Contae An Cabhan

Brefni O’Rahallaigh

1976 – 1982

1995 – 2005

Cavan Football – The Beginning

Ladies Gaelic football started in the Brefini County with very humble introduction. Ladies teams from the parish of Mullaghoran and Crosserlough entered an indoor soccer in Oldcastle Co Meath in early 1975 and became acquainted with each other. Their mentors which included Tom Down and J J Brady had an idea to try the girls out at Gaelic football which would be more in the Gaelic steeped traditions of their respective parishes who had produced all Ireland medal winners. They not alone were household names in Cavan, but in the country and indeed throughout the globe wherever Gaelic games were played.

The girls from both parishes soon got the hang of catching the ball and indeed many of them would have been roughing it with brothers from they were able to walk and Gaelic would have been second nature to them. Many of the girls from both parishes were now domiciles in Dublin as to was in better times in education with many in careers in the Civil Service, nursing, teaching and perhaps in other specialised vocations in life. In early week recreation, it would be ideal of the girls to make their way to the Phoenix Park for a kick around at football and indeed should one say, a good hunting ground for a ‘fella’ as many of the nations manhood were there also practising their gaelic skills and perhaps the odd auld illegal game with one of the mass of Dublin clubs.

The ladies on their evening out came into contact with Tom Kenny from Offaly who were affiliated to the new association of Peil Gael na mBan. Tom who was quite a charmer within the circle of ladies soon got the ladies from Cavan ‘champing at the bit’ to get going at inter-county level and as he was one of the founding fathers of the association of get a team together and play Galway at Mullingar in the All Ireland semi final. Although the girls got beaten by 9 points, 11 points to 2 points, the scoreline did no justice to the girls natural ability and perhaps with a few prior games, the All Ireland could have been reached in the very first attempt at inter-county ladies football.

That was the inaugural baptism of Cavan Ladies football. After that great day out at Cusack Park in Mullingar, the enthusiasm could not have been higher and indeed there was no shortage of practice in the Phoenix Park for the rest of the year and an awaited new season of 1976 could not come quick enough. Football had indeed taken roots and indeed Cavan girls from all over the county living in the capital were also showing interest. They were been kept informed by the secretary of the Cavan’s men’s association in Dublin, Rosemary Sexton, who had done Trojan work with the team earlier in the year who had faced Galway.

That first panel of girls included, Carmel Lynch, Ann Shannaghy, Carmel Wilson, Margaret Moynagh, Helen Smith, Bridget Sheridan, Josie Briordy, Rosie Lynch, Kerry Brady, Veronica Sharkey, Helen Reilly, Eileen Leddy, Kathleen Leddy, Ann Agnes Sheridan and Mary Moynagh.

Cavan were working hard at home with competitions in 1975. In February 1976, 8 clubs assembled at the “Lantern Inn” in Cavan town and a County Board was set up to run ladies football in the county. The clubs that attended were as follows:

Crosserlough Mullaghoran Templeport Lavey

Lacken Maghera Killenkere

The Officers were as follows:

Chairperson: Tom Dowd/Kit McBride Lavey

Secretary: Maryaret Moynagh Drumalee

Treasurer: Martha Kevlihen Drumalee

A county league was set up and Hugh Meehan and Fr Pat Cassidy from Armagh who had earlier been in contact with Tom Dowd regarding games, as football was in Armagh for a number of years. Correspondence took place and a two-legged Ulster final was arranged. In the league championship, Mullaghoran played and defeated the other clubs and became official champions of Cavan. Cavan travelled to Killeavy in the Orchard County of Armagh and defeated the home county in the first ladies inter-county game in Ulster by 3-5 to 1-3. In the second game at Brefini Park Cavan (there was posh for you!) they defeated the Armagh girls by 8-17 to 1-2, before a crowd of about 200 who were surprised at the quality of the game.

That first historic ladies title winning team was as follows:

Carmel Lynch, Carmel Wilson, Bridget Sheridan, Ann Agnes Sherdian, Mary Moynagh, Josie Briody, Rita Briody, Rosie Lynch, Eileen Halton, from Mullaghoran Club, Veronica Sharkey, Kathleen Leddy, Ann Shanaghy, Alice Walsh from Drumalee Club, Geraldine Smith and Monica Connelly from Maghera Club, Anna McCabe from Crosserlough, Geraldine Smith and Sheila Gorman from Lavey.

Cavan, as the newly crowned Ulster champions were now drawn against the new Munster champions Kerry, who had saw off the previous years All Ireland champions Tipperary and had come to Brefini Park as red hot favourites before a home crowd of about 500.

But in the end, had to bend the knee to experience losing by six points, that did not reflect the real game, and when that man from Banagher in Offaly, Tom Kenny, blew the final whistle, Kerry the Kingdom were ahead by 3-9 to 3-3 and they had a long trip home to cherish their good fortune.

Ladies Football well established in Cavan

Ladies football County Bard started in Co Cavan in 1976. It all began at a meeting in the Lantern Inn, Cavan on the 10 February 1976. 8 clubs attend this meeting – Templeport, Drumalee, Lacken, Lavey, Killinkere, Maghera and a County committee was elected.

The personnel of this committee were:

Chairperson: Tom Dowd Lavey

Vice-Chair: Kit McBride Lavey

Secretary: Maryaret Moynagh Drumalee

Treasurer: Martha Kevlihen Drumalee

A county league was started between the clubs and the selectors set out to pick a county team. Their first game was against Armagh in the Ulster Final and they were victorious. In the All Ireland semi final they played Kerry in Breffini Park, but after an exciting game, were beaten by four points. Kerry incidentally went on to win the All Ireland title that year. The members of the first-ever Cavan ladies team were:

Carmel Lynch, Carmel Wilson, Bridget Sheridan, Ann Agnes Sherdian, Mary Moynagh, Josie Briody, Rita Briody, Rosie Lynch, Eileen Halton, from Mullaghoran Club, Veronica Sharkey, Kathleen Leddy, Ann Shanaghy, Alice Walsh from Drumalee Club, Geraldine Smith and Monica Connelly from Maghera Club, Anna McCabe from Crosserlough, Geraldine Smith and Sheila Gorman from Lavey.

1977 was Cavan’s greatest year. They won the two All Ireland competitions, Under 16 and senior. In that year also, two new clubs were affiliated – Ballymahugh and Ballyhaise. Bernie Callaghan who came from the Ballyhaise club, played centerfield on the senior and Under 16 county teams. She was only 13 years of age at the time. Rita Briody also played on both successful county teams and also won an All Ireland club championship medial in the same year.

For the next 2 years progress was slow but at the beginning of 1980, ladies football got a great boost with the introduction of four new clubs from West Cavan into their competitions. These new clubs were Glangevlin, Swanlinbar, Drumlane and Belturbet. They supplied the county teams with a number of good players such as Angela McCabe, Ann Marie Leddy, Catherine Murphy, the O’Brien sisters, Geraldine McGovern, Mary and Ann McGovern and Pauline McGloughlin.

1980 was the year that Cavan ladies could and should have won the All Ireland senior final. They defeated last year’s champions, Offaly in the semi final at Breffini Park, Cavan. This was one of the best ever displays by a Cavan team in any competition and their sights were now set on regaining the senior crown they last held in 1977.

However this was not to be. Tipperary had the last work or the last kick of the football words when they defeated Cavan on the score of 1-1 to 0-1. On the day the Cavan girls were unable to get the vital scores although overall in the match they had the monopoly of the play. Their defence was brilliant but unfortunately the attack had one of it’s ‘off days’. The player of the match was between two Cavan players, Bridget Sheridan (Mullahoran) and Patricia O’Brien, with Patricia getting the vote of the judges.

The Cavan team that played in the All Ireland was:

Martina Maguire, ita O’Brien, Josie Briordy, Eileen Hlaton, Olive Wilson, Bridget Sheridan, Helen Smithy, Rosie Lynch, Angela McCabe, Ann McGovern, Kathleen Leddy, Pauline McGloughlin, Tess O’Brien, Sarah Murphy and Rita Briordy.

The Cavan minor team also reached the All Ireland final. They defeated Leinster champions Wexford in the semi final played at New Ross.

Their opponents in the final were Munster champions Kerry who proved too strong for the first ever ladies minor championship and Kerry had the honour of bringing the trophy back to the Kingdom. The Under 16 team lost in the semi final stage to Laois. On the club front, Mullahoran ladies reached the All Ireland club final for the third year in succession. In 1977 they defeated Roscommon champions St Colman’s. They met Newtownshandrum, Cork in the 1978 and 1979 deciders but were defeated on both occasions. The Mullahoran ladies have dominated the football scene in Cavan since competitions started in 1976. they have also been the backbone of the county teams, from this great Gaelic football stronghold who have given great service to the county, are the Sheridans, Briodys and the Wilsons.

Senior Championship Winners:

1976 Mullahorn defeated Drumalee

1977 Mullahorn defeated Killinkere

1978 Mullahorn defeated St Brigid’s (Crosserlough/Ballymahugh)

Junior Championship Winners

1978 Maghera defeated Ballymahugh

1979 Crosserlough defeated Ballymahugh

Senior Player of the Year awards:

1976 Bridget Sheridan (Mullahoran)

1977 Monica Carroll (Maghera)

1978 Rosie Lynch (Mullahorn)

1979 Eileen Halton (Mullahorn)

Under 16 Player of the Year awards

1978 Bernie Callaghan (Ballyhaise)

1979 Colette Kelly (Ballymahugh)

Members of the Cavan County Board 1980

Rita Briody, Bridget Sheridan, Hugh McInerney, P J Reilly, Tommy Muphy, Jim Tom conarty, Sarah Murphy, Colette Kelly (Minor player of the year), John Joe Brady, Tom Dowd (Chairman), Eileen Halton (Senior Player of the year)

At the presentation of the4 1979 Player of the Year awards were Colette Kelly (Ballymachugh), Under 16 Player of the Year, John Joe Brady, County Secretary, Cavan Ladies County Board, Tom Dowde, Chairman and Eileen Halton (Mullahorn), Brigid Sheridan (Mullahorn), Hugo McInerney (Ballymahugh), P J Reilly (Castleahan), Jimmy Murphy (Crosskeys), Jim Tom Conaty (Lavey), Sarah Murphy (Crosskeys).

Cavan ladies football team beaten by Tipperary in the 1980 All Ireland final were:

Rita Briody, Ann McGovern, Mary McGovern, Kathleen Durkan, Patricia O’Brien (capt), Eileen Halton, Eithne O’Brien, Colette Farrell, Josie Brady, Rosie Lynch, Cathriona Murphy, Angela McCabe, Carmel Lynch, Bridget Sheridan, Olive Wilson, Sylvia Young, Colette Hughes, Geraldine McLoughlin, Monica O’Reilly, Helen Smith, Sarah Murphy, Martina Maguire, Martina Dolan.

Cavan Club Football from 1976 – 1983

Mullahoran, the Cavan champions had beaten Lisammon of Armagh in the 1977 final by 2-14 to 1-6. They beat Loughmore of Tipperary in the All Ireland semi final by 0-5 to 0-4 at Templemore and becamde the first All Ireland club champions beating St Comans of Roscommon in the final 4-5 to 2-1 at Pearse Park, Longford.

Mullahoran won the 1978n Cavan final beating Ballyhaise in the final 1-6 to 1-2. They went on to beat Lissamon of Armagh in the Ulster final 2-10 to 2-0. They beat Roscommon Gaels in the All Ireland semi final 6-10 to 0-0 but failed at the final hurdle, losing to Newtownshandrum of Cork 4-6 to 1-9, played at Portarlington.

1979

Mullahorn defeated St Brigids in the county final 1-6 to 0-2 as Cavan was now the only county playing football in Ulster. Mullahorn were now through to the All Ireland final for the third year in a row meeting Newtownshandrum again in the final. A chance for revenge but it was not to be as they again came away empty handed from Portarlington losing 1-7 to 0-2. Cavan were now the only county playing football in Ulster. They reached the national league semi final losing to Tipperary 6-2 to 2-4 at Littleton. They were through to the All Ireland semi final where they lost to Tipperary 6-2 to 0-0 at Littleton.

1980

Mullahorn representing Ulster in the All Ireland semi final losing to Castleisland of Kerry 12-8 to 0-2 at Dolla, Co Tipperary. Cavan reached the national league semi final losing to Kerry 8-12 to 0-1 at Fessa, Killarney. Cavan beat Offaly in the All Ireland semi final 2-5 to 0-8 at Breffini Park to reach the All Ireland final for the first time in three years. Despite a hard fought and low scoring game during which defences were generally on top, Tipperary came out on top 1-1 to 0-1 at Edenderry.

1981

Mullahorn lost the All Ireland semi final to Galway Gaels by 2-6 to 1-5 at Tuam Stadium. Tipperary again beat Cavan in the national League semi final 4-4 to 2-3 at Tullamore. Cavan travelled to Carrick-on-Shannon to take on Leitrim in the All Ireland semi final beating the home team 3-3 to 2-2. Cavan were now in the final for the second consecutive year and were hoping to go one better than the previous year. However defeat was to be their lot again, losing to Offaly 1-11 to 4-0 at Ballinasloe.

Under 18: Cavan 2-1 Wexford 1-1 at Newross in semi final.

Final – Kerry 10-7 Cavan 2-1 at Tullamore.

1982

Mullahoran travelled to Rockfortbridge, Co Westmeath to take on the home team in the All Ireland club championship losing narrowly by 1-12 to 0-11.

Kerry beat Cavan in the national league semi final 5-3 to 1-8 at Dolla, Nenagh. Kerry again beat Cavan later in the year in the All Ireland semi final 4-6 to 1-4 at tullamore.

