fame in the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, receiving a standing ovation from the 350 guests. 

Also 2011 he also recieved a President's Award at a special function in Croke Park. The award was presented to those who gave long-standing service to the GAA. 

Mr Ginnity was also a driving force behind the formation of the Gaeil Colmcille GAA club in the 1960s. 

"Fintan was a powerful, honest, direct, great GAA man who treated everyone fairly and equally. He was just a great, great GAA man," commented Gaeil Colmcille's Benny Reddy. 

Cllr Tommy Reilly described Mr Ginnity "as a great chairman who did a great deal for the GAA in the county."

Mr Ginnity is suvived by his wife Peig and their immediate family of five.