Royals and Rebels

They were the fiercest of enemies on the field, but off it their friendship has grown strong which is why many of the Meath and Cork footballers of the 1980s will gather in David Beggy's Navan pub on Saturday night for the 'Meath' launch of Billy Morgan's autobiography. Morgan, Cork's manager in those All-Ireland finals against Meath in 1987, 1988 and '90, has penned his memoirs "Rebel Rebel" with regular "Irish Independent" columnist Billy Keane. In the book he reflects on the years of rivalry with Meath, but is rich in his praise for the Meath players and how they patched up their differences after the death of Cork goalkeeper John Kerins. He devotes a chapter "Peace with Meath" to how the teams healed the wounds as well as reflecting on the games that pitched such a rivalry. Former Meath players Gerry McEntee, Bernard Flynn and Colm O'Rourke are among the many who are committing to being present in Beggys, which has been taken over completely by David and his brother Stephen in recent weeks, while Morgan will be joined from Cork by Dinny Allen, Colman Corrigan, Jimmy Kerrigan and Stephen O'Brien among others. The organisers are also hoping to persuade some Dublin players of the 1980s and early '90s to travel. Earlier in the day Morgan will be signing copies of his book in Navan Shopping Centre from 2.0 to 4.0 with the function in Beggy's timed for 7.0 to 9.0. There is an open invitation for all Meath supporters to join the former players on the night and recall old battles between two of modern Gaelic football's greatest rivals.