1983

Mullahoran were on the road again representing Ulster when meeting Castleisland in the All Ireland semi final at Tullamore. Castleisland were the visitors 3-3 to 1-3. Cavan failed to reach the national League knock-out stages and lost the All Ireland semi final to Wexford 7-9 to 0-4 at Wexford Park. This was the last year of competitive football in Cavan until the County Board reformed in 1994.

Cavan Under 16 and Under 18 teams

1977

Cavan Under 16 received a bye to the All Ireland final where Roscommon having beaten Cork were their opponents. There was no stopping the Breffini girls who won by 1-8 to 0-2 at Hyde Park, Roscommon.

1978

As there was no Under 16 competition in Ulster at this time (first Ulster Under 16 competition was in 1992). Cavan represented Ulster in the All Ireland semi final. They played Tipperary at Rhode Co. Offaly, losing narrowly by 2-4 to 1-5.

1979

Cavan travelled to Hyde Park, Roscommon, scene of their All Ireland victory two years earlier, for the clash with Roscommon in this year’s All Ireland fairytale ending. On this occasion with home team winning by the narrowest of margins, 2-4 to 3-0.

1980

Cavan travelled to Ballylinan, Co Laois to take on the home team in the All Ireland

Semi final at Tullamore. Losing by 4-8 to 1-5 in what proved to be Cavan’s last Under 16 game before the Cavan sabbatical. The Cavan Under 18 team also bowed out for a time after losing the All Ireland semi final to Kerry 13-11 to 0-1 at Ballycumber, Co Offaly.

There was a ladies Gaelic football Board formed in Co Cavan in 1976.

The following teams were affiliated in 1976:

Mullahoran Crosserlough Ballyhaise Lacken Lavey

The remaining teams were affiliated later:

Munterconnaught Maghera Swanlinbar Glengevlin St Brigids

No record of officers elected to the County Board in 1976. I know Tom Dowd and Veronica Sharkey and Michael Greenan were involved and the officers elected to the County Board in 1977 were as follows:

Chairman: Tom Dowd

Vice-Chair: Dan Daly

Secretary: Kit McBride

Assistant Secretary: Helen Smith

Treasurer: Monica Connell

Assistant Treasurer: Anna McCabe

Youth Officer: PJ Reilly

Ulster Delegate: Olivia Brady

Ulster Championship 1976

Cavan took part in the Ulster Championship. There were only two teams in Ulster, i.e. Armagh and Cavan. They played the Championship on a home and away basis.

1st leg: Killeavy, Armagh: Cavan 3-5 Armagh 1-3

Team:

Carmel Lynch (Mullahoran), Ann Shanaghy (Drumalee), Carmel Wilson (Mullahoran), Maggie Moynagh (Mullahoran), Helen Smith (Lavey), Brigid Sheridan (Mullahoran), Eileen Halton (Lacken), Kathleen Leddy (Drumalee), Ann Agnes Sheridan (Mullahoran), Mary Mognagh (do), Josie Briody (do), Rosie Lynch (do), Kerry Brady (do), Veronica Sharkey (Drumalee), Mary Reilly (do).

2nd leg: Breffini Park Cavan 8-17 Armagh 1-2

Team:

Carmel Lynch (Mullahoran), Ann Shanaghy (Drumalee), Carmel Wilson (Mullahoran), Alaice Walsh (Drumalee), Helen Smith (Lavey), Brigid Sheridan (Mullahoran), Kathleen Leddy (Drumalee), Ann Agnes Sheridan (Mullahoran), Geraldine Smith (Magera), Monica Connell (Maghera), Mary Mognagh (do), Josie Briody (do), Rosie Lynch (do), Veronica Sharkey (Drumalee).

Subs: Eileen Halton for Alice Walsh, Sheila Gorman for M Connell and Rita Briody for Mary Moynagh.

All Ireland final 1976

Cavan played Kerry in the All Ireland semi final in Breffini Park, Cavan.

Kerry 3-9 Cavan 3-3

Team:

Carmel Lynch (Mullahoran), Ann Shaarkey (Drumalee), Carmel Wilson (Mullahoran), Eileen Halton (Lacken), Helen Smith (Lavey), Brigid Sheridan (Mullahoran), Anna McCabe (Crosserlough), Kathleen Leddy (Drumalee), Ann Agnes Sheridan (Mullahoran), Ann Farrelly (Maghera), Monica Connell (Maghera), Mary Mognagh (do), Josie Briody (do), Rosie Lynch (do), Veronica Sharkey (Drumalee).

Subs: Olivia Brady for Anna McCabe

Ulster Final 1977

Cavan beat Armagh – no records.

All Ireland semi final 1977

Cavan played Offaly in Edenderry – no records.

An appeal was lodged by Cavan, and Cavan won it putting them through to the All Ireland final against Roscommon in Hyde Park, Roscommon. Result – Cavan 4-3

Roscommon 2-3.

Team:

Bernie McCabe (Drumalee), anna McCabe (Crosserlough), Martina McGuire (Maghera), Eileen Halton (Lacken), Carmel Lynmch (Mullahoran), Brigid Sheridan (capt, Mullahorn), S Murphy (Crosserlough), Kathleen Leddy (Drumalee), Bernie Callaghan (Ballyhaise), Ann Agnes Sheridan (Mullahorn), Monica Connell (Maghera), Josie Briody (do), Rosie Lynch (do), Ann Farrelly (Maghera), Rita Briody (Mullahoran).

Subs: Helen Smith, Carmel Wilson, Therese Cullivan, Carmel Reilly, Ann Lynch, Ann Roe.

1977

Under 16 Cavan win all Ireland Ladies title

Cavan became winners of the All Ireland ladies Under 16 football competition when they defeated Roscommon by 1-8 to 0-2 in the final at Hyde Park, Roscommon on Monday last. A large attendance including former GAA President, Dr Donal Keenan, witnessed a most entertaining game.

Roscommon, playing with the breeze in the first half had the better of the exchanges with mid fielders Peggy Guckian and Maeve Fallon in top form. It was only due to some great defence play by Cavan’s Martina Maguire, Olive Wilson, Bernie Cullivan, Ann Lynch and Therese Callaghan that kept the Roscommon forwards at bay. Then in the 8th minute, Roscommon broke through and Madeline Traynor added a point. The Cavan selectors made a number of switches at this stage, team captain Rita Briody and Ann Smith moved to midfield and this change had a beneficial effect as the forwards got a better supply. Just before the interval Roscommon added a point which left the half time score – Roscommon 0-2 Cavan 0-0.

Cavan switch

For the second half, Lavey player mary Kilkenny was moved to full forward and she made an immediate impact when she scored a great goal after five minutes. Three minutes later, Eileen Cunningham pointed and Anna Marie Roe followed with a similar score. At this stage Cavan were coming on completely on top. Eileen Cunningham tacked on two more points.

Roscommon put in a major effort to get back into the game and a brave attempt by Triona Morahan came back off the upright. Cavan hit back with a point from Brid Cooney and Anna May Roe, Mary Fox and Mary Kilkenny all found the target and eventually Cavan won with some time to spare.

Presentation

After the game the President of the ladies association, tony Kenny, presented the cup to the Cavan captain Rita Briody.

Team:

Christina Reilly, Bernie Cullivan, Martina Maguire, Olive Wilson, Ursula Nannery, Therese Callaghan, Ann Lynch, Bernie Callaghan, Margaret O’Connell, Marie O’Connell, Anna May Roe, Martina Dolan, Ann smith, Eileen Cunningham, Rita Briody (capt).

Subs: Mary Kilkenny, Brid Cooney, Mary Fox.

1978

Ulster final – Cavan won, Ulster declared no championship.

All Ireland semi final

Cavan play Roscommon in Breffini Park

Result – Cavan 2-6 Roscommon 3-6.

Team:

Martina McGuire (Maghera), Anna McCabe (Crosserlough), Eileen Halton (Lacken), Brigid Sheridan (Mullahoran), Olive Wilson (do), Josie Briody (Mullahoran), S Muprhy (Crosserlough), Helen Smith (Lavey), Kathleen Leddy (Drumalee), Ann Agnes Sheridan (Mullahoran), Monica Connell (Maghera), Rosie Lynch (do), Eileen Cunningham (Lavey), Rita Briody (Mullahoran).

Subs: Ann Farrelly (Maghera) for Sarah Murphy (Crosserlough).

1979

Ulster final – Cavan won, Ulster declared no championship.

All Ireland semi final

Cavan played Offaly in Breffini Park.

Result – Cavan 2-5 Offaly 0-8.

Team:

S Young (Glangevlin), Eithne O’Brien (do), Josie Briody (Mullahoran), Eileen Halton (Lacken), Olive Wilson (Mullahoran), Brigid Sheridan (Mullahoran), Helen Smith (Lavey), Rosie Lynch (do) Kathleen Leddy (Drumalee), Martina McGovern (Glangevlin), Ann McGovern (do), S Murphy (Crosserlouth), P O’Brien (capt Swanlinbar) Anna McCabe (Crosserlough), Rita Briody (Mulahoran).

Subs: Martina Maguire, Pauline McLoughlin

All Ireland Final

Cavan play Tipperary in Edenderry

Result – Tipperary 1-1 Cavan 0-1

Team:

S Young (Glangevlin), Eithne O’Brien (do), Josie Briody (Mullahoran), Eileen Halton (Lacken), Olive Wilson (Mullahoran), Brigid Sheridan (Mullahoran), Helen Smith (Lavey), Rosie Lynch (do) Kathleen Leddy (Drumalee), Ann McGovern (do), S Murphy (Crosserlouth), P O’Brien (capt Swanlinbar) Anna McCabe (Crosserlough), Rita Briody (Mulahoran).

Subs: Martina Dolan, Martina McGovern, C Lynch

1980

Ulster Final

Cavan declared no championship.

All Ireland semi final

Cavan played Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Result – Cavan 3-3 Leitrim 2-2.

Team:

Martina McGuire (Maghera), Eithne O’Brien (Swanlinbar), Josie Briody (Mullahoran), Eileen Halton (Lacken), Monica Reilly (Mullahorn), Olive Wilson (Mullahorn), Anna McCabe (Crosserlough), Geraldine McGovern (Swanilbar), Rosie Lynch (Mullahoran), Kathleen Leddy (Drumalee), Sarah Murphy (Crosserlough), Patricia O’Brien (Swanlinbar), Brigid Sheridan (capt Mullahorn), Martina Dolan (Mullahoran).

All Ireland Final

Cavan played Offaly in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

Result – Offaly 1-11 Cavan 4-0

Team:

Martina McGuire (Maghera), Eithne O’Brien (Swanlinbar), Josie Briody (Mullahoran), Eileen Halton (Lacken), Monica Reilly (Mullahorn), Olive Wilson (Mullahorn), Anna McCabe (Crosserlough), Geraldine McGovern (Swanilbar), Rosie Lynch (Mullahoran), Kathleen Leddy (Drumalee), Sarah Murphy (Crosserlough), Patricia O’Brien (Swanlinbar), Brigid Sheridan (capt Mullahorn), Martina Dolan (Mullahoran).

Sub: Bernie O’Callaghan for Monica Reilly

In 1976 there was a 4 county league played:

Teams: Armagh, Louth, Meath and Cavan

Cavan won the league.

All Ireland League

In 1978 Tipperary (1-5) beat Cavan 1-3).

Some information on 4 county league held in 1977

Teams: Armagh, Louth, Meath and Cavan

Cavan v Armagh

Cavan beat Meath 2-9 to 1-6, played in navan

Cavan beat Louth in final 1-8 to 1-5 played in Killeavy (Armagh)

Cavan – National League

1978

Tipperary beat Cavan in Breffini Park (Cavan), score 1-5 to 1-3

1979

Tipperary beat Cavan in Littleton

Semi final score – Tipperary 6-2 to Cavan 2-4

1980

Cavan play Kerry in semi final in Castleisland

1981

Cavan played in semi final at Tullamore

Score – Tipperary 4-4 to Cavan 2-3

1982

Cavan play Kerry in Dolla (Tipperary)

Score – Cavan 1-8 to Kerry 3-5.

Cavan Minor

Cavan came out of Ulster

No record of semi final

Cavan played Roscommon in All Ireland 1977 in Hyde Park, Roscommon.

Result Cavan 1-8 Roscommon 0-2.

Team:

Christina Reilly, Bernie Culliivan, Martina Maguire, Olive Wilson, Ursula Nannery, Therese Callaghan, Ann Lynch, Bernie Callaghan, Margaret O’Connell, Marie O’Connell, Anna May Roe, Martina Dolan, Ann Smith, Eileen Cunningham, Rita Briody (capt), Mary Kilkenny, Brid Cooney, Mary Fox.

Cavan Under 16

Rita Briody won 3 all Irelands in the one year – 1977 senior Under 16 club.

Mullahoran Club

Mullahoran club was formed in 1976. the following championships were:

County Club Championship:

1976 Mullahoran 4-8 Drumalee 0-4

1977 Mullahoran v Crosserlough (no records)

1978 Mullahoran 1-6 v Ballyhaise 1-2

1979 Mullahoran 1-6 v St Brigids 0-2

All Ireland Club Championship

1977

Mullahoran 4-5 v St Coman (Roscommon) 2-8

1978

Ulster Club Championship

Lisommon (Armagh) 2-0 v Mullahoran 2-10

All Ireland Championship

Semi final: Mulahoran 6-10 v Roscommon Gaels 0-0

Newtownshandrum (Cork) 4-6 v Mullahoran 1-9

Mullahoran Team

Una Wilson, Maggie Moynagh, Carmel Wilson, Peggy Comaskey, Olive Wilson, Josie Briody, Carmel Lynch, Ann Baxter, Rosie Lynch, Rita Briody, Mary Moynagh, Martina Dolan, Josie Sheridan, Kerry Brady

Subs: Monica Reilly, Rose Brennan, Eithne Cullen, Mary Tierney, Martina Brady, Colette Brady, Eilish Wilson, Deirdre Brady, Aby Lynch, Mary Comaskey, Ann Kieran, Kathleen Lynch, Julia Lynch.

