‘There is always something you should target’
Image 1 of 14
Happy warriors. Some of the Athboy Celtic stalwarts who were in attendance for the club’s recent celebrations were (from left) Mick Ennis, Ken Ennis, Ray Ryan, Kevin McGrath, Eamon Mahon, Seanie McGovern and (front) Brendan McGovern. PHOTO: GRACE HALTON.Image 2 of 14
Home is the hero. Republic of Ireland international Jamie McGrath with Clodagh Miggin and mother Eimear. PHOTO: GRACE HALTON.Image 3 of 14
Former Athboy Celtic players came out in force for the club’s recent celebrations (from lef) David Wright, Christy Leavy, Brian O’Connor, Paddy Foy, Padraig McDonagh, David Martin , Johnny Maguire.Image 4 of 14
Enjoying themselves at the official opening the Athboy Celtic’s new facilities were (from left) Bernard Mullen, Micheal McDonagh, Bobby Connell, Eamon Mahon.Image 5 of 14
At the Athboy Celtic get-together were (from left) Eamon Doherty, Mick McKenna, Paul Doherty, Marie Rispin. PHOTO: GRACE HALTON.Image 6 of 14
The cup that cheers. In attendance at the Athboy Celtic event were (from left) Seamus Flood, Lily Mangan, Martin Mangan and Joan Bethany.Image 7 of 14
Cutting the ribbon at the official opening of Athboy Celtic’s new clubhouse were (from left) club stalwart Mick Ennis, Jamie McGrath and chairman Bernard O’Byrne.Image 8 of 14
Two ladies at the Athboy Celtic event were Alma McGlorey and Orla Kennedy.Image 9 of 14
In attendance for the Athboy Celtic official opening of their new clubhouse were (from left) Franki Brogan, Martin Mangan and Fr Padraig McMahon.Image 10 of 14
At the Athboy Celtic reunion were (from left) Ray Ryan his daughters Anna and Sarah and Jamie McGrath.Image 11 of 14
Among those who attended the Athboy Celtic event were (from left) Fiona Whelehan, Pauline Ennis, Emma Jane Ennis, Noreen Whelehan, Brenda McGrath.Image 12 of 14
Jamie McGrath with Athboy hurling legend Pat Ennis.Image 13 of 14
The ladies who made sure everyone had a cup of tea and something to eat at the Athboy Celtic launch were (from left) Katie Frazer, Lauren Casey (Athboy Celtic secretary), Claire McGivern, Jane Quinn.Image 14 of 14
At the launch of Athboy Celtic FC’s facilites were (from left) Terry Jones, Colm Brown and Eimear Harte.It was a time for looking back - but glancing ahead too. There were no shortage of memories evoked at Fagan's famous hostelry in Athboy recently when players who have turned out for local soccer teams over the past 40 years gathered together to recount those days of old. The great days.
Former team-mates who battled bravely together on the playing fields of Meath and beyond met up once more and re-live the days when they sought to show they were the the Paul McGraths, the Liam Bradys, yes, even the George Bests of the local soccer scene. Teams from Athboy have operated under a variety of names over the years including Athboy Blues, Athboy United and now, the latest, re-incarnation - Athboy Celtic FC.
The 40th anniversary bash kicked off on a Saturday evening when the former stalwarts of Athboy teams gathered in Fagans with former team-mates meeting up, in some cases, for the first time in years.
There was loads of laughs and plenty of banter too. Among the guests was Republic of Ireland international Jamie McGrath, the son of Kevin McGrath who has done a great deal for local soccer over the years.
"It was a fun-filled night with lots of photos and a superb booklet produced for the occasion by the current committee," said the chairman of Athboy Celtic FC, Bernard O'Byrne, better know by many in Irish soccer circles as the FAI’s chief for five years until 2001 and who these days lives in Athboy.
And while it was clearly a night for reflection and nostalgia, O'Byrne also outlined his, and the club's audacious plans for the future.
It’s a plan includes becoming a force at League of Ireland level within five years something O’Byrne clearly feels can be achieved. "In sport, you should never reach a situation when you can say - that's it, we don't need to do any more. There is always something you should target.
The weekend's 40th anniversary celebrations continued on Sunday lunchtime when almost 200 players, along with parents, sponsors, some local politicians and friends assembled in the Cowpark , Athboy for the official opening of the club's new state-of-the-art dressing-rooms.
A festive happy atmosphere was climaxed when local hero Jamie McGrath cut the ribbon to huge applause. He was joined on the podium by O'Byrne and dedicated clubman Mike Ennis.
The club also presented an Achievement Award to Ross Geddes, Juvenile Secretary who was described by O'Byrne "as a real dynamo in the club."
The chairman also added: "The club has 26 teams this season ranging from mini-kickers to senior teams in the NEFL, boy and girls. With two astro pitches and a fine main pitch, the club is going from strength to strength." Such talk was music to the ears of the stalwarts who battled together back in the day.