Meath Hill, Meath Hill GFC and the wider Meath GAA community lost a trusted and much-valued friend on August 12 last, when Eddie Callan passed away after a short illness. Eddie dedicated much of his life to the GAA, both at club and county level. He was a truly unique man amongst the GAA fraternity. Eddie's involvment in the Meath Hill club spans as far back as 1970 and indeed before. That year, Eddie was among a number of men who decided that the time was right to reform the club, after years of drifting in and out of existence. At a meeting in early 1970, Eddie was elected club treasurer, a position which he held for tweleve years. 

After many years of having no fixed abode, the club acquired their first 'permanent' home at the Latton, beside Ballyhoe Lake during this period. Many hours of work went into making this venue fit for matches to be played there, Eddie provided his tractor, trailer and generator, all free of charge, to allow training to continue during the dark winter months. The new improved facilities sparked an upturn in Meath Hill's fortune and Junior Championship success in 1980 was followed by an Intermediate Final appearance in 1986. Eddie was a regular selector for the team during this period. In 1982, Eddie was elected Chairman of the club. Amazingly, he continued in this position right up to 2005 - 23 years of unbroken service. 

In the early 90s when it became apparent that the facilities at the Latten were no longer suitable, a site was located where the club could develop a new playing pitch and associated facilities. With Eddie at the helm, the club set about raising the huge sums required for the purchase of the land and construction of the relevant facilities. Eddie led from the front and a huge amount of fundraising events were organised over a period of years. Eddie's endless contacts throughout the county meant that he excelled when it came to selling tickets for the various fundraisers. 

The new playing pitch and community centre was officially opened under Eddie's Chairmanship in 1997. Not content with this achievement, he wanted to take the development to the next stage. He embarked on further projects including the construction of tennis and basketball facilities, the installation of a modern pitch flood-lighting system and finally the installation of an all-weather playing pitch. While none of this would have been possible without the hard work of numerous club members, the local community and various funding sources, it is far to say that Eddie's contribution was without parallel. 

While carrying out his club duties with distinction, Eddie was also heavily involved in numerous fundraising and committees at County Board level. He was well known for his links to the Meath Supporters Club. In Eddie's as Meath Hill Chairman, Meath won four Senior Football All-Ireland titles. During this period, Eddie often travelled around the county (and further afield) to collect match tickets to ensure none of his club members went without a ticket. Eddie continued to act as an important member of the club's committee after he stepped down as Chairman and he was still actively involved in the club right up to his untimely death. At this sad time, the football club wishes to pay tribute to and honour a man who dedicated his life to our club. His club work always came first in his life before many of his other passions, including card playing, farming and politics. Meath Hill GFC and the entire community of Meath Hill will always be indebted to a man whose dedication, vision and commitment have brought our club to where it is today.