Drumree GAA club has led the tributes to 1954 Meath All-Ireland winner Billy Rattigan who has sadly died.

The popular Billy passed away yesterday (Saturday) after a short illness and his club penned the following tribute to him:

“Drumree GAA and indeed the whole community of Culmullen are sad to hear of the passing of Billy Rattigan. Billy was born, bred, reared and lived all his life in Drumree. He was honoured by Drumree GAA in 2018 by becoming one of the club’s first presidents.

“Billy won Leinster and All-Ireland medals with Meath in 1954. He lined out at left half forward in the Leinster final against Offaly and came on as a sub in the All- Ireland semi final. Billy was noted for his solo runs and was equally adept at scoring points from play and from frees.

“In 1946 Billy, while boxing for the Dunshaughlin club in the six stone weight was beaten in the Meath Championship final by his brother Tony.

“Billy starred with Dunshaughlin footballers in the early 1950’s and played with them until 1956.

“He was the first secretary of Drumree football club when it was re-formed in 1957 and was a key member of the team which won the junior championship in 1959. He was captain when Drumree won the Intermediate championship in 1961 and was also very influential in the Intermediate championship win in 1969.

“In the preview of the 1961 Intermediate final in the Drogheda paper, Billy, who lined out at left half forward, was described as having lost little of the brilliance that made him a regular on the county seniors a few years previous. He was the captain and the paper said that he never gave up trying. He was always a great supporter of the Drumree club both on the field and at all social events throughout his life.

“Drumree GAA are very proud of all our players who have represented and won honours with Meath and Billy was one of greatest we had ever seen. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, his children Paul, Deidre and Rose and all his grandchildren.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

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