No Graham is not the son of big Ollie Geraghty of 70's fame as many seem to think.
The same colour hair; a similar physique Graham may have to his namesake, but the
two families of Geraghtys are in no way related. This young prodigy is a son of
another Seneschalstown footballer - Ger.
Ger Geraghty played all his underage and indeed quite
a bit of his adult football with his native Duleek. His family are well known around
the East Meath village and Ger's brothers Vincent, Eugene and Desmond all played
with the Duleek club with Eugene good enough to get on the Meath minor XV. Ger on
coming the short journey to live in Kentstown and on marrying into the local Lawlor
family, transferred to the Furze around the mid seventies. Just a shade too late
to share in Seneschalstown's great triumph of 1972. Geraghty senior featured on
the '77 team that went down to Summerhill, as a wing forward. His earlier career
was devoted to the attack role and it is only in later years, with his pace slowing
down, that Geraghty reverted back to defence. Seneschalstown were in obvious need
of a full back for a long period and G.G. slotted into the role. Ger is one of the
oldest, if not the oldest playing club footballer in Meath at the moment - old enough
to figure on our team of veterans chosen by the Royal County two years past. But
please do not get the wrong impression. Geraghty is no slouch and can still dominate
a full forward.
As for young Graham, an only son with three sisters, he
intends keeping the Geraghty name among the the blue and gold jerseys for many years
to came. Already the honours have come thick and plentiful. With big Graham dominating
midfield, the Furze lads captured the under 12 crown, beating Simonstown in 1985.
Not alone was our young subject captain of his side but he also moved up into attack
to put over three fine points.. In '87 the same lot of youngsters were back, but
a strong Kells side just proved their betters.
'88 brought a fresh challenge. Not only did Graham make
his way into the Seneschalstown under-16 team but also gained a place at minor,
under-21 and junior level. The Seneschalstown U-21's went to the semi-finals but
fell foul of a strong Dunshaughlin XV after a replay. A Geraghty inspired under-16
team also went to the semi-finals. It took a big effort from eventual champions
Simonstown to dismiss Graham and his gang.. That night in Walterstown, Seneschalstown
dominated for long spells. Graham Geraghty was so strong in the middle. Catching,
soloing and mixing defence with attack. If he had a problem perhaps, he demanded
too much from his young body. Holding possession when he could have passed. He tried
to beat the Navan lads on his own. But then again, detracting this individualism
from Geraghty's make up, would perhaps leave him a lesser player. One way or the
other, we are sure father Ger will see what is the footballing best for his son.
What are Graham Geraghty's ambitions? Obvious. To play
for Meath and to win an All Ireland medal. His favourite position? "Midfield or
centre half forward. I don't really care" The biggest influence on the career of
the young boy who goes to school in Navan Community College? "My father and the
teachers at the college, in particular Tom Lynch and Bartle Curran". The biggest
moment of his career? That evening against Simonstown when we won the under-12 championship
as I was also the captain" And finally who are the players he looks up to? "Naturally
Coyle and McCabe come into the picture. And that old war horse from the O'Mahony's
and the All Ireland winning captain of 1988 - Joe Cassells. Watch out Mattie and
Colm. You may have more opposition for your place with the Royal Couty seniors in
the near future. Opposition from a close neighbour.