Scottish visitor pens heartfelt letter after an emotional day at Pairc Tailteann

Last Sunday's victory in the Junior D FC decider at Pairc Tailteann was an emotional one for Ballivor - an emphatic display against Ratoath to claim the Liam Creavin Cup - a fitting tribute to assistant-secretary Pauline Grundy who had passed away suddenly the previous evening.
Ballivor players and supporters linked arms before the throw-in with a minute's silence while team captain Dylan Heavey's post-match speech also heard rich tributes to the deceased who was an integral part of the club for many years.

_{Meath Co Board vice-chairman John Kavanagh presented the Junior D Liam Creavin Cup to Ballivor captain Dylan Heavey.}

This morning, on the day Pauline was laid to rest in Ballivor, a letter arrived at The Meath Chronicle offices from Scottish woman, Sarah Jane Montgomery, who was visiting friends in Navan over the weekend and who went to Pairc Tailteann to take in the atmopsphere. Her observations on the day and in particular the tributes to Pauline from the Ballivor players and supporters and indeed the respect shown by all present was not lost on her. Here is that letter.

Sir,

On Sunday 21st October, while visiting friends in Navan, I had a few hours to spare and as the day was beautiful and sunny, my friends took me to see some Gaelic Games in the local stadium.

On arrival, I found everyone warm and friendly and enjoyed the shinty final. Then there was a football final between Ballivor and Ratoath.

Talking to people I learned that there was a sudden death of a Ballivor official the day before and thought the game should be cancelled.

However, as both teams got ready for the final, it was announced that there would be a minute's silence for the Ballivor official, a young woman by the name of Pauline Grundy.

_{RIP Pauline Grundy}

The announcer gave a glowing account of this young woman's dedication and service to the club.

Then as the minute's silence was being observed by everyone, the Ballivor team and officials stood arm in arm in a semi-circle facing large building across the road at the corner of the field.

On enquiring why this was happening, I was told the body of the young woman was only a mere hundred yards or so away in the hospital morgue.

I thought this the most beautiful tribute that could be done, that no words could equal.

After the game, a Gaelic official gave another lovely moving account of the young woman's dedicated service, followed by another lovely warm speech by the captain of the winning team.

I have to say the experience of such warmth and affection was wonderful. The lovely occasion was something special in every way and a credit to all the lovely people involved.

To me, it was something to remember forever,

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Jane Montgomery,

Fortwilliam, Scotland.