Mullahoran played in different tournaments, namely Forgney, Co Longford 1976 and 1977 Crosserlough, Co Cavan 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979 and Ballinagh Co Cavan 1976 and 1977 and won all of them.

1977

Cavan ladies win first leg of Ulster final

In the final of the Ulster ladies football competition, Cavan defeated Armagh by 3-5 to 1-2 in the first leg at Kileavy on Sunday last. The second leg takes place at Breffini Park on Sunday next at 12 noon. This was an exciting game played at a fast pace and the standard of football was high.

Cavan broke away from the throw in and attacked the Armagh goal. The home defence held out with some good defensive play and help from the woodwork. At half time Cavan had built up a 1-5 to 0-2 lead.

Armagh made some switches at the interval and this improved their game. They besieged the Cavan goal but failed to improve on their score. The Cavan midfield regained the upperhand and added two goals and also had one disallowed for a square infringement. At the end, Armagh broke through for a consolation goal.

While the whole Cavan team played well, special mention must be made of Bridget Sheridfan and Kathleen Leddy.

Scorers:

K Brady 1-0, A Sheridan 1-0, V Sharkey 1-0, K Leddy 0-2, M Moynagh 0-1, R Lynch 0-1, M Reilly 0-1.

Team:

Carmel Lynch, Ann Shanaghy, Carmel Wilson, Margaret Moynagh, Helen Smith, Bridget Sheridan, Eileen Halton, Ann Agnes Sheridan, Mary Moynagh, Josie Briody, Rosaleen Lynch, Kerry brady, Veronica Sharkey, Mary Reilly.

In a fine exhibition of gaelic football at Breffini last Sunday last, Co Cavan ladies team captured the county’s only Ulster trophy this year when they accounted for Armagh on the score of 8-17 to 1-2 in the second leg of the Ulster ladies football final. The game was played in sweltering heat before an attendance of over 200. Having won the first leg in Armagh the previous week by 3-5 to 1-3, Cavan were expected to win the return match but such an overwhelming victory wasn’t envisaged. Cavan now meet Musnter champions Kerry in the All Ireland semi final at Breffini Park on a date to be arranged.

This is the first year that Ulster has competed in the All Ireland ladies competition and despite the fact that only two counties competed, the Cavan side showed class and skill worthy of their male counterparts. They now go on to meet Munster champions Kerry. The sport is very strong in Munster and in the Provincial final, Kerry defeated the reigning All Ireland champions, Tipperary. Judging by Sunday last’s display which admittedly was one-sided, Cavan should be no means feel over awed by Kerry’s reputation.

The Cavan girls played with surprising skill and proficiency and they completely overwhelmed their more youthful opponents. Such was the ho9me sides dominance that the northern county registered their first score – a goal – midway through the second half.

The Brefini side were rampant right from the throw-in. At half time, thanks to the expertise of a fast, sharp-shooting forward line, they led Armagh by 28 points. The Armagh team had no joy in the second half either. They were outplayed in every sector. At one stage, however, entering the final quarter, and after making a number of substitutions, the Armagh side began to put some pressure on the Cavan defence. Most of their efforts went wide but after an Armagh forward was pulled down on the edge of the small square, midfielder Margie Murphy squeezed the resulting 14 yards free into the net past a crowded Cavan goalmouth to register her team’s first score of the match.

Before the final whistle sounded the Armagh girls added only two points to their total and were a very disheartened team at the conclusion. It would be unfair to single out any Cavan player as being outstanding as the entire team performed heroically. The backs completely subdued their opponents while at centrefield, this sector also functioned competently and provided the forwards with plenty of scoring opportunities. The six forwards were as the final score indicates, in fine form and had the ability to pick off scores.

Lack of experience and youthfulness seemed to be the basis of Armagh’s poor showing. Centrefield player, Margie Murphy, tried hard to inspire her team and had the forwards found the target the final scoreline might have been a little more respectable.

Presentation

The cup was presented to the Cavan captain, Kathleen Leddy from Butlersbridge, sister of Cavan inter-county players, Sean and Ollie Leddy by Mr Tom Kenny (Offaly) who refereed the match and who is also President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.

Another All Ireland title for Cavan ladies

Before an attendance of over 3,000, who paid receipts of £1,500, at Hyde Park, Roscommon on Sunday last, Cavan won their first ever All Ireland senior ladies football title when they defeated Roscommon by 2-3 to 2-0 in an entertaining final. Despite all the publicity surrounding the composition of the Roscommon team and particularly Sr. Pauline, Cavan who went into the game as the underdogs, played exceptionally well and deservedly took the honours. This success gave Cavan a double honour as they also defeated the Connaught county in the minor final.

Cavan ignored all the pre-match publicity surrounding the game and they got down to task right from the start. In the second fixture, Ann Agnes Baxter opened the scoring with a point and a few minutes later, Monica Connell added another. In the 7th minute Ann Farrelly was also on target. After good play involving Kathleen Leddy, Bernie Callaghan, Ann Agnes Baxter and Josie Briody, the latter passed to Rosie Lynch who scored a great goal.

Roscommon came more into the game and after a good move involving Maeve Fallon, Liz O’Brien and Peggy Guckian, the latter was fouled. The free was taken by P Guckian who centred to the Cavan square where defe3nder E Halton deflected the ball into her own net. Despite this momentary disaster, Cavan’s defence, while under severe pressure, held out until Sr Pauline shot a fine goal in the 22nd minute.

Cavan fought back and after a good build up involving Bernie Callaghan, Josie Briody and Ann Farrelly, Rita Bri8ody shot to the net. At the interval Cavan led by 2-3 to 2-0.

The early stages of the second half saw Bernie Callaghan and K Leddy take control of the midfield sector. In the 7th minute Ann Agnes Baxter got Cavan’s third goal.

Roscommon then exerted pressure but some great defensive work by Bridget Sheridan, Anna McCabe and Sarah Murphy kept them at bay until the 10th minute when Triona Moran pointed. Roscommon continued to attack and they added another point from Liz O’Brien, their star player.

In the 22nd minute of the half, Monica Connell scored a goal making the game safe for

Cavan. At this stage Cavan introduced 2 subs, Anna Marie Roe for Josie Briody and Helen Smith for Ann Agnes Baxter. The last score of the game, a point, fell to Roscommon’s Madeline Treacy.

Best for Cavan were Anna McCabe, Martina Maguire, Eileen Halton, Sarah Murphy and Bridget Sheridan in the defence. Goalkeeper Bernie McCabe made a number of outstanding saves. The highlight of the day was the midfield display from Kathleen Leddy and Bernie Callaghan. Pick of the forwards were Ann Agnes Baxter, Monica Connell, Rita Briody, Rosie Lynch and Ann Farrelly.

Roscommon’s team captain, Carmel Browne had a fine game in the full back berth. Also impressive were defenders Mary McManus and Geraldine Reynolds. L O’Brien at midfield was prominent throughout and in the forwards Sr. Pauline, Madeline Treacy and T Moran tried very hard.

Cavan:

Bernie McCabe, Anna McCabe, Martina Maguire, Eileen Halton, Sarah Murphy, Bridget Sheridan (capt), Carmel Lynch, Kathleen Leddy, Bernie Callaghan, Ann Agnes Baxter, Monica Connell, Josie Briody, Rosie Lynch, Ann Farrelly, Rita Briody.

Subs: Ann Marie Roe and Helen Smith.

Roscommon:

O Duffy, C McManus, C Brown (capt), N Egan, M Mulhern, M McManus, G Reynolds, P Gibbons, L O’Brien, A Dolan, M Fallon, T Moran, M Treacy, A Donlon, P Guckian.

Subs – A Bailey, M Sheils

Referee: Brother Bhean.

After the game, the cup was presented to the Cavan captain Bridget Sheridan by the National Vice-President, Lynda Colgan.

Under 16

Cavan win All Ireland Ladies title

Cavan became winners of the All Ireland ladies Under 16 football competition when they defeated Roscommon by 1-8 to 0-2 in the final at Hyde Park Roscommon on Monday last. A large attendance including former GAA President, Dr Donal Keenan witnessed a most entertaining game.

Roscommon playing with the breeze in the first half had the better of the exchanges with midfielder Peggy Guckian and Maeve Fallon in top form. It was only due to some great defensive play by Cavan’s Martina Maguire, Olive Wilson, Bernie Cullivan, Ann Lynch and Therese Callaghan that kept the Roscommon forwards at bay. Then in the 8th minute Roscommon broke through and Madeline Traynor added a point.

The Cavan selection made a number of switches at this stage. Team captain Rita Briody and Ann Smith moved to midfield and this change had a beneficial effect as the forwards got a better supply. Just before the interval, Roscommon added a point which left the half time score Roscommon 0-2, Cavan 0-0.

For the second half Lavey player, Mary Kilkenny was moved to full forward and she made an immediat5e impact when she scored a great goal after 5 minutes. Three minutes later; Eileen Cunningham pointed and Anna Marie Roe followed with a similar score. At this stage Cavan were completely on top. Eileen Cunningham tacked on two more points.

Roscommon put in a major effort to get back into the game and a brave attempt by Triona Morahan came back off the upright. Cavan hit back with a point from Brid Cooney and Anna May Roe, Mary Fox and Mary Kilkenny all found the target and eventually Cavan won with something to spare.

After the game the President of the Ladies Association, Tony Kenny presented the cup to Cavan cap0tain Rita Briody.

Team:

Christina Reilly, Bernie Cullivan, Martina Maguire, Olive Wilson, Ursula Nannery, Therese Callaghan, Ann Lynch, Bernie Callaghan, Margaret O’Connell, Marie O’Connell, Anna May Roe, Martina Dolan, Ann Smith, Eileen Cunningham, Rita Briody.

Subs: Mary Kilkenny, Brid Cooney, Mary Fox.

Mullahorn win inaugural ladies football

Mullahorn became first winners of the Cavan Ladies Football Association Championship following their defeat of Drumalee by 4-8 to 0-4 in t6he final at Breffni Park on Sunday last. As the final score indicates, Mullahorn were firmly in control throughout and their strength in depth was too much for Drumalee to withstand.

Mullahorn got off to a fine start with a goal from Rita Briody from 20 yards which was followed by points from Kerry Brady and Josie Briody. The second half saw Drumalee on top but in spite of sustained pressure, they were unable to show their superiority on the scoreboard. At half time the score was Mullahorn 2-3, Drumalee 0-3. Mullahorn, with the breeze in their favour in the second half, were firmly in control and followed up with scores from Mary Moynagh, Kathleen Lynch, Kerry Brady and Ann Agnes Sheridan.

The highlight of the game was the midfield battle between Kathleen Leddy and Rosaleen Walsh (Drumalee) and Josie Briody and Ann Agnes Sheridan.

Mullahoran had a strong defence with full back Carmel Weilson and half backs Bridget Shericdan, Margaret Moynagh and Carmel Lynch in top form. The Mullahoran forwards were a treat to watch with their fine passing movements.

Drumalee had an outstanding goalkeeper in Bernie McCabe. At full back, Ann Shanaghy was a tower of strength and got good support from Philomena Leddy and Helen Reilly. Of the forwards, Veronica Sharkey, Mary O’Hare and Mary Reilly were best.

Scorers for Mullahoran:

Rita Briody and Mary Moynagh 1-2 each, Ann Agnes Sheridan 1-0, Kerry Brady 0-3, Kathleen Lynch 0-2, Josie Briody 0-1.

Scorers for Drumalee:

Kathleen Leddy 0-2, Veronica Sharkey 0-1.

Mullahoran:

Una Wilson, Mary Comaskey, Carmel Wilson, Olive Wilson, Margaret Moynagh, Bridget Sheridan, Carmel Lynch, Ann Agnes Sheridan, Josie Briody, Mary Moynagh, Rosie Lynch, Rita Briody, Julia Lynchy, Kathleen Lynch and Kerry Brady.

Sub: Josie Sheridan for Julie Lynch

Drumalee:

Berney McCabe, Dympna Quinn, Ann Shanaghy, Philomena Leddy, Dympna Lynch, Alice Walsh, Helen Reilly (capt), Kathleen Leddy, Rosaleen Walsh, Mary O’Hare, Mary Reilly, Kathleen McCabe, Monica Fay, Veronica Sharkey, Margaret Gorman.

Subs: Carmel Browne for Margaret Gorman, E O’Hanlon for K McCabe.

Referee: John Lynch (Crosserlough)

The Maids of Mullahoran

On the 10th day of October

‘Twas in the afternoon

The ladies team assembled

In a place called Killadoon

They travelled down to Breffni Park

To make new History

And bring the cup back home with them

From favourites Drumalee

In goals stood Una Wilson

Between the posts so grand

With the skill of Paddy Cullen

And the strength of any man

And when the playing it got rough

She would not flinch or yield

With a long revealing clearance

It was back at centrefield

With Wilsons in the full back line and Peggy Comaskey

And that stalwart Maggie Moynagh was a credit for to see

Not forgetting Brigie, she never gave an inch

Assisted by the left half back, Kilcogy’s Carmel Lynch.

Well our little girls at centre field their equals are but few

There was Annie Agnes Sheridan and Josie Briody too.

