Death of Meath Minor All Ireland medallist, Jason Henrick of Na Fianna
The untimely death has been announced of the former Meath minor footballer, Jason Henrick of Na Fianna, Enfield.
He won a Minor All Ireland football medal in 1990 and an Under 21 All Ireland in 1993, along with a Leinster JFC medal.
In a tribute last night, Na Fianna CLG described him as a "special talent" and "one of the finest and most decorated sportspeople to come out of our local area."
He played his early club football with the Enfield club, and with the amalgamation of Baconstown, Enfield and Rathmolyon in 2000, and he was a driving force on the intermediate teams for the latter part of his career.
He helped to coach underage teams in the club in the 2000s and was fiercely popular among the young players. All current footballers in the club would point to Jason as being their inspiration. He played into his late 30s where he was always a source of advice and encouragement for younger players coming into the team. He was much loved by his team mates for his wit, character, talent and above all his friendship. The pictures shows Jason in action in the Junior C FC final from 2011 in what would have been one of his final games for the club.
Many members of Jason’s family have worn the Na Fianna jersey with distinction including his son Graham, his brother Miah and Jason was also a big supporter in recent years of his nephews Dean and Evan Henrick when Na Fianna contested two Keegan Cup finals.
The tribute continues: "Jason was a great character, always up for a chat especially about Na Fianna or Meath GAA and he had a heart of gold. It brought great joy to Jason and many others to see him in Pairc Tailteann on County Football Final day in 2018 as the U21 All Ireland winners of 1993 were honoured out on the pitch marking the 25th anniversary of their historic win. Jason was delighted to be reunited with his old team mates on field once again.
"It is a testament to the impact Jason made that no matter what part of the county you go to, when you are asked where you are from and you answer Enfield or Na Fianna, people will almost certainly mention that that’s where Jason Henrick is from. He will never be forgotten by all who had the pleasure of being his friend or teammate.
"Na Fianna CLG would like to express our deepest condolences to Jason’s parents Lisa and Paddy, son Graham, daughters Dionne and Ella and also Michelle, his brother Miah & sister Margaret, grandchildren Hannah and Shakira and all his extended family and friends."
Funeral arrangements later.