Memories flood back as MDL exhibition is officially opened.

They turned up in big numbers at the MDL this evening for the opening of the Meath exhibition of football - former players, match officials and administrators many of whom played major roles in helping to ensure soccer became a permanent part of the local sporting landscape. 

Current players, match officials and administrators were also present to take a close look at the huge range of memorabilia that had been gathered by Eddie Starrs and a host of others. Starrs spent countless hours collecting and organising the memorabilia that told the story of how soccer teams from Navan went forth and often achieved great things in leagues in Dublin before the Mid-Meath League was set up in the early 1980s.

Of course the Mid-Meath League provided the foundation for the Meath & District League and later still the North East Football League.  

The chief driving force behind  the setting of a structured junior scoccer league in the area was Gerry Gorman and he officially opened the exhibition tonight heaping praise on Starrs and others who had worked so hard to get the material together.  Right up to the last minutes Eddie Starrs and his son Nathan were putting the finishing touches to the exhibition. 

One section of the exhibition was given over to Gary Rogers who generously donated many of his jerseys on the night when the Bohermeen man played a major part in helping Dundalk achieve a memorable victory in the Champions League in Riga. 

The exhibition is made up of hundreds of items including programmes, pennants, trophies of all kinds, jerseys, international caps won by locals. 

It continues for a week and Gorman urged those who have the least interest in football in the area to pay a visit. The exhibition will be open each evening from 7pm to 9pm and on Saturday and Sunday's from 10am to 6pm. 

SEE THIS WEEKS MEATH CHRONICLE FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND REPORT FROM THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF EXHIBITION.