Too see those girls play the ball it would fill you with delights

To combat their opponents they fought with all their might.

Well a word about our forwards there were Lynches by the score,

There was Rosie, Julia and Kathleen who oft’ made crowds roar

There was also Maggie Moynagh and Rita Briody and little Kerry Brady

Sure she done the work of three

Our subs out on the side line were ready at a call

Ann Kiernan, Josie Sheridan and Deirdre Brady tall

We could always call on Abby Lynch and Mary Tierney and

Last but always staunch and true was Bernie Comaskey

Well the girls from Mullahoran they played their little part

To see them play with skill and style would raise your poor auld heart6

So raise your glass to each fair lass in perfect harmony

And three cheers for gallant losers now the girls from Drumalee

The above poem was written by Jimmy Donohoe RIP, Grousehall in 1976 when the Mullahoran Ladies were taking part in the County Final against Drumalee.

Presentation to Mullahoran Ladies Football Team

The Mullahoran senior ladies football team were presented with their County Championship medial in Mullahoran recently. Mullahoran beat Kililnker in the county final on Easter Monday last.

Team:

Eilish Wilson, Catherine Maroney, Olive Wilson (under 16 Player of the Year 1977), Josie Briody (capt), Brigid Sheridan (senior county team captain with All Ireland championship), Rosie Lynch (senior player award 1977), Rita Briody (overall player of the year award 1977), Paddy Moynagh (trainer), Kenny Brady, Mary Moynagh, Liam O’Reilly (sponsor player award), Mary Tierney, Padraic Hartin (sponsor overall player 1977), Seamus Lynch (sponsor Under 16 player award 1977), Mary Rose Gaffney, Peggy Comiskey, Michael Reilly (trainer), John Joe Brady (Manager), Eithne Cullen, Carmel Wilson, Margaret Moynagh, Una Wilson, Rose Brennan, Josephine Sheridan, Carmel Wilson, John V Sheridan (coach), Ann Agnes Baxter, Martina Dolan.

Mullahoran win All Ireland title

Mullahoran ladies football team won the inaugural All Ireland club championship title at Pearse Park, Longford on Sunday last before a large attendance and in glorious sunshine. They beat Roscommon champions, St Comans by 4-5 to 2-1. Both teams had problems before the game. B Sheridan entered the game with an injury and had to play at full forward while St Comans star midfielder, L O’Brien lined out at corner forward.

Mullahoran got off to an excellent start with points from M Dolan in the 4th minute. Three minutes later R Brady added another point. Mullahoran had a period of sustained pressure and were awarded a penalty which r Lynch duly converted. A.A. Baxter and R Lynch were rampant at midfield and kept a steady supply to the forwards. B Sheridan added a goal for Mullahoran after a pass from M Dolan to leave them with a comfortable lead at half time.

Mullahoran opened the scoring after two minutes of the second half with a goal from 40 yards by M Moynagh. St Comans came more into the game and L O’Brien had a goal after twelve minutes after a run from the 50 yard line. B Sheridan replied with 2 Mullahoran points.

M Dolan closed the scoring for the winners with a goal in the 24th minute. In the last five minutes St Comans broke through for a goal and a p0oint from L O’Brien.

Mullahoran scorers:

B Sheridan 1-3, M Dolan 1-1, M Moynagh 1-0, R Lynch 1-0, R Briody 0-1.

St Comans:

L O’Brien 2-1, Mullahoran

Team:

U Wilson, M Moynagh, C Wilson, P Comiskey, O Wilson, J Briody, C Lynch, A A Baxter, R Lynch, M Moynagh, R Briody, M dolan, J Sheridan, B Sheridan, C Moroney,

Subs: R Brennan for C Moroney, E Cullen for J Sheridan.

1978

Presentation to Mullahoran Ladies GFC

The Mullahoran ladies team and subs who completed a successful season winning Cavan, Ulster and All Ireland Ladies club football titles.

Veronica Sharkey, Olive Wilson, Carmel Lynch, Anne Agnes Baxter, Josephine Briody, Carmel Wilson, Martina Halton, Liam Reilly, Peggy Comiskey, Eithne Cullen, Margaret Moynagh, Una Wilson, Bridget Sheridan, Tom O’Dowd (Chairman of Cavan Ladies Board), Rosie Lynch, Rita Briody, Paraic Harten, John Joe Brady, Mary Tierney, Eilish Wilson, Catriona Moroney, Mary Moynagh, Martina Brady, Rose Brennan, Josephine Sheridan, Eileen Halton and Paddy Lynch.

Cavan Ladies play Meath

Cavan’s lady footballers are in action against Meath at Moynalty on Sunday next. The following is the Cavan team and subs:

C Reilly, A McCabe, C Wilson, B Callaghan, O Wilson, R Briody, H Smith, Ann A Baxter, R Lynch, Rita Briody, M Connell, S Murphy, B Sheridan, E Cunningham, C Lynch.

Subs: M Moynagh, D Staffrord, G Smithy, K Leddy, A Farrelly, E Halton, O Brady, M Maguire.

Mullahoran’s hat-trick of ladies titles

Mullahoran lady footballers won the Cavan senior county championship title on Sunday last before a large attendance at Breffni Park when Ballyhaise were on the receiving end of a 6-6 to 1-2 defeat. Mullahoran thus completed a hat-trick.

The game was played under excellent conditions but it did not reach the high standard of which both teams are capable of. Ballyhaise with too many young players were never in with a chance against a very experienced Mullahoran team.

From the throw in Mullahoran were in command but it took seven minutes for them to register their first score – a point from mary Moynagh. Within three minutes they had a further goal and point from Ann Baxter and Rita Briody respectively. Ballyhaise made very little impression against an experienced Mullahoran defence and it was not until the 20th minute that they looked like scoring when Bernie Callaghan sent a dangerous ball narrowly wide.

In the 23rd minute Mullahoran got their second goal. Rosie Lynch took a free from 40 yards out and sent it over the head of the backs to the net. Mullahoran managed two more scores in this half, a goal from Mary Moynagh and a point from Martina Dolan. Ballyhaise were unable to manage a score in the first half. The half time score was Mullahoran 3-3, Ballyhaise 0-0.

Mullahoran lost one of their mdifield players, Josie Briody who received an injured shoulder and she was replaced by Josephine Sheridan.

The second half saw Ballyhaise come more into the game. Bernie Callaghan got possession at centre field and made a great run to score a fine goal. Within minutes the same player was on the move again, this time she shot a point.

This brought Ballyhaise back into the game with a fighting chance. Mullahoran were not content with their score but Mary Moynagh got their first score of the second half, a goal in the 12th minute.

Ballyhaise began to tire and Mullahoran’s skill and determination began to tell. They had two more goals from corner-forward Catherine Maroney and points from Rosie Lynch and M Moynagh. The last score of the game came from Ballyhaise, a point scored by B Callaghan. While she was taking this score, she turned on her ankle and had to leave the field.

Scorers for Mullahoran:

M Moynagh 2-2, C Maroney 2-0, R Lynch 1-2, A Baxter 1-0 and R Briody and M Dolan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Ballyhaise:

B Callaghan 1-2.

Mullahoran:

Una Wilson, Margaret Moynagh, C Wilson, P Comiskey, O Wilson, B Sheridan, E Halton, Josie Briody, Rosie Lynch, M Moynagh, Carmel Lynch, Rita Briody, C Maroney, A Baxter, M Dolan.

Subs: J Sheridan for J Briody.

1980

Cavan obtain first league points

Cavan gained their first two points of the National league in Arva on Sunday last when they defeated under-strength Roscommon by 3-9 to 2-4. Cavan started without two of their star players Rosie Lynch and Kathleen Durkin through injuries.

Cavan scored within minutes of the throw-in when A McGovern shot a fine goal. B McGovern, Carmel Lynch added a point each in quick succession. Roscommon’s first score came from a free by Liz O’Brien, which deceived everyone and ended in the net.

Cavan hit back with two points from S Murphy. P O’Brien stretched their lead further with a point from a free and S Murphy was quick on the ball from the kick out and sent Cavan further ahead with another point. Roscommon pressing hard eventually forced Cavan into arrears and L O’Brien scored a point. The half time score was Cavan 1-8, Roscommon 1-1.

In the second half Roscommon showed renewed spirit but the magnificent fielding and defending of the Cavan backline, Roscommon had only one point to show for their efforts. Cavan broke upfield and scored a goal from the boot of S Murphy, P McLoughlin stretched the lead with another goal,. In the final quarter, Roscommon came back into the game and scored a goal and a point from M Fallon. Cavan finished the scoring in fine fashion with points from C Lynch, R Brady and S Murphy.

Cavan:

M Maguire, E O’Brien, J Briody, S young, M Reilly, B Sheridan, H Smith, O. Wilson, P O’Brien, P McLoughlin, R Briody, A McGovern, B McGovern, S Murphy, C Lynch.

Subs: N Fitzpatrick for H Smith, Eileen Halton for J Brady, M Dolan for E O’Brien.

Referee: S McCaffrey, Leitrim.

Mullahoran ladies in semi final

For the third year in succession, Mullahoran are in the semi final of the Ladies Football Club Championship. In 1977 they won the title by defeating St Colman’s from Roscommon and in 1978 they were narrowly defeated by Cork.

They meet Crettyard (Laois) on Sunday next at the Cull Park, Arva at 2.30 pm. This is the 1979 competition and Mullahoran emerged winners by defeating St Brigid’s in the county final.

The Mullahoran panel for Sunday’s game:

Carmel and Rosie Lynch, Rita and Josie Briody, Josephine and Brigid Sheridan, Monica and Bernie Reilly, Eileen Halton, Martina Dolan, Mary Moynagh, Olive Wilson, Peggy Comiskey, E Cullen, Rose Brennan, Ann Reilly, Brigid Smith, Martina and Colette Brady, Catriona Moroney, Una and Eilish Wilson.

Cavan qualify for All Ireland Final

Ladies football in the county got a great boost on Sunday last at Breffni Park when Cavan defeated the holders, Offaly in the All Ireland ladies football semi final on the score of 2-5 to 0-8. This was a first class display by the homesters who although were very much the underdogs, played with great spirit and determination and proved too strong for their opponents in a fine match.

Cavan now meeting Tipperary in the final on Sunday, 14 September at either Tuam or Tullamore, the venue to be decided in the next few days.

Offaly got off to a good start with their midfielders, G and B Dunne on top in this sector, giving the home defence many anxious moments. But great defensive work by Eileen Halton, Olive Wilson and goalkeeper S Young curtailed their scoring rate to a point in the 4th minute.

Then in the 7th minute, Cavan opened their account when Patricia O’Brien sent over the bar after a 30 yard solo run. Offaly at this stage were controlling matters and they had two quick points in the 10th and 12th minute to go ahead by 0-3 to 0-1, the scores coming from G Dunne and Agnes Gorman.

Midway through the half, the Cavan girls started to come more into the game and now it was the turn of the visitors to do some defending. Ann Molloy, Doreen Farrell and M Carroll were prominent in the Offaly defence at this stage and this together with some poor marksmanship by the Cavan attack left two points difference between the sides.

In the 25th minute, Cavan got a great opportunity to go in front when Mary McGovern was brought down going through but Patricia O’Brien’s kick was well saved by goalkeeper M Daly.

In the 27th minute, Patricia O’Brien reduced the arrears with a point and one minute later, Kathleen Leddy who had moved to full-forward, put Rita Briody through for a great goal.

The closing minutes of the half saw Offaly score two points from Catherine Hanlon and Helen Carroll leaving the half time score, Cavan 1-2 to Offaly 0-4.

In the second half, Offaly switched Ann Molloy to midfield and this powerful player was causing all sorts of problems for the Cavan pairing.

But it wasn’t until the 9th minute that they equalised and in the 14th minute they went a point in front when Bridget Dunne got on the score-sheet. During this period the Cavan defence kept their side in the game, especially Josie Briody, Ita O’Brien and Eileen Halton.

The real turning point in the game came in the 16th minute when a move involving Olive Wilson, Bridget Sheridan, Patricia O’Brien and Rosie Lynch ended with the latter sending to the Offaly net for a great score. Ann McGovern increased the lead in the 21st minute with a nice point from the side line and Offaly’s only reply was a point in the 23rd minute from Rosie Donegan.

The remaining eight minutes in the half belonged to Cavan and points from Pauline McLoughlin, who came on as a sub, and Ann McGovern finished the scoring leaving the Cavan ladies worthy winners.

This was a well balanced Cavan side with everyone playing their part in the victory. S Young in the first half brought off some fine saves but was replaced by Martina Maguire in the second hall; who also played confidently and her long kick outs were a great help in the side. The full back liner of E. O’Brien, J Briody and E Halton were unbeatable. Olive Wilson and Bridget Sheridan played fine attacking football in the half back line, while Helen Smith played soundly, especially in the second half. Cavan found it very hard to get the upperhand at midfield, but Rosie Lynch tried hard throughout, yet only got on top when Patricia O’Brien partnered her in the last quarter of the game.

Of the forwards, A McGovern, Pauline McLoughlin, Sarah Murphy, Angela McCabe and Rita Briody tried very hard. Kathleen Leddy, though short of match practice added great power to the forwards when moved from the midfield sector.

For Offaly, goalkeeper M Daly, Ann Molloy (when she went to midfield), M Carroll, G Dunne, R Donegan and Toni McDonald were their best players.

Cavan:

S Younng, E O’Brien, J Briody, E Halton, O Wilson, B Sheridan, H Smith, r Lynch, K Leddy, M McGovern, A McGovern, S Murphy, P O’Brien, A McCabe, R Briody.

