It is with great delight that the Skryne GFC committee congratulate Mick O’ Dowd as the new Meath football manager. We also extend our congratulations to Trevor Giles who will be part of Micko’s team. Neither of these man need any introduction to Skryne people or indeed to Gaels further afield. Micko came onto that all concurring team of 1982 and was very instrumental in getting us past the finish line with some superb scores on the day. He repeated this one year later when we defended our crown against a strong Navan O’Mahonies side. He was on the Meath panel at a time when Meath were very strong and made some notable appearances. Of course Micko will best be remembered for the wonderful role he played as player manager in 2004 when Skryne went all the way to the Leinster final and would surely have won on the day if we had not the misfortune to loose John McDermot to injury before the game. He has been involved with Skryne under-age over the past few years and this culminated with a brilliant win this year in the Minor league final over Jenkinstown Gaels. Those of us who know him will testify to his total commitment to any job he has handled.
Trevor Giles must surely be a household name in all Irish homes. He has represented Skryne, Meath, Leinster, UCD and Ireland with distinction over his playing career. After one game against the Australians he was singled out for particular praise as being the Irish player most on the ball and either giving the most telling passes or finishing the score himself. No mean accolade from the professional outfit that is the NFL. Of course we in Skryne don’t need an Australian to tell us what we have been seeing from Trevor since his dad brought him up to McManus Park when he was about eight. After a brief under-age apprenticeship he joined the Senior team in 1982 and 20 years later he is still the most influential member of the side. Like Micko he too played a huge roll in wining that game in 1982, which broke the long loosing run in final appearances. He has two All Ireland, three Leinster, and four Meath Senior meddles decorating his sitting room cabinet. But apart from the awards it is his influence and encouragement to others on whatever team he lined out with that is his best legacy. Skryne have produced many great players in the past who played on both local and national stages but it is the opinion of this writer that Trevor Giles out shone them all.
Football in Meath is now in great hands and if we do not have success in the coming years then I have no doubt that it will not be for knowledge of the game or the commitment needed to bear fruit, that we don’t succeed. Once again congratulations and best wishes from Skryne GFC committee.
