It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of our past Chairperson, Honorary President, and club player James Carney. While his death was unexpected, James had ongoing health problems over the past few years. Our sincere sympathies to his wife Monica, his daughters Clióna and Colette, his two grandchildren, brothers and sisters, in-laws and a very large circle of friends, teammates at club and county level.

James was first introduced to Boardsmill G.A.A. as a mascot for the team that won the clubs first Meath Senior Hurling Championship in 1958, aged only 8. During his underage career with Boardsmill he won numerous underage championships in the 1960s before becoming a mainstay on the senior club team at the end of the decade. By 1975 James had four Meath Senior Hurling Championships and a large number of O'Growney cups.

He will always be remembered for his skilful wrist work when picking off points from all angles, but it was his free taking and in particular long distance frees that stood out. On more than one occasion James's free taking was vital as Boardsmill edged out a tight game, other times he singlehandedly kept us in games. His position on the field could vary depending on the greatest need, from defending in the halfback line, to working tirelessly in midfield but his greatest impact came as a half forward where his eye for a score was a vital element in many a Boardsmill win.

James had the honour in 1973 of captaining Boardsmill to a Senior Hurling Championship and was selected as Hurler of the Year in Meath for 1978. James was also an important member of the Meath Junior Hurling Team that won the 1970 All Ireland. A draw in Luton against Hertfordshire, saw the replay in Trim where the Meath men emerged victorious by seven points. James was very shortly elevated to Senior County team where he claimed two Division 2 National Hurling Leagues in 1972 and 1973, he continued his intercounty career for many years to come.

When James’s playing days ended his contribution to Boardsmill G.A.A. and Meath Hurling took on a new life as he became involved in the coaching of numerous teams from underage to adult within the club and county setups. James was successful with under 16 and minor county teams where they claimed All Ireland Special victories. Following his underage success James was appointed as the Meath Senior Hurling Manager.

His impact to Boardsmill G.A.A. went even further as in 1984, the Centenary Year of the G.A.A he was appointed chairman of the committee to oversee the official opening of our new home in Kimurry which was a major success. He became chairperson of the club when Paul Daly stepped down and worked tirelessly to improve all aspects of the club. Due to work commitments and the fact that James was commuting from Lucan in Dublin, meant that he could only hold the role for two years but he continued to have a major impact in all club affairs going forward. In recent years, he was a valued member of the Meath G.A.A. Raceday committee which raised vital funds for the County Board.

Behind every great man is a great woman and with James’s marriage to Monica Guy, who in her own right was a Senior Camogie winner in the mid sixties only cemented his relationship to Boardsmill and Meath. James gave a lifetime of service to his community and county and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him and played with and against him. We would like to thank the Carney family for allowing us to have had so much of James over the years as a player, coach, club chairperson and friend.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

With the club James won:

4 Meath senior Hurling Championships

1 Junior Championship

6 O’ Growney Cups

1 Senior League

2 Under 14 Hurling Championships

 3 Under 16 Hurling Championships

 2 Minor Hurling Championships

 5 Under 21 Hurling Championships

 1 Under 14 Football Championship (with Trim)

The kind words above were given by our current club chairperson, teammate and lifelong friend of James Carney, TJ Reilly. 

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