Subs: M Maguire and R McLoughlin.

Referee: M Fitzgerald from Kerry.

Cavan ladies reach All Ireland Decider

Ladies football in Cavan got a great boost on Sunday last, when the county team caused a major upset in the All Ireland ladies football championship semi final in Breffni Park by defeating the holders, Offaly on the score of 2-5 to 0-8.

This was a great achievement by the Cavan ladies who now meet Tipperary in the final on Sunday, 14th September in either Tuam or Tullamore (Offaly).

On their showing on Sunday last, the Cavan side showed great determination and ability, and hopes are high for All Ireland success this year in the well balanced Breffni side players to catch the eye were goalkeeper S Young, defenders O Wilson, B Sheridan and J Briody. At midfield Rosie Lynch played well, while pick of the attack were the McGoverns and P O’Brien.

The Cavan ladies are in action this Sunday when in the National league, they play Roscommon.

1981

Cavan Ladies Football Board has introduced a special national schools football competition. It will commence towards the end of May. The age limit is Under 14 years on 31 December. This competition was started to try and bring more young ladies into the game and also to improve the standard of ladies football in the county.

The competition will be played with 11 players on each team. Each half will be of 25 minutes duration. The playing field will also be smaller than the normal size. Any club or school wishing to take part in the compeiti8on sho9uld contact John Joe Brady, Kilsaran, Loughduff, Co Cavan or Tom Dowd, Crosserlough.

Cavan ladies team travel to Ballinamore on Saturday evening next to play their near neighbours, Leitrim in a challenge game. The game is in preparation for the forthcoming championship and semi final of the National League.

The following panel of players are asked to be in Ballinamore on Saturday evening at 7 pm.:

Josie Briody, Rita Briody, Carmel Lynch, Rosie Lynch, Bridget Sheridan, Eileen Halton, Olive Wilson, Martina Dolan, Monica Reilly, Sarah Murphy, Helen smith, Martina Maguire, Pauline Lynch, Angela McCabe, Ann Marie Leddy, Patricia and Ita O’Brien, Pauline McGloughlin, Geraldine McGovern, Ann McGovern, Mary McGovern, Betty McGovern, Sylvia Young and Catherina Maroney.

Cavan ladies football convention

Cavan ladies football convention takes place tomorrow (Saturday) evening at 7.00 pm in the Farnham Hotel, Cavan. It is expected that there will be a large attendance at this year’s convention because of the extra number of clubs within the county.

Among the items to be discussed will be the financial position. The county team had a lot of travelling during the year which proved to be very expensive. Other motions will be that a player can only be picked for one position on the All Star team. The outstanding ‘players of the year’ on the senior, minor and Under 16 teams will also be selected. The officers of the county committee are likely to remain the same for the coming season.

Ulster ladies seek title

The Ulster ladies travel to Tullamore on Sunday next to take on Munster in the inter-provincial final.

This will be the first attempt to try and win the trophy since it was first inaugurated four years ago. After the way they defeated Connaught on Sunday last, their hopes are high. The Munster team will be depending on strong players like J Stapleton, Mary Lawlor, Mary O’Connor and M Murphy.

Ulster Panel:

M Maguire, e Halton, O Wilson, J Briody, B Sheridan, P McGloughlin, H Smith, A McCabe, P O’Brien, R Briody, M Reilly, A Patton, S Murphy, J McCoy, I McPartland, M Dolan, R Murphy, F Hughes, P Grant, A McGovern, M McGovern, R Lynch, C Lynch, K Leddy, E O’Brien.

Bus leaves Swanlibar at 11.00 am via Belturbet, Cavan and Mullahoran.

Munster too strong

Munster ladies proved too strong for a somewhat weak Ulster team in Tullamore on Sunday last in the inter-provincial final. Ulster lined out without two of their best players, Rosie Lynch at midfield and Patricia O’Brien in attack.

From the throw in, Munster were in command but had only three points on the score board for their efforts, thanks to fine goalkeeping by Martina Maguire and the close marking of Josie Briody, Eileen Halton and Bridget Sheridan.

Munster went further ahead before the end of the half when Marion Doherty broke through for a goal. This left Munster leading by 1-3 to 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw Ulster emerge with new vigour and determination. From the throw in, Imelda McPartland got the ball and broke away towards goals then passed to Sarah Murphy who saw a hole in the defence and punched the ball past the Munster keeper in the first minute. However, Margaret Lawlor had a goal for Minster in the 6th minute.

Ulster began to tire as the half wore on and conceded points through Cait O’Dwyer, Margaret Lawlor and Tina O’Brien and Martina Dolan came on for Helen Smith on the Ulster team in the 20th minute and got Ulster’s last score, a point to leave the final score, Munster 2-6 to Ulster 1-1.

Ulster:

M Maguire, R M Murphy, J Briody, E Halton, O Wilson, B Sheridan, P McGlacken, I McPartland, G Patton, R M Leonard, J McCoy, R Briody, H Smith, S Murphy, A McCabe.

Subs: Martina Dolan for Helen Smith.

1980

Cavan ladies minor team travel to New Ross on Sunday next to play Wexford in the All Ireland minor football semi final. Cavan will have a number of their senior team which recently lost the all Ireland senior final to Tipperary. Included are Pauline McLoughlin, Patricia O’Brien, Betty McGovern, Colette Farrell, Geraldine McGovern, Sylvia Young, Monica Reilly, Olive Wilson, Martina Dolan, Martina Maguire, Pauline Briody, Anna Marie Leddy and Catriona Murphy of the senior panel.

Wexford won the Leinster title by defeating Laois by four points. They also have a number of their senior panel including Bridget Nolan, Mary Flynn, Patricia Whelan and Mary Quigley. The Cavan girls have been training very hard for this game and are hopeful of gaining a place in the final.

Cavan panel:

M Maguire, C Farrell, C Murphy, P Lynch, M Reilly, O Wilson, P McLoughlin, P O’Brien, G McGovern, A M Leddy, B Callaghan, B McGovern, A Cole, M Dolan, E Cullen, S Young, C Maroney, P Briordy, J Sheridan, P Cumiskey, C Lynch, A Smith, M McGoldrick, T Callaghan.

Cavan girls fail in All Ireland final

On Sunday last in Edenderry, Cavan ladies football team were defeated by Tipperary in the All Ireland final on t6he score of 1-1 to 0-1. This was a big disappointment for both the team and mentors as reports indicate that they had about 60 to 70% of the play but unfortunately the attack could not get the all important scores.

The Cavan ladies showed great determination and spirit and against a much bigger Tipperary side really took the game to them. However, the side are still very young and hopes are high that they can go all the way next year.

Cavan through to minor final

Cavan 2-1 Wexford 1-1

Cavan ladies gained their place in the All Ireland minor final on Sunday last in New Ross when t5hey defeated the home side, Wexford in a closely contested game, winning by 2-1 to Wexford’s 1-1.

From the throw in, Cavan looked the better side and played fast and direct football. They soon reaped the benefit when Martina Dolan received a high all from Patricia O’Brien and sent low into the goalmouth where it deceived the Wexford backs and goalie to end up in the net for Cavan’s first score in the 3rd minute.

The Cavan forwards wee all over the opposition for the first 20 minutes and had a point from Patricia O’Brien and a further goal from full forward Catherina Moroney. Wexford were slow to settle but then in the 22nd minute Catherina English beat Martina Maguire on a ground ball and sent it pas the Cavan goalie. The referee disallowed the score as she fouled Martina Maguire.

This did not deter the determination of the Wexford girls and they soon hit back with a goal and a point from Bridget Rossiter and Mary Whelan on the stroke of half time.

In the second half, Cavan broke away from the throw in but Martina Dolan shot wide. Wexford were beginning to put on a lot of pressure on the Cavan backs and continued to do so for all of the second half. It looked like they would get the equaliser when they were awarded a penalty in the 25th minute but Martina Maguire saved and cleared. During all of the second half the Cavan backs wee under extreme pressure and could have lost but for the fine defensive play of M Maguire, C Murphy, O Wilson, Monica Reilly and P O’Brien. Best of the forwards were M Dolan, C Moroney and P McGlocklin.

Cavan:

Martina Maguire, C Farrell, C Murphy, Ann M Leddy, M Reilly O Wilson, S Young, P O’Brien, G McGovern, P Briody, P McGlockin, B McGovern, Ann Cole, C. Moroney, M Dolan.

Sub: J Sheridan for M Maguire.

Under 16s travel to Laois

Next Sunday sees the Cavan Under 16 ladies football team travel to Laois to play the home side in the All Ireland semi final. Cavan will have some of their Under 18 squad in action, including Martina Dolan, Ann Cole, Colette Farrell, Ann Marie Leddy and Catherine Moroney.

The team will be selected from the following panel:

Etna Cullen, Martina Dolan, Ann Reilly, Catherina Moroney, Brid Smith, Bernadette Reilly, Siobhan McHale, Maura McHale, Ann Smith, Imelda Reilly, Catherine Lynch, Ann Lynch, Carol Smith, Ann Cole, Colette Farrell, Ann Marie Leddy, Majella Reilly, Bernie Callaghan, Betty McGovern, Catherina Murphy.

Bus leaves Swanilbar at 9.00 via Belturbet, Cavan and Mullahoran.

Cavan Ladies qualify for All Ireland Final

On Sunday last at New Ross, Cavan ladies minor football team defeated the home county, Wexford on the score of 2-1 to 1-1 and qualified for the All Ireland minor football final.

The Cavan girls were on top for most of the hour and their superior fitness and teamwork proved too much for the Wexford girls.

On Sunday next the Cavan Under 16 ladies football team travel to Laois to play the home side in the All Ireland semi final. With a number of the Under 18 panel in the side, they are confident of emulating the feat of the minors and maybe bring an All Ireland double to Breffni over the next few weeks.

Cavan Crash to Laois

Cavan Under 16 ladies went to Laois on Sunday last for the Under 16 All Ireland semi final. They had hoped to gain a place in the final along with the minor and senior teams but they had their dreams dashed by a much more faster team.

From the throw in, Laois were in command and had goals from Geraldine Brennan and Mary Condrom and points from Elizabeth Conroy and Helen Kelly before Cavan got their first score, a point from Martina Dolan. Laois had a further goal from Martina Kelly. Cavan seemed to get on top for about five minutes at the end of the half but all they had to show was a goal from Cathriona Moroney.

In the second half Cavan got on top at centrefield with Siobhan McHale and Ann Cole supplying the forwards with a plentiful supply of the ball but their small forwards were unable to make any impression. Catherina Maroney sent the ball into the Laois square and Martina Dolan punched the ball over the bar. Laois came back with two goals from Geraldine Brennan and points from Helen Kelly.

Cavan’s last score came when Martina Dolan was fouled in the square and was awarded a penalty and scored. The final score was Laois 6-7, Cavan 2-1.

Best for Cavan were Monica Reilly, Ann Marie Leddy, Siobhan McHale, Ann Cole, Martina Dolan and Cathriona Maroney.

Cavan’s heavy defeat

Cavan’s hopes of gaining the minor All Ireland ladies title on Sunday last in Tullamore were dashed by a very strong Kerry side. From the throw in, Kerry were in command and held Cavan scoreless in the first half. The half time score was 5-4 to 0-0.

In the opening 10 minutes Kerry had goals from Colette Tracey, Eileen Lawler, Marina Barry and points from Sheila Tumey and Maura Foles.

The forwards were getting a plentiful supply of the ball from the centre field pairing of Sheila Tumey and Margaret Barry and scoring goals and points at will.

Martina Maguire in the Cavan goal had a busy time and were it not for her many fine saves the score would have been embarrassing. Cavan brought Bernie Callaghan to centrefield and Geraldine McGovern to centrehalf forward position. These changes brought Cavan more into the game but the girls from the Kingdom wee not giving in easily and to prove this they had further goals from Kay Corr and Maura Foley with points from Sheila Toumey to finish off the first half.

Cavan made a number of changes in the second half bringing on Pauline Lynch, Pauline Briody and Christina McGovern, Olive Wilson and Pauline McGlocklin switched positions, Pauline taking up the centre half position. Kerry were seeking more goals and Kay Corr and Margaret Flaherty obliged. Things were as bad as they could be for Cavan at this stage and Kerry’s last score came in the 25th minute when Mary Jo Curran added a goal.

Cavan made one last effort. It paid off when Patricia O’Brien had a goal and a point in the 27th minute. In the dying minutes of the game, Cavan had another goal, this time from Olive Wilson. The final whistle went with Kerry winners by 8-5 to 2-1.

Cavan:

M Maguire, A M Leddy, C Murphy, S young, M Reilly, O Wilson, P McGlocklin, P O’Brien, G McGovern, B McGovern, M McGovern, B Callaghan, A Cole, C Maroney, M Dolan.

Subs: P Lynch for S young, P Briody for C Maroney and C McGovern for M McGovern.

1981

Cavan Ladies Football Convention

The annual meeting of Co Cavan Ladies Football Board was held in the Farnham Hotel on Saturday last. The clubs represented were: Mullahoran, Lavey, Crosserlough, Glengevlin, Beltrubet, Drumlane and Swanilbar. The Chairman, Mr Tom O’Dowd welcomed four new clubs and thanks all the clubs for the dedication to training during the year.

The Secretary, J J Brady’s report stated that Cavan had been involved in the three major competitions, Under 16, minor and senior. The Under 16 side were beaten in the semi final and the minor and senior teams were unlucky to be beaten by Tipperary in the All Ireland finals.

On the club scene, Mullahoran were defeated narrowly for the second year running by the Cork ladies Newtownshandrum.

