Tributes were paid to star player of the forties and fifties and top official Brian Smyth at Monday night's special County Committee meeting at Dunganny.

Leinster Council delegate Brendan Cummins said that 'legend' was the most appropriate word to describe him. "After becoming the first man to captain Meath to an All-Ireland senior football title in 1949, he put a lot back into the GAA, probably more than any winning captain," Cummins said.

"Brian scored four points from play in the final victory over Cavan and would probably have won the 'man of the match' award had such been in operation at the time," he added.

As well as serving as county chairman and hurling secretary, Smyth was a referee at club and inter-county levels, officiating at two Leinster SHC finals between Kilkenny and Wexford and an All-Ireland JFC decider.

"We have lost an outstanding Gael, we lost a few over the years but Brian but Brian was one of the best," concluded Cummins.

Hurling chairman TJ Reilly that the GAA community in Meath should be thankful for having such a man among us.

"Brian did great work with fixtures down the years and he was a gentleman. I am honoured to say that I worked with him for a number of years," said the Boardsmill clubman.  

Barney Allen recalled working with him for seven years when Brian was county chairman and the Rathkenny man was fixtures secretary. Allen would travel to Dunboyne on Sunday nights to make the following week's fixtures and he said that one of the perks of the trips was getting tea in the Smyth household!

Chairman Conor Tormey remarked that Brian was always available for advice. "He was a legend and a gentleman," he added.

Dunboyne chairman Tom Dermody said that Brian made a huge contribution to the club down the years and thanked all who paid their respects over the last few days.

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