The late Noel Curran
June 01, 2013
The late Noel Curran shakes hands with Dunshaughlin's Richie Kealy before the 2011 Meath SFC Final. Noel and Mattie Kerrigan were guest of honour on the day.
Noel was full forward on the Meath team which beat Cork in the 1967 final. He occupied the same position the previous year when Galway outscored a fancied Royal xv to complete a three in-a-row.
Noel missed out on Meaths 1970 final defeat to Kerry but returned to the county colours for a spell during the early 70's.
A native of Moynalty, in north Meath, Noel Curran played the vast majority of his club football with Dunshaughlin. He lined out with the local parish under 14 team St. Martins in 1958 and was the first man from the Dunshaughlin club to capture that elusive All Ireland medal.
Noel first wore the clubs black and amber at adult level in 1961, won a junior medal in 67 and operating in his favourite full forward position, shot over 6 points as Nobber were beaten in the Meath intermediate final of 1977.
Later in his career Noel joined the Thomas Davis club in Dublin. Indeed he lined out with the Tallaght sides intermediate xv, Davis's second team, while in his forties.
Noel's son Paul Curran was one of the best half backs in the history of the GAA. Currently the manager of 2013 All Ireland club finalists Ballymun Kickhams, Paul was right half back on the Dublin team which beat Tyrone in the All Ireland decider of 1995.
That same season he was voted Texaco Footballer of the Year and Curran junior is also the proud holder of 2 NFL titles, 6 Leinster SFC's, 3 All Stars and 3 Dublin SFC titles won with Thomas Davis.
Paul was very proud of his father's achievements in the game and Noel Curran was also a key figure on the Meath panel wich travelled on the historic tour of Australia in 1968.
A full forward of the old school where the number 14 had to risk life and limb around the edge of the opposing square, Noel Curran was a gentleman on the field of play. He possessed a great pair of hands, could field with the best and punch the ball over the crossbar from anywhere around 30 yards out.
Noel also had that uncanny knack of being able to kick between the posts with his back to the opposing goals, a wonderful all round footballer. Noel Curran was Guest of Honour at the 2011 Meath county final and only last March received his much deserved Dunshaughlin Hall of Fame award.
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