The Treasurer’s report showed a small deficit due to three teams being involved in the latter states of all competitions.

It was decided to run a draw for “The Queen of football” to raise funds. Those taking part are Eileen Halton, Olive Wilson, Martina Maguire, Sarah Murphy, Angela McCabe, Trish O’Brien and Pauline McLoughlin.

One of the motions discussed was that no players could be selected out of position for an ‘All Star’ award. The players of the year were announced:

Under 16: Martina Dolan Mullahoran

Minor: Trish O’Brien Swanilbar

Senior: Josie Briody Mullahoran

All Star: Martina Maguire Crosserlough

Officers elected:

Chairman Tom Dowd

Vice Chair: Brian O’Brien

Secretary: J J Brady

Assistant Secretary: B Sheridan

Joint Treasurer: E Halton & O Wilson

PROs: B Sheridan and E O’Brien

Youth Officer: R Briody

Ulster Council: J T Conaty, J J Brady, P O’Brien, T Dowd, E Halton

Two Cavan girls on All Stars

Martina Maguire and Bridget Sheridan played on the first ever All Star ladies football team on Sunday last. The game was played in Littleton, Co Tipperary. The All Stars played last year’s champions, Tipperary.

Martina Maguire played in gal and Bridget Sheridan was at left half back. 8 counties were represented – Cavan, Meath, Offaly, Dublin, Roscommon, Laois, Kerry and Galway. The All Stars won by 1-11 to 0-2.

Cavan Play Meath

Cavan ladies travel to Ivanstown on Sunday next to play Meath in a tournament game at 1.30. This will be Cavan’s first game since the winter break. They have been doing very little training and will be short some players.

The following panel are asked to be in Fyanstown:

B Sheridan, J Briody, O Wilson, R Lynch, E Halton, M Reilly, M Dolan, J Sheridan (Mullahoran), Martina Maguire, Ann Cole, Monica Brady, Maura Galligan, Sarah Murphy, Helen Smith, Pauline Lynch (Crosserlough), Pauline McLouoghlin, Ann McGovern, Mary McGovern, Betty McGovern (Grangelvin), Ita and Patricia O’Brien, Sylvia Young, two Farrelly, Geraldine McGovern (Swanlinbar), Angela McCabe, Ann Marie Leddy, Bernie Callaghan.

All cars bringing team are asked to be in Virginia at 3.30.

Cavan defeat Meath

Cavan ladies defeated Meath by 3-7 to qualify for the National League final. Cavan got off to a good start with a goal from Martina Dolan. Meath attacked strongly and there was good defensive play from Eileen Halton, Briody sisters, Olive Wilson and goalkeeper Martina Maguire.

Cavan’s Rosie Lynch and Patricia O’Brien came more into the game and commanded the first half with points from Sarah Murphy and Patricia O’Brien. Meath replied with points from E Curran (2) and Maura Sheehan. Cavan took complete control in the second half with Sarah Murphy and Patricia O’Brien in control at centre field and scores came from Rosie Lynch and Mary McGovern, a goal each. Sarah Murphy, Martina Dolan, Kit McBride and Patricia O’Brien had points.

Cavan:

M Maguire, B Reilly, E Halton, B McGovern, O Wilson, J Briody, R Briody, P O’Brien, R Lynch, M Dolan, S Murphy, M McGovern, K McBride, A McGovern, T McGovern.

Tipperary too strong for Cavan

Once again Tipperary proved too strong for the Cavan girls. This time it was in the National League semi final played in Tullamore. The final score was Tipperary 4-4, Cavan 2-3. Cavan were the first to score with a goal by Kathleen Leddy. Tipperary drew level in t he 10th minute when a high ball from C O’Dwyer went over the head of the backs and into the net.

The Cavan girls tried hard to regain the lead and K Leddy again broke through the Tipperary defence to let Cavan ahead again with a goal. Tipperary had a chance to draw level when the referee awarded them a penalty in the 20th minute for a foul on Maureen O’Shea, but the shot was well saved by Patricia O’Brien in goals. Immediately after, Tipperary’s full forward A Lambert made no mistake and sent the ball crashing to the back of the Cavan net from a rebound. Tipperary stretched their lead before half time with another goal from M O’Shea. The last score of the half was a Cavan point from G McGovern.

The beginning of the second half saw Tipperary in a commanding position when L Gorey put them further ahead with a goal and two points from frees. Cavan had two golden opportunities when they were awarded two penalties but Rosie Lynch and Kathleen Leddy had their shots saved. Cavan came back and pointed and Geraldine McGovern had another in the dying minutes.

Cavan played well considering they were without Martina Maguire. Bridget Sheridan, Bernie Callaghan and Rita Briody, the Cavan defence, played extremely well, especially before E O’Brien, J Briody, E Halton, M Reilly, O Wilson, P McGlocklin, R Lynch, A McCabe, M Dolan, K Leddy, G McGovern, M McGovern, S Murphy, P O’Brien.

Referee: Agnes Gorman – Offaly.

Cavan ladies in training

Training for the Cavan senior, minor and Under 16 county players starts in Drumlane tomorrow (Saturday) evening at 8.00 pm. All players listed below are asked to attend:

Pauline McGloughlin, Bridie and Betty McGovern, Helen Maguire, Margaret and Elizabeth Farrell, Patricia Fitzpatrick, Sylvia Young, Geraldine McGovern, Colette Farrell, Ita and Patricia O’Brien, Mary McGovern, Ann Marie Leddy, Kathleen Leddy, Angela McCabe, Irene Dolan, Catherina Murphy, Ann Cole, Martina Maguire, Martina Dolan, Monica Reilly, Sarah Murphy, Pauline, Mairead and Catherine Lynch, Carol Smith, Ita and Breda Farrell, Maura Galligan, Ann Reilly, Bridget Dolan, Siobhan McCabe, Bernie Callaghan, Bridget Sheridan, Rosie Lynch, Olive Wilson, Josie and Rita Briody, Eileen Halton.

The semi finals of the All Ireland Ladies Gaelic Football championship takes place today at 3.00 pm. At Roscrea, Kerry meet Offaly and at Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim meeting Cavan.

Sunday 13 September

All Ireland semi final

At Carrick-on-Shannon Cavan v Leitrim at 3.00. Referee Vincent Walsh (Meath).

Cavan qualify for All Ireland final

Cavan ladies won their way to yet another All Ireland final when they defeated Leitrim by 3-5 to 2-4 in the semi final at Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday last. The game which was played before a large attendance and in ideal conditions, was of a very high standard.

Cavan began without Bernie Callaghan and Rita Briody in attack who were out through injury. Bridget Sheridan was also on the injury list but lined out at full forward with Olive Wilson filling the centre half position. From the throw in, Cavan were first to break away and had a number of wides before Rosie Lynch had Cavan’s first score from a free. Martina Dolan put Cavan further ahead with another point in the 10th minute.

Leitrim set up a number of attacks but it wasn’t until; the 15th minute that they got their first score when Geraldine Ryan broke through to score a goal and put Leitrim ahead by a point. This didn’t deter the Cavan girls and Bridget Sheridan scored a goal from a pass by Martina Dolan. Cavan had an opportunity of increasing their lead when they were awarded a penalty. Rosie Lynch took the kick but Catherine McMorrow made a fine save.

Martina Dolan had another point for Cavan and the last score of the first half came from M McDermott for Leitrim. This left the half time score Cavan 1-3, Leitrim 1-1.

Leitrim came back in the second half and piled on the pressure. They went ahead with a goal from Noleen McLoughlin and Deirdre Quinn put Leitrim further ahdead with a point. A number of switches strengthened the Cavan half back line and also saw centrefield come more into the game. Patricia O’Brien got a fine goal for Cavan from a Mary McGovern pass.

Leitrim had points from G Ryan and N McLoughlin and Cavan’s last score of the half came from Sarah Murphy when she added a goal.

Best for Cavan were Martina Maguire in goal, Josie Briody, Eileen Halton, Olive Wilson, Paul McLoughlin, Angela McCabe, Patricia O’Brien, Rosie Lynch, Martina Dolan and Bridget Sheridan.

Best for Leitrim were goalkeeper, Catherine McMorrow, P Gallagher, H McLoughlin, Noeleen McLoughlin, Deirdre Quinn and Geraldine Ryan.

Cavan:

M Maguire, Ita O’Brien, J Briiody, E Halton, M Reilly, O Wilson, P McLoughlin, A McCabe, G McGovern, R Lynch, K Leddy, P O’Brien, M Dolan, S Murphy, B Sheridan.

Subs: Mary McGovern for K Leddy.

Cavan ladies play Galway

Cavan ladies football team travel to Glenamaddy on Sunday next to play Galway in a challenge match. This game is in preparation for their forthcoming all Ireland final clash with Offaly which will be played in Ballinasloe on Sunday 18 October.

The Cavan selectors will be trying to pick a strong team for this game, as Offaly are a very formidable side.

Rita Briody is still injured and Josie Briody is also out of the game. The Cavan girls will be happy to see Bridget Sheridan and Helen Smith return for Sunday’s game.

The Cavan panel have been training very hard since they defeated Leitrim in the semi final and are looking forward to their clash with Offaly. The game on Sunday starts at 3.00 pm.

Cavan Panel:

Ita O’Brien, P O’Brien, P McGloughlin, G McGovern, M McGovern, A McCabe, M Maguire, A Cole, H Smith, S Murphy, P Lynch, R Lynch, B Sheridan, O Wilson, M Dolan, M Reilly, E Halton, K Leddy, B Callaghan, M Brady.

Cavan ladies suffer narrow defeat

Offaly 1-11 Cavan 4-0

For the second year in succession, Cavan failed to win the All Ireland ladies football title. On Sunday last they travelled to Ballinasloe but were beaten by just two points when going under to Offaly by 1-11 to 4-0. The game was played before a large attendance and in ideal conditions. Offaly who were odds on favourites had to withstand some strong pressure from the Cavan girls before emerging winners.

Cavan won the toss and captain Brigid Sheridan elected to play against the slight breeze. From the throw in, Cavan midfield Rosie Lynch won possession and sent a long ball into the square which was quickly cleared by the Offaly full back Daly. Cavan’s first chance came in the 4th minute when K Leddy was fouled but M Brady’s free dropped short and was cleared.

Offaly broke back down field, but Cavan full back, Josie Briody caught the high ball and passed to A McCabe who went on a solo run. Her kick was knocked down between M Brady and C Dunne of Offaly. It was seized on by Brady who shot to the net. Offaly hit back and had points from T McDonald and J Dunne.

Cavan continued to attack but had wides from M Dolan and F O’Brien. Offaly equalised in the 12th minute from a free by C Hanlon.

During the next five minutes play swung from one end of the field to the other without any further score. Cavan broke the deadlock when Rose Lynch sent a long accurate kick into the goalmouth which bounced off the goalkeeper and come out to the unrushing S Murphy who sent a blazing shot past the keeper.

Offaly reduced the lead cut to one point within two minutes with a two close in frees converted by C Hanlon with 5 minutes of the first half remaining. Cavan had their third goal. A move started by Sheridan and carried on by Olive Wilson, R Lynch, A McCabe and P O’Brien ended, with A McCabe finding the net.

This left Cavan with a lead of four points. The last score of the half fell to Offaly when T Carroll sent between the posts from an awkward angle. This left the half time score Cavan 3-0, Offaly 0-6.

After half time Cavan made a substitution when B Callaghan replaced M Reilly at left half forward. Once again Cavan broke away but R Lynch had her kick blocked by A Molloy who delivered to A Brennan and she sent over for a point. T Carroll was causing many headaches for the small but robust E Halton. E Halton was forced into fouling her when she was going through with nobody to beat and C Hanlon made no mistake from the resulting free.

With 15 minutes gone in the second half, Cavan were leading by one point when clearance from Pauline McLoughlin was brought down just inside the large square. M Dolan stepped up calmly and sent the ball to the net.

Offaly brought in P Hackett to full back. She immediately took the kick out and found J Dunne at midfield. She carried the ball some 20 yards and kicked into corner forward T McDonald who was fouled outside the square. C Hanlon ran up without placing the ball and sent to the back of the net to the astonishment of the Cavan backs. This cut the deficit in Cavan’s favour to one point.

At this stage Cavan began to tire and Offaly piled on the pressure and were rewarded when they equalised with a point from E Lowbridge. Cavan launched a number of attacks but failed to raise a flag. Offaly took the lead for the first time with five minutes left when Molloy sent in a free which was punched over the bar by M Daly with minutes remaining. Cavan made an all out effort to get the vital score. M Brady rattled the net only to have the score disallowed.

From a quick breakaway, Offaly’s C Hanlon made victory secure when she pointed.

Cavan player was the star of the match – Brigid Sheridan – and was presented with a beautiful trophy for an outstanding display.

Cavan:

M Maguire, L O’Brien, J Briody, E Halton, M Reilly, B Sheridan, O Wilson, A McGale, R Lynch, M Brady, K Leddy, P McLoughlin, M Dolan, s Murphy, P O’Brien.

Subs – B Callaghan for M Reilly. Referee: M Fitzgerald (Kerry)

Club History

Mullahoran Ladies between 1975 and 1983

Mullahoran Ladies Club is the oldest club in Ulster. The Club was first formed in 1975 by John Joe Brady and Paddy Moynagh. Their first challenge match was against Crosserlough which put them onto a long line of victories. They were the strongest club in Cavan for the 7 years from 1975 to 1982 having never been beaten in a championship game within the county or Ulster. 1977 was their greatest year when they won the first ever All Ireland club championship.

Mullahoran players have been the backbone of the Cavan county team, having contributed no less than 11 players to the 1977 All Ireland winning team. Competitive football was first played in Cavan in 1976, in that year the Mullahoran girls played and defeated Drumalee in Breffni Park in the county final.

