Meath resume their National Football League Division 1 campaign this Saturday against Dublin in Parnell Park. Already relegated the Royals will be aiming to give a good account of themselves against the All Ireland champions.

It was a similar scenario in 1975 when underdogs Meath took on the Dubs in the National Football League final at Croke Park. Kevin Heffernan’s side had beaten Galway to claim the Sam Maguire the previous year.

One of the Meath stars that day was Ken Rennicks. The Bohermeen man turned in a magnificent display in the number 11 jersey.

National Football League champions 1975. Front l-r Phil Smith, Ken Rennicks, Eamon O'Brien, PJ O'Halloran   Ronan Giles, Paddy Reynolds, Paddy Traynor. Back l-r:  Brendan Murray, Mickey Collins, Cormac Rowe, Mattie Kerrigan, Ollie O'Brien, Mick Ryan, Jack Quinn, Joe Cassells.

The late and great Con Houlihan wrote that the name of Rennicks was like a war cry for Meath supporters.

Houlihan continued. “Ken Rennicks has often been a scapegoat, his great ability at gaining possession was not always been matched by his wisdom in making use of it. Yesterday all was forgiven, he had one of those days when everything falls into place".

“In the air he caught and broke down in a manner which left Alan Larkin empty handed, nor had Dublin any answer to his straight and powerful runs. Yesterday he elevated common sense to near genius and his fortitude during Meath’s distress was of infinite value".

"There were times in the third quarter when he took on the entire Dublin defence almost on his own. He kept battering away at what seemed a hopless cause and in the end he was gloriously rewarded. Fortune sometimes favours the brave".

Meath were six points down in the second half but went on to record a 0-16 to 1-9 win. Ken along with Mattie Kerrigan picked up All Star awards later in the year.

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