Paud Thompson
It was with a great sense of sadness that the GAA and wider community in Summerhill and South Meath learned of the passing of Paud Thompson.
Paud was an integral member of the great Summerhill team of the 70s that dominated club football in Meath and annexed the Leinster Club Championship. But Paud’s involvement with football started well before that and continued long beyond it. When juvenile football was re-started in Summerhill in 1962 after a long absence Paud was part of that resurgence. That juvenile team, with Paud on board, reached the county semi final only to be beaten by Bohermeen.
Paud continued playing underage up through the ranks and was part of the 1966 Junior winning panel at the tender age of 18. This championship win laid the foundations for a lot of what happened in the 70s. In 1972 he was part of the squad that won the Intermediate championship but arguably 1974 was his greatest year. He was full forward on the team that landed the Keegan Cup for the first time and had the distinction of being the first Summerhill man to score in a senior final, ironically against Bohermeen who had dashed the juvenile hopes 12 years earlier. He had also scored two points in the earlier Feis Cup final victory over Senchelstown.
Paud was a target man well before the term became fashionable. Big, and immensely strong, he was a nightmare for full backs to deal with. He used his height and strength to great effect but, at all times, was a very fair competitor. He was joined in many of these squads from underage upwards by his older brother Gerry.
Paud relocated to Moynalvey and continued his GAA involvement there serving on club committees and acted as Chairman for a period.
Continuing the tradition his sons Gary and Nigel were effective contributors to Moynalvey and, later, to Summerhill.
Summerhill GFC offers sincere condolences to his wife Nully, children Gary, Hazel, Nigel and Ashley, his grandchildren, his brothers David and Gerry and his extended family and friends.
This son of Summerhill will always be fondly remembered when the feats of the 70s are recalled.
Ar dheis De go raibh an anam
The 1974 Senior Championship winning Team
The 1966 Junior Championship winning Team 50 year Celebration