For the outstanding nature by which Sean Boylan led Meath to the All-Ireland football title, he was named yesterday as the Philips Manager of the Year for 1999.
It was by all means a deserved honour for Boylan who, for the fourth time, led Meath to All-Ireland football glory in September. At the presentation in Dublin's Berkeley Court Hotel, Boylan paid special tribute to the county board, the selectors, and the players. "You have to remember I am only a small cog in the wheel of this Meath success," said Boylan. "Of course, I am honoured and grateful to see this award, especially in competition with those who have brought the highest honour to their sport in the last 12 months." It was, without doubt, one of the most closely contested honours of recent years, with Boylan chosen ahead of the likes of Harry Williams, who led Ulster to that unforgettable success in the rugby European Cup, and Jimmy Barry Murphy who brought Cork to similar All-Ireland success over Kilkenny in the hurling final this year. In achieving this All-Ireland victory, Meath made an unrivalled claim on being the team of the decade, and gave Boylan his first honour at this level despite being nominated on one previous occasion. In presenting the awards, Cel O'Reilly, managing director of Philips paid special tribute to what has been another hugely successful year in the tradition of Irish sport.
Boylan was chosen ahead of the following selection of nominations: December 1998 - Dave Barry (Cork City FC); January 1999 - Harry Williams (Ulster Rugby team); February -Joe Kernan (Crossmaglen Rangers) March - Joan Morgan (Hermes Ladies Hockey team); April - Bobby Kahn (Cork Constitution); May - Liam Buckley (St Patrick's Athletic); June - John Maughan (Mayo Football team); July - John Holland (Irish Rowing team); August - Brian Canavan and Brian MacAlinden (Armagh Football team); September - Sean Boylan (Meath Football team) and Jimmy Barry-Murphy (Cork Hurling team); October - Colm O'Rourke (International Rules Manager); November - David O'Leary ( Leeds United).
There was also an achievement award for the Irish team of 77 athletes who brought such success at the Special Olympics in North Carolina this summer.
