Boylan set the standard for all of us to match

THESE are the last lines of a Patrick Archer poem that honours a Curragha blacksmith who gave his life for Ireland.

These lines challenges all of us in the Royal County to put courage and commitment above self glory, to put parish, county and a love of our national games at the centre of our lives.

Seán Boylan is the man. He answered that challenge, a true sportsman, a gentleman, and a true Gael. In his 23 years in charge of the Royals, ‘Sam’ and many other national honours were won.

Who can forget those Croke Park days or those nights on the Fairgreen when all life seemed to stop for a while?

Seán had a gift that allowed him to see talent in our young; he was able to blend youth and experience to form teams that were the envy of the 31 other counties.

Damien English TD

20 Watergate Street

Navan

Co Meath