Bobo was a big part of Ballysaggart's fairytale

Hundreds upon hundreds of cars parked up in the fields of Ballysaggart last Thursday evening as Adrian ‘Bobo’ Meagher got an almighty send-off.

Outside the front door stood a picture of him celebrating the 2019 intermediate final win against Ballygunner. A beaming smile, a blue bainisteoir bib and a Titanic cap! The man who led his beloved blue and navy to the unchartered waters of Croke Park and senior hurling will be sorely missed. Full of passion, full of fun and full of love. At 56, he was taken too soon from his adoring family and his adoring community after a battle with cancer.

A whistle, a cap, a notebook and a Ballysaggart jersey lay in his coffin. In 2014, with Meagher as manager, one of the smallest clubs in Ireland made Croke Park.

During his post-match interviews, he always spoke passionately about the parish. One such occasion was in Mallow after Saggart won the Munster Junior title against Feenagh/Kilmeedy of Limerick. 

“It’s a fairytale. A dream come true. It’s a small area but what a heart. I will always say that Ballysaggart is the greatest place on earth! If there’s anyone around that wants to go anywhere be in Ballysaggart tonight because it’s going to be rocking!” For the All-Ireland semi-final against Calry/St Joseph’s from Sligo, Sunday mass was moved back to 8am as the blue and navy army descended on Tullamore! “

Father Cullinane couldn’t make it, but he has been unbelievable for us. We had a good mass this morning, he mentioned the match an awful lot, and it was brilliant!” 

The All-Ireland with Kickham’s Creggan of Antrim was a classic. 5-12 to 2-21 after extra time! A late Shane Bennett goal forced a replay. “They have put Ballysaggart on the map and done Waterford hurling proud here today,” Meagher said afterwards. The Glensmen prevailed in the replay in Mullingar.

Bobo hurled with the club for over 30 years. He was Junior C goalkeeper as recently as 2018! “I started off when I was fourteen with the juniors. I captained them to Western and county titles in 1988.” With Meagher at the helm, Saggart claimed their first senior championship victory against near neighbours Lismore in 2021.

His interest in coaching extended to the Ballysaggart ladies' football team. He served as a trainer for ten years and held the post of chairman for five years. He also spent two seasons as Lismore camogie coach.

Bobo was a block layer by trade. The cement mixer sat in the driveway last week. “As I looked at my father’s hands in these past few days, I couldn’t help but wonder at all the work those hands did,” his son Darren remarked at the funeral mass. “Dad was a master of his craft.” 

Bobo loved Ballysaggart and Ballysaggart loved Bobo.