Cavan and Aramgh were the onoy two counties in Ulster with football teams so iot was decided by the Ulster Council to play the Championship on a home and away basis. Cavan won both matches decisively. This qualified them to a place in the All Ireland semi final against Kerry in Breffni Park. The game was played before a large attendance and Cavan failed narrowly to a great Kerry side who went on and won the All Ireland title that year.

The Mullahoran girls who took part in this game were Carmel and Rose Lynch, Rita and Josie Briody, Ann Agnes and Bridget Sheridan, Maggie and Mary Moynagh, Eileen Halton, Kerry Brady and Carmel Wilson.

1977 was the golden year for Ladies Football in Mullahoran. They made history by winning the first ever All Ireland Club Championship. Having beaten Killinkere in the county final, they went on to defeat the Armagh champions Killeavey in the Ulster final. Their next outing was against Loughmore, the Tipperary and Munster champions. This was the hardest game of football that the Mullahoran ladies ever played. Having been behind on three occasions they fought back gallantly to win by 2 points.

In the final, St Colman’s Roscommon were their opponents. The game was played in Pearse Park, Longford, before a large home following.

The Mullahoran girls played with great determination and were in co0mmand from the throw in and never looked in danger of defeat.

Their skill and fitness were the envy of many of those who played the game and were talked about throughout the counties of Cavan, Longford and Roscommon. They emerged comfortable winners and were the first club to win the All Ireland Club Championship.

The team was:

Una Wi,son, Margaret Moynagh, Carmel Wilson, Peggy Comaskey, Olive Wilson, Josie Briody, Carmel Lynch, Rose Lynch, Ann Agnes Sheridan, Martina Dolan, Rita Briody, Mary Moynagh, Josephine Sheridan, Brigid Sheridan, Catriona Moroney,

Subs: Martina Brady, Rose Brennan, Mary Tierney, Etna Cullen and Eilish Wilson.

Mullahoran also reached the All Ireland Club Championship in 1978 and 1979 only to be beaten on both occasions by the Cork county champions, Newtownshandrum.

Members of the Mullahoran Club have always been prominent in the running of the County Board. Margaret Moynagh was the first ever secretary in 1976. John Joe Brady, Treasurer from 1977 to 1980. Brigid Sheridan was PRO from 1978 to 1980, while Eileen Halton and Olive Wilson were joint treasurers. Mullahoran have produced two All Ireland All Star winners, Brigid Sheridan, right full back and Josie Briody, left full back. A number of Mullahoran players have been selected ‘County Players of the Year’. Seniors Brigid Sheridan, Eileen Halton and Rose Lynch. Under 16 Martina Dolan and Monica Reilly (Sheridan). Rita Briody has the unique distinction of winning three All Ireland medals in the one year at the age of 15. All Ireland Club Championship senior, All Ireland Senior Championship and All Ireland Under 16 Championship.

On the All Ireland winning team of 1977, there were five sets of sisters. Twins Lynches, Sheridans Briody, Wilsons and Moynaghs. Brigid Sheridan captained the county All Ireland winning team while Carmel Wilson captioned the club in the victory in the All Ireland club final. In 1983 the club folded up due to a lack of players and people to help run the team.

1995

The year ladies football was re-organised in Cavan. 11 clubs took part in competitions, Under 14, Under 16 and Junior.

Under 14

Lurgan 3-12 Shannon Gaels 1-6 (September 10)

Venue: Breffni

Under 16

The Sheila Farrell Gaels (August)

Cootehill 804 shannon Gaels 0-3

Venue: Ballyhaise

Junior Championship

Lurgan 2-10 Mullahoran 3-6 (October 30)

Venue: Terry Coyle Park

Gardiner Shines in Ballyhaise

Cootehill 8-4 Shannon Gaels 0-3

Cootehill collected the Under 16 ladies football championship with a fine win over Shannon Gaels on Sunday last at Ballyhaise.

Cootehill dominated from the start showing a greater appetite for the fray and putting on a display of power and precision that Shannon Gaels simply could not match. Serena Gardiner was the hero, scoring 7-1 of Cootehill’s total and displaying a range of skills that had the opposition floundering in her wake.

The game opened at a cracking pace with Shannon Gaels Teresa Maguire being fouled. From the free she scored the first point of the game. Serena Gardiner replied for Cootehill two minutes later with a well taken goal in the 10th minute. Teresa Maguire who was having a good game at midfield for Shannon Gaels scored their second point following a minute later by a point from Sabrina McGovern to level the scores.

Shannon Gaels were pinned back for long periods and Serena Gardiner scored her second goal. Cootehill continued to dominate with Tracey Cochrane and Lisa O’Loughlin playing well in defence, Elaine Costin at midfie4ld and Ciara Igoe and Chrstine Boyle in the forward line.

Serena Gardiner scored two mor5e goals in the 21st and 24th minute and a point in the 28th minute to leave the half time score, Cootehill 4-1, Shannon Gaels 0-3.

Cootehill started the second half well on top and in the 3rd minute Elaine Costin saw her shot come back off the crossbar after a very good move involving six players. It was no surprise when Serena Gardiner scored her 5th goal. Shannon Gaels were trying very hard to make a game of it at this stage with players like Claire Maguire in goals.

Ciara McGinley, Teresa Maguire and Marie McCaffrey all playing well.

Kelly McCarney scored a point with 8 minutes gone in the second half. Serena Gardiner scored her 6th goal a minute later to end the game as a serious contest. Paul Sherlock, a member of the county panel and manager of Cootehill and his assistant Gene Magee made five changes in personnel to give the rest of his panel a game.

Teresa McNally who came on as a sub scored a point for Cootehill followed by a similar score from Elaine Costin. Serena Gardiner scored her 7th goal with 5 minutes remaining. Elaine Costin scored a fine goal just before the final whistle. This was a very good display by Cootehill as ladies football has only been organised for 7 months. There were great scenes of excitement as the game ended and captain Tracey Cochrane was presented with the Under 16 Shield by Tom O’Dowd, Chairman of ladies football in County Cavan.

Cootehill:

B Lynch, N Clegg, C Coyle, C McCaul, C Igoe, L O’Loughlin, E Costin, S Gardiner, K Hogan, T Copchrane, L Ward, K McCarney, C Boyle, F Duffy, C Flynn.

Tracey Corcoran, captain of the victorious Cootehill side receives the Shield from sponsor Sheila Farrelly, Farrelly Hair Studios, Ballyconnell. Looking on was Tom Dowd, Chair, Minor Board.

Cootehill Under 16 girls football squad who beat Shannon Gaels in Ballyhaise on Sunday last in the Under 16 ladies football league final.

Julie McCann, Christine Boyle, Lorraine McMullan, Marcella hall, Eilish Sherlock, Claire McCabe, Michaela Sherlock, Serena Gardiner, Kelly McCarney,

Frances Duffy, Tracey Corcoran (capt), Claire Herbert, Elaine Costin, Laura Ward, Ashling McGee, Elaine Rutherford.

Paul Sherlock (trainer), Catherine Flynn, Kelly Hogan, Colette McCaul, Breda Lynch, Catriona Coyle, Teresa McNally, Lisa O’Loughlin, Nicols Clegg, Elysha McCrudden, Eileen Argue, Ciara Igoe, Gene McGee (trainer).

Cavan Ladies Junior final 1995

Lurgan take honours in exciting final

Lurgan 2-10 Mullahoran 3-6

If ever a final lived up to its name, this was it. For two dedicated sides gave a brave and truly committed effort from start to finish at Terry Coyle Park on Monday last.

The fact that Lurgan won by the narrowest of margins was due to the fact that they held the edge at centre field and the plentiful supply was not lost on a forward line spearheaded by ‘Person of the match’, Tara Clarke. Tara’s tussle with full back Monica Sheridan, wife of Cavan and Mullahoran’s famous Gerry Sheridan, was one of the highlights.

The big attendance enjoyed every moment of the game and with fitness and commitment on both sides, it ensured that ladies football could only go from strength to strength in the county.

Tara Clarke set the scoring underway for Lurgan with a point but a period of intense pressure from Mullahorn yielded an excellent goal from Breda Smith and points from Eimear Brennan to put them ahead by the 12th minute.

Michelle Keating brought the sides level for the first time but to prove that play was end to end stuff, Aileen McCabe gave Lurgan goalkeeper Kara O’Connell no chance in the 23rd minute, only to see her advantage disappear with two minutes effort from Eimear Brennan later when Sandra Hopkins took a pass from Tara Clarke and found the Mullahoran net. Points from Larua Moran and Louise Adams left the sides level at half time, 2-4 each.

Michelle Keating’s point from over 45 metres was the only score in the tense opening 12 minutes of the second half. A pointed free from Louise Adams made things even for the centre. Michelle, showing tireless energy got her third point and Tara Clarke was on the mark three more times.

With 6 minutes left, Mullahoran’s hard working full forward Louise Adams goaled and the excitement was almost unbearable at this stage. However, Lurgan swept upfield again and Laura Morgan put over what proved to be the daylight score between the sides. The final score came from Mullahoran’s Louise Adams.

For Lurgan a special mention for Tara Clarke, Michelle Keating, Clare Carpenter, Anne Hanratty, Anne Marie Kelly, Lisa McNally, Laura Morgan and Catherine Denning.

Mullahoran, while naturally disappointed had an outstanding effort from Eimear Brennan, Joanne Nannery, Louise Adams, Breda Smith, Brid Dolan, Monica Sheridan and Kathleen Nannery.

Scorers:

Lurgan – Laura Morgan 1-2, Tara Clarke 0-5, Sandra Hopkins 1-0, Michelle Keating 0-3.

Mullahoran – Louise Adams 1-4, Breda Smith 1-1, Aileen McCabe 1-0, Eimear Brennan 0-1.

Lurgan:

Kara O’Connell, Lisa McNally, Anne Marie Kelly, Claire Carpenter, Anne Hanratty, Laura Hanratty, Leona McNally, Michelle Keating, Rachel Duffy, Laura Morgan, Catherine Denning, Michelle Cole, Rosie Matthews, Tara Clarke, Sandra Hopkins.

Mullahoran:

Patricia Beglan, Brid Dolan, Monica Sheridan, Anne Marie Baxter, Yvonne Brady, Joanne Nannery, Kathleen Nannery, Eimear Brennan, Katherine Brady, Niamh Brennan, Breda Smith, Aileen McCabe, Aine Brady, Louise Adams, Margaret Brady.

Subs: Paula Galligan, Nicola Wilson, Caroline Dalton.

Referee: Noel McEnroe

Sean Cole presented the Cup to Lurgan ladies captain, Michelle Keating. Tom O’Dowd of the Lurgan ladies junior football team who beat Mullahoran in Terry Coyle Park, Cavan on Monday.

Niamh King, Emma Jane Courtney, Grace Kelly, Philomena McDermott, Emer Carpenter, Trease Hanratty, Jennifer Smith, Laura Moore, Laura Morgan, Michelle Keating (capt), Sandra Hopkins, Leonna McNally, Anne Hanratty, Michelle Cole, Sarah McDonnell, Clare Carpenter, Catherine Denning, Lisa McNally, Anne Marie Kelly, Cara O’Connell, Rosie Matthews, Laura Hanratty, Tara Clarke, Rachel Duffy, Brian McDonald (Manager).

9 November 1995

Best Lady Footballer award

Tara Clarke, captain Lurgan ladies football club, received the trophy from John Joe Brady for the best lady footballer in the recent Cavan junior ladies football final against Mullahoran played in Terry Coyle Park, Cavan.

Cavan Convention 1996

12 Clubs represented

The annual Cavan Ladies Football Convention took place in the Farnham Arms Hotel on Sunday last. 12 clubs represented were Shannon Gaels, Maghera, Belturbet, Killinkere, Mullahoran, Castlerahan, Lurgan, St Finbarrs, Drumlane, Drumgoon, Knockbride and Crosserlough.

Tom Dowd, Chairman, said looking back on 1995 – the year ladies football was re-organised in Cavan, we are all satisfied that this was a successful year for the ladies.

11 clubs took part in competitions – Under 14, Under 16 and Junior.

He congratulated Lurgan on winning the Under 14 and Junior, and runners up Shannon Gaels and Mullahoran and to Cootehill on winning the Under 16 final to their opponents Shannon Gaels.

He said that it was 22 years since ladies football started in Ireland and almost every county took part in some way.

He thanks Jimmy Sheanon and Teresa Murray, Knockbride and Mary Crosbie, Kingscourt who started it all again in 1995.

He thanks the clubs who gave the use of their playing grounds and all referees who turned out at short notice, not forgetting the generous sponsors, Virginia Transport, Sheila Farrelly, Eamonn Reilly, Mullahoran and John Joe Brady and Abby Brady, also the fixtures committee who worked hard and the Finance Committee.

John Joe Brady, Treasurer then gave a detailed account of the finances and stated the Board is in a healthy position.

Committee elected for 1996:

Chairman: Tom Dowd Crosserlough

Vice-Chairman: Cathal Maguire Shannon Gaels

Secretary: Anita O’Brien Shannon Gaels

Assistant Secretary: Eileen Brown Belturbet

Joint Treasurers: John Joe Brady Mullahoran

Mary Brady Lurgan

PRO: Margaret McKiernan Crosserlough

Youth Officer: Gerry McDermott St Finbarrs

Central Council: Gerry McDermott St Finbarrs

Brid Dolan: Mullahoran

John Joe Brady Mullahoran

Cavan GAA Youth Officer, Martin Cahill addressed the meeting and said he was delighted to see such a turn out of clubs sat the convention. This showed the renewed interest in ladies football in the county. As an Officer of the County Board, he expressed the hope that the game would grow in strength in the coming year.

