Special night organised to honour Dessie Ferguson

The glory days of the past will be recounted at the Gaeil Colmcille GAA Centre on Saturday night when a special presentation will be made to Dessie Ferguson in recognition of his contribution to the GAA. The compere for the night is Micheal O Muircheartaigh and other legends from the GAA world are expected to make an appearance including former Dublin manager Kevin Heffernan. Ferguson was brought up in Donnycarney and at an early age established himself on the powerful hurling and football teams from the famous St Vincent's club. Ferguson won close to 20 hurling and football medals in the colours of St Vincent's and became a integral member of the Dublin football and hurling teams with his skill and speed sought after by club and county sides. He won two All-Ireland SFC medals with Dublin, the first in 1958 when they defeated Derry 2-12 to 1-9 and in 1963 when Galway were negotiated by 1-9 to 0-10. A big hurling fan, Ferguson went very close to claiming a cherished All-Ireland SHC medal when Dublin reached the 1961 final however, they were defeated by Tipperary (0-16 to 1-12). Ferguson moved to live in Meath and worked initially as a teacher in Oldcastle. He continued to play for St Vincent's for a time even after he settled in Kells with his wife Maire, but gradually he became involved in Meath GAA circles. He made a contribution towards the setting up of Gaeil Colmcille in the 1960s and helped the club win Meath SFC titles in 1966 and '68. It is understood that members of that team are among the driving forces behind the presentation night. Ferguson also managed the Meath hurling team as well as the footballers before Sean Boylan took charge. Tickets for Saturday night's event are €25 with a four course meal included as well as musical entertainment.