Aidan Conway (Ratoath)
There was widespread shock and sadness in Ratoath at the sudden passing of Aidan Conway in October, aged just 61.
After growing up on Glascarn Lane on the outskirts of the village, he and his wife, Alice, built their own home on the same lane in 1982, where they had two children.
Aidan had a lifelong connection with Ratoath GAA. He played juvenile football with the club before moving into the adult ranks. By all accounts, he was an extremely talented corner back.
He was a member of the Ratoath panel which won the 1970 Junior football championship, beating Cortown in the "A" final, before defeating Navan O'Mahony's in the final itself.
When his playing days were finished, he would regularly volunteer to assist at games and events held in the club. Aidan was always the "go-to guy" when help was needed in the club as he would willingly assist when needed. Indeed, just weeks before his death, he could be seen assisting with car parking and acting as an umpire at the All Ireland Intermediate football 7's tournament held in the club.
On the intercounty scene, Aidan was a dedicated supporter of the Meath footballers since the 1960s. One of his most treasured memories was attending each game of the epic Meath - Dublin saga in 1991.
He passed this dedication down to his son and they have been season ticket holders and Club na Mí members and both would travel anywhere in the country to see Meath play a game, whether it was championship, league or O'Byrne Cup.
Aidan is survived by his wife, Alice; his children, Aoife and Daragh; his brothers, Pádraig, Noel and Brian and his sister Nuala. A true gentleman, he will be greatly missed by his wide circle of family and friends.
His coffin was draped in a "half and half" Meath and Ratoath flag (provided by the club) and players and members of Ratoath GAA gave him a guard of honour from the church to the cemetery. Aidan's family would like to thank the club for these gestures and the great support they have provided during this immensely difficult time.