He had no doubt that with the calibre of people at the top, ladies football was on its way to greater things in the future.

County Trials

It was decided to hold Junior County trials on Saturday 10 February at 2.00 pm in Ballyhaise for clubs from Castlerahan, Crosserlough, Mullahoran, Belturbet, Butlersbridge, Shannon Gaels, Gowna, Ballyhaise and Drumlane.

In Killinkere on the same days for clubs from Lurgan, Maghera, Killinkere, Kingscourt, Knockbride, St Finbarrs, Cootehill and Drumgoon.

All above clubs are asked to bring potential county players from their club to above venues.

New Recruits

A motion from Owen Hanratty, Lurgan asking that more ladies should be recruited and trained to referee club games, was passed. Clubs were asked to affiliate teams at the next County Board meeting in Farnham Arms Hotel on Thursday 22 February.

Cavan, Thursday 2 May 1996

Sponsorship for Cavan Ladies Football Team

The Chairman of the Cavan Ladies Football Board, Tom Dowd (Crosserlough) presented a set of jerseys to the Cavan ladies team captain, Michelle Keating, on behalf of ‘Fuss Doors’, Kingscourt. Joe Brady (Mullahoran) Treasurer of Cavan Ladies Football Board and Anita O’Brien.

Secretary of Cavan Ladies Football Board secured the sponsorship.

Cavan Ladies Football Team

Open League Campaign

The Cavan ladies football team held Leitrim to a draw in Mullahoran in the 1996 National Ladies Football League.

Team:

Laura Hanratty, Joanne Nannery, Aileen McCabe, Brid Dolan, Michelle Keating (capt), Breda Smith, Noleen Lynch, Wenona McBride, Ann Hanratty, Tara Clarke, Louise Adams, Catherine Brady, Patricia Beglan, Elaine Costan, Kathleen Nannery.

Lurgan are Senior League Champions – August 1996

Lurgan 3-12 Mullahoran 4-1

Lurgan emerged victorious over Mullahoran in the Senior League final. This team had everything that’s good in football. Plenty of high fielding, good scoring, tackling and good support. Mullahoran led early on by a goal frfom Breda Smyth, but Lurgan hit back with 1-2 from Tara Clarke. By half time, Lurgan led by 2-5 to 2-1.

With wind advantage in the second half, Lurgan twice led by 7 points but each time Mullahoran scored a goal to reduce the deficit. It was only in the last two minutes when Lurgan scored a goal and a point to increase their lead to 8 points that the game was won.

Mullahoran’s best players were Kathyrn Brady and Joanne Nannery in defence. Enter Brennan at midfield and Breda Smyth, Aine Brady and Louise in attack.

For Lurgan, who hadn’t a link on their team, best performances came from laura Hanratty, Anne Marie Kells and leona McNally in defence. Claire Carpenter and Michelle Keating at midfield.

Top Forward

Lurgan had the best forward in Tara Clark who scored 3-5. Good scores also came from Rachel Duffy, Michelle Cole and Lurgan Morgan with good support also from Grace Kelly and Catherine Denning.

Scorers:

Lurgan: Tara Clarke 3-5, Laura Morgan 0-2, Michelle Cole 0-2, Rachel Duffy 0-2 and Michelle Keating 0-1.

Mullahoran: Breda Smyth, Louise Adams 1-1, Aine Brady 0-9, Denise Reilly 1-0.

Lurgan:

Kara O’Connell, Eimear Carpenter, Laura Hanratty, Anne Marie Kelly, Ann Hanratty, Lisa McNally, Leona McNally, Michelle Keating, Claire Carpenter, Laura Morgan, Catherine Denning, Rachel Duffy, Grace Kelly, Tara Clarke, Michelle Cole.

Mullahoran:

Kathyrn Brady, I Sheridan, B Dolan, A M Baxter, Y Brady, J Nannery, C Dalton, E Brennan, N Brennan, A Brady, B Smyth, D Reilly, L Adams, A McCabe, P Began.

Ulster Club Games

Great win for Lurgan

Lurgan 5-13 Glenravel 1-2

This was a fine performance from Lurgan who have now secured a place in the semi final of the Ulster Club Championship.

Lurgan got off to a good start and soon led by 1-3 to 0-0. Glenravel then hit a good patch and narrowed the deficit to 1-2 to 1-4 by the 20th minute. Lurgan scored 1-4 in the final 10 minutes of the first half to lead by 2-8 to 1-2. The game was still up for grabs as Glenravel had home advantage in the second half. However, Lurgan playing with great determination in the second half soon increased their lead by 1-3, 1-2 coming from attacker Tara Clarke and a point from Rachel Duffy.

With the half back line of Anne Hanratty, Lisa McNally, and Kara O’Connell playing well, and Michelle Keating and Claire Carpenter gaining a stronghold on midfield. Lurgan were putting a lot of pressure on the Glenravel backline.

With further scores coming from Rachel Duffy and Michelle Keating, a goal apiece, and points from Claire Carpenter and Laura Morgan, Lurgan ran out convincing winners.

Scorers:

Lurgan: Tara Clarke 3-6, Rachel Duffy 1-2, Michelle Keating 1-0, Laura Morgan 0-2, Michelle Cole 0-2, Claire Carpenter 0-1.

Lurgan:

Jennifer Smyth, Eimear Carpenter, Laura Hanratty, Anne Marie Kelly, Lisa McNally, Anne Hanratty, Kara O’Connell, Michelle Keating, Claire Carpenter, Michelle Cole, Rachel Duffy, Leona mcNally, Grace kelly, Tara Clarke, Laura Morgan.

Mary Brady presented the senior ladies’ football Plaque to the winning Lurgan team captain, Tara Clarke.

August 1996

Lurgan retain title against old rivals.

Lurgan 2-8 Mullahoran 3-2

For the second year running, Lurgan came out on top against Mullahoran in the Ladies Senior Football Championship final.

Having been beaten by Lurgan in last year’s final, Mullahoran went all out to make amends for that disappointment. They very nearly succeeded but for an inability to take relatively simple scoring chance, they and not Lurgan, might have been the champions.

Teams Level

Playing against a stiff breeze in the first half, Mullahoran went in at the break level with the champions on a scoreline Mullahoran 2-2, Lurgan 1-5.

Lurgan may have felt at this stage their title was slipping away, with Eimear Brennan, Joanne Nannery, Cathryn Brady, Aine Brady, Breda Smyth and Louise Adams playing very well, Mullahoran could have been in front.

Great credit is due to the Lurgan backline, especially goalkeeper Jennifer Smyth who made a number of fine saves, corner backs Eimear Carpenter and Kara O’Connell and the outstanding Laura Hanratty at full back, for defending so well in this period.

If Trevor Giles is an inspiration to the Meath team, then Tara Clarke is the inspiration of this Lurgan team. She scored 1-7, 1-2 coming from play and her accuracy was winning as usual.

Mullahoran continued to dominate in the early minutes of the second but failed to break down a stubborn defence. Lurgan moved Anne Hanratty to midfield and Lisa McNally to centrehalf back after 10 minutes.

Decisive switches

These switches worked well and Lurgan came more into the game. Two great [points from Tara Clarke and a brilliant goal by Michelle Cole helped Lurgan to a 2-8 to 2-2 lead by the 50th minute. It looked as if they would run out convincing winners.

Boost

Mullahoran got the boost they needed when Breda Smyth scored a goal in the 56th minute to leave just 3 points separating the teams and Lurgan praying for the final whistle.

In Mullahoran’s second last attack, Denise Reilly hit a great shot only to be denied by the crossbar. Mullahoran will be disappointed to have lost this match but in the art of score taking they just could not match their Lurgan rivals.

Exciting

This was a great match played between two evenly balanced teams and if you have’t attended a ladies football match then you don’t know what you have been missing.

For Lurgan, they can be particularly thankful to their backline for this victory. Add to that the industry and work-rate of Michelle Cole and Rachel Duffy and the scoring ability of Tara Clarke and you had the ingredients for a successful title defence. Congratulations to Lurgan for retaining their title and commiserations to Mullahoran the gallant losers.

Scorers:

Lurgan: Tara Clarke 1-7, Michelle Keating 0-1, Michelle Cole 1-0.

Mullahoran: Breda Smyth, Aileen McCabe (HI), Aine Brady 0-1, Denise Reilly 0-1.

Lurgan:

Jennifer Smyth, K O’Connell, L Hanratty, E Carpenter, L McNally, A Hanratty, M Keating, C Carpenter, I Morgan, C Denning, R Duffy, G Kelly, T Clarke, M Cole.

Subs used:

Sandra Hopkins, E J Courtney and P McDermott.

Mullahoran:

P Began, B Dolan, J Nannery, I Sheridan, T Brady, E Brennan, C Dalton N Brennan, K Brady, D Reilly, B Smyth, A Brady, A M Donohoe, A McCabe, L Adams.

Lurgan team who defeated Mullahoran in the Senior Ladies Championship:

Gerry Hopkins (trainer), Catherine Denning, Michelle Cole, Rachel Duffy, Laura Hanratty, Leona McNally, Jennifer Smith, Lisa McNally, Claire Carptenter, Karen O’Connell, Brian McDonnell (Manager), Ann Hanratty, Michelle Keating, Sandra Hopkins, Philomena McDermott, Tara Clarke (capt), Laura Morgan, Emer Carpenter Emma Jane Courtney, Grace Kelly.

Cavan Ladies Football Board GAA Convention

Farnham Arms Hotel

22 February 1997

Election of Officers:

The following officers and committee were elected for the 1997 season:

Chairman: Tom Dowd

Vice Chairman: Gerry McDermott

Secretary: Mary Smith

Assistant Secretary: Abby Brady

Joint Treasurers: Mary Brady and John Joe Brady

Ulster Council: John Joe Brady, Eileen Browne and Martin Ellis

PRO: Margaret McKiernan

Youth Officer: Gerry McDermott

Central Council: Eileen Browne, Martin Ellis, Mary Smith and Gertie Conaty

Fixtures Committee: Gerry McDermott, Abbey Brady, Patsy McDonnell and

Eileen Browne

Executive Committee: John Joe Brady, Gertie Conaty, Owen Hanratty,

Carmel Fitzpatrick and Carmel Brady

Team Manager

The newly appointed team manager of the Cavan county team, Michael Flynn attended the convention and was welcomed by the Chairman, Tom Dowd. Mr Dowd hoped that the clubs would co-operate fully with Michael Flynn in the coming season regarding making their players available for training, competitive and challenge games and he wished him well in his efforts to get Cavan county side in a challenging position on the inter-county scene.

Cavan play Armagh

The Cavan county ladies football team are in action this Sunday at 2.30 in Smith Park, Killinkere when they play hosts to Armagh. This will be an interesting game for the Cavan girls who no doubt will be anxious to impress their new manager, Michael Flynn and start his campaign with a victory. All players to be at the venue at 2.00 pm.

Chairman’s address – Mr Tom Dowd

A Chairde,

On behalf of the Cavan Ladies Football Board, I am delighted to welcome you all to our annual convention here in the Farnham Arms Hotel, Cavan. I would firstly like to thank all my fellow officers and committee members for their commitment and loyalty to me and the County Board through the 1996 season, a season that saw ladies football in the county make steady progress on a number of fronts.

Their hard work for the improvement of the game in the county had laid the foundation of hopefully proper structures being put in place in the coming season which will see ladies football in Cavan taken the necessary steps not along to improve the domestic game, but five the county team a realistic opportunity of competing at inter-county level in the future.

I will commence my address by congratulating our near neighbours, Monaghan on winning the All Ireland title last season. They have show the way to us all, and we as fellow Ulster people were delighted to see the senior title coming to the province and this particular Monaghan side did it with some style. The exploits of Monaghan must give Cavan Ladies Football Board great hope for the future, as it isn’t that long ago that the Farney County were at the same stage of development as ourselves.

They have shown by hard work proper structures within the county regarding domestic league competitions and championships, coaching at all levels, especially in the national schools and secondary schools and catering for everyone who want to play the game, that it is possible to reach the top, unfortunately that can’t be attained overnight.

At tonight’s meeting we should spend some time discussing ladies football within the county and how we can improve it in the coming season. Hopefully we will get a number of new clubs involved and I would call on all the GAA clubs in the county at present to seriously think of organising ladies football teams in their area.

This can be a two-fold thing as it will strengthen the football clubs base in the community and also bring more people into the clubs. The plus for the Ladies Football Board is that they would be able to use the playing facilities of the GAA club and also call on them to organise coaching and skills practice for the ladies team. This system works quite well in other counties and is worthy of consideration.. We should also look at trying to get proper schools competitions organised, as the future of the game will depend on the young girls partaking in the sport at an early age. This is a big task and with this in mind hopefully in the coming weeks we can call a meeting with Primary School teachers throughout the county and enlist their help in organising proper schools competitions.

On the inter-county scene, for the amount of work put in to date, Cavan have fared quite well but there is room for improvement. The present county panel are a talented group but would improve greatly if they got the proper coaching on the skills of the game and also the proper fitness levels.

Already the County Board have taken a major step forward in this regard by the appointment of a new county team manager in the person of Michael Flynn. I personally welcome him aboard and can guarantee him the full co-operation of the County Board in the coming season. It’s a tough task but one that Michael is well capable of doing after his fine exploits with his school in Granard, where he and his team had many outstanding successes. I would call on the clubs of the county to make their players available for training sessions and games and I have no doubt that the girls themselves will give the proper commitment and loyalty in the coming