National Anthem signed by deaf interpreter at Páirc Tailteann

Hannah McNamara

It was a historic day for Meath last week as for the first time the National Anthem and presentation of the Keegan Cup was translated by two sign language interpreters at Páirc Tailteann.

The National Anthem which was sung by St Michael's Matthew Gilsenan was signed by Michelle McLaughlin from St Mary's and the presentation of the cup to the winning Summerhill captain Padhraig Geraghty was translated by Michelle McNulty from Ratoath.

Matthew Gilsenan gave a powerful rendition of the Nationa Anthem accompanied by the St Mary's Brass and Reed Band.

Sunday, 8th October was the first time since a national football league game against Dublin in 1988 that the band had returned to perform at Páirc Tailteann.

Meath GAA shared to their Facebook: "We look forward to welcoming the St Mary's Brass and Reed Band to Páirc Tailteann again in the near future and also to continuing to show inclusivity towards the deaf community by the having the National Anthem signed."

They added: "The GAA is indeed ‘where we all belong’."