Former Meath football manager Seán Boylan, who led the county's senior team to four All-Ireland victories during his 23-year career is to be conferred with the county's highest civic honour, Freeman of Meath.
Meath County Council chairman Brian Fitzgerald, supported by his 28 council colleagues, agreed that Mr Boylan should become the first recipient of this honour, to mark his huge contribution to Meath and Irish life. The councillors paid warm tribute to the Dunboyne herbalist's promotion of a Meath identity, as well as his dignity and magnanimity on the sporting field.
They praised his generous contribution of his time and help to a huge range of voluntary organisations.
The long-standing manager stepped down last week, and he has been replaced by Eamonn Barry. A civic reception is to be organised to confer the award on Mr Boylan.