Christy Ring Cup medals presented by GAA President

The highlight of the year for the Meath hurling fraternity was the presentation of the Christy Ring Cup medals at the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim on Friday night.

(See selection of photos at the end of this artice - scroll down)

In a new role, the PRO Ciaran Flynn proved an excellent MC for the evening and he kept the presentations moving with apt comments for each player as they collected their medal.

The importance of the occasion was emphasised by the presence of GAA president John Horan. 

"You don't end up with a team winning a Christy Ring Cup without a lot of work going on at under-age in the schools and the clubs," stated the GAA president.

"Whether it's the Liam Mac Carthy or the Christy Ring, the same level of preparation is necessary to achieve success and Meath thoroughly deserved to win the title this year," he added.

THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WITH GAA PRESIDENT JOHN HORAN

Significantly, there was a lot of credit accorded to family members and partners by manager Nick Fitzgerald and team captain Sean Geraghty.

"For one last time I will address the players, it was an honour to work with you all and also the backroom team who put in so much effort," stated Fitzgerald.

“I want to acknowledge the input of Larry McGowan (sponsor) of Uniflu and also the efforts of James Toher (2018 captain) and Sean Geraghty (2019 captain).

“I have stepped away from the position due to work commitments and it has proved to be the right decision for me, but it was disappointing to have to step away.

“I want to thank my family for the two years that I was involved I got so much support from my children and my wife Angela.

NICK FITZGERALD AND HIS FAMILY

"Sometimes Angela would have to listen to me at 11 or 12 at night when I'd come home after training having a whinge about something that didn't go according to plan, thank you very much for listening to me.

“I want to wish the players all the best for 2020, I know you can go on and achieve more. I also have to acknowledge the contribution from Meath Co Board, we might not always agree with them, but we certainly were looked after very well this year.

"In my two years as manager of the senior hurling team I could not fault the officers of the Co Board in any way," he concluded.

“I also want to recognise the contribution of the Co Board," stated team captain Geraghty.

“Wives, girlfriends, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, family, you all make it possible for us to go and play, you listen to us complain and help us if we are not in good form, and we take it all for granted.

“Without you none of this would be possible and I say a big thank you on behalf of the team to all of you," added the Kilskyre clubman. 

THE MEATH PANEL AND BACKROOM TEAM

2019 CHRISTY RING 
CUP FACTFILE

MEATH PANEL
Sean Geraghty, captain (Kilskyre)

 Shane McGann, James Kelly, Cathal McCabe, Jack Regan  (Kiltale)

Ger Murphy, Michael O’Grady, Daire Gilmartin, Sean Quigley (Dunboyne).

Darragh Kelly, Gavin McGowan, Colm O’Riordan, Jack McGowan, Cormac Butler, Padraig O’Hanrahan (Ratoath).

Shane Whitty, Stephen Morris, Hugh Smith  (Blackhall Gaels).

Shane Brennan, Joey Keena (Kilmessan).

Keith Keoghan, Adam Gannon (Killyon).

Damien Healy (Longwood).

Barry Slevin (Na Fianna).

Colm O Mealoid (Donaghmore / Ashbourne).

John O’Sullivan, Callum O’Sullivan, Eamon O Donnchadha (Clann na nGael).

Dylan Regan (Navan O’Mahonys).

Nicky Potterton, Evan Fitzgerald (Kildalkey).

Fionn Ferguson (Gaeil Colmcille).

Brian Dowling, James Toher, Alan Douglas (Trim).

MANAGER
Nick Fitzgerald.

SELECTORS
Niall Williams, Conor Ferguson, Paul Reilly.

PATH TO TITLE
First round - Meath 2-23, London 0-13.
Second round - Meath 2-27, Kildare 1-13
Third round - Meath 0-23, Roscommon 0-19
Semi-final - Meath 3-24, Derry 2-18.
Final - Meath 4-19, Down 2-15.

CHRISTY RING CUP CHAMPION 15 
Simon Doherty (Armagh); Caolan Taggart (Down), Keith Keoghan (Meath), Enda Moreton (Leitrim); James Weir (Sligo),  James Glancy (Leitrim), John Henderson (Wicklow); Keith Raymond (Sligo), Sean Geraghty (Meath); Jack Regan (Meath), Gerard O’Kelly Lynch (Sligo), Damian Casey (Tyrone), Dáithi Sands (Down), Ronan Crowley (Lancashire),  Sé McGuigan (Derry).
Christy Ring Cup Player of the Year - Jack Regan

NEXT UP
Meath will tackle Offaly in the semi-final of the Kehoe Cup at Birr as the team relegated from the Joe McDonagh Cup (Offaly) faces the team promoted to the Joe McDonagh Cup (Meath). 
SATURDAY 4th JANUARY
Birr - Offaly v Meath, Kehoe Cup semi-final, 2pm.