'Sky was aglow for hours on end' as heroes were welcomed home

1949 ALL-IRELAND SFC HOMECOMING

SEAN WALL

The Meath team along with Co Board officials were the guests of the Royal Meath Association at a reception in Clery's Restaurant, Dublin, following their thrilling All Ireland final win over Cavan earlier in the day.

Mr W S Corry, president of the Royal Meath Association, presided over the attendance of about 200 and there were great celebrations as captain Brian Smyth brought the Sam Maguire Cup into the dining room.

Most Rev Dr Kyne, Bishop of Meath, said he was very happy to be with them on such a great occasion and to share with them the joy they all felt. His Lordship said the annexation of the All-Ireland title would foster the spirit of the national game amongst them.

There were jubilant scenes throughout the county, especially Navan where thousands gathered to greet the team.

According to a report in the Drogheda Independent the Meath sky was aglow for hours on end while hundreds of jubilant supporters danced around blazing furze, tar barrels and any material that would shoot flames and fumes of smoke up to the sky. Tremendous cheering and fog signals heralded the arrival of the cars conveying the players and officials.

The first stop after leaving Dublin was in Clonee where a huge bonfire lit up the entire village. The victors then made their way towards Dunboyne where at the railway bridge the captain Brian Smyth was transferred into a lorry, the property of Mr Brady, building contractor.

This was the lorry that Brian drove on a daily basis for his occupation.

The next stop was in Dunshaughlin where Fr Tully introduced the players to the waiting crowd.

On arrival on the outskirts of Navan a huge bonfire blazed and the procession led by Navan Boys' Band and members of the De La Salle juvenile team marched to the square where a huge platform had been erected.

As well as thousands of supporters they were greeted by Meath Council Council chairman Senator Pat Fitzsimons. There was also an address by Mr Con Burke, secretary Meath County Council.

Subsequently a reception for the team and officials was held in Beechmount House Hotel.

The following night it was on to Kells where similar crowds thronged the street to greet the team and especially the six men from the area, Kevin Smyth, Pat Connell, Jim Kearney, Mattie McDonnell and Johnny and Jim Meehan.