The 50th anniversary of Boyne Emmets winning the Meath Minor Football Championship in 1958, was celebrated on Saturday 25th October at a very successful and enjoyable function in Stackallen Tennis/Pitch & Putt Club. A surviving mentor and 21 surviving players were honoured at the ceremony. There was also a separate presentation to the Chairman of the Meath County Board, Ultan Fitzpatrick who was a guest of the club. All those associated with the great success 50 years ago were congratulated by the former secretary of the club and team captain Tom Mongey who spoke about their notable achievement. This feat he stated had been achieved by the commitment and effort of many people at juvenile level in the area over many years prior to this success and for all concerned this was a fitting reward.
The attendance included 21 surviving players from a 26 member panel as well as one survivor Eddie Bellew, of the senior club officers involved. Boyne Emmets, a combination embracing areas of Rathkenny, Slane and Yellow Furze, won the minor football championship at the first attempt by defeating Kells in the 1958 final. The club remained in existence for a further six years to serve the needs of minor players in the area. Ultan Fitzpatrick, spoke in his capacity of chairman of the Meath Minor Board and gave his wholehearted support to functions of this nature. The following received mementos and were introduced individually by Tom Mongey the captain of the team: Vincent Duggan, Mickey Harding, Tony Raleigh, Mick White, Jasper McGovern, Sean Kearns, Kit Doggett, Kevin Woods, Brendan Hand, Tommy Cudden, Frank Conmy, Peter Brien, Joey Reilly, Anthony Mc Cullagh, Tommy Collins, Patsy Halligan, Matt Moran, Matt McMahon, Mickey Downey, and Phil Cudden.
Plaques were also presented to spouses and family members of the deceased players: Nancy, wife of Mick Mongey, Kevin, brother of John Woods, Margie, wife of Liam O’Brien, Margaret, wife of Martin Kearns, and Terry, son of Richie Kearns.
It should be mentioned that many of the Boyne Emmets team represented Meath at vocational, minor, junior and senior grades. In fact six players were on the Meath Minor Team in 1958.
The function was organised by a small committee comprising of Tom Mongey, Tony Raleigh, the former club treasurer and Brendan Hand. Entertainment was supplied by Damien Sheridan and his group who ensured the 50th anniversary function was a very successful and enjoyable night for all. A tasty buffet supplied by Seamus Connolly and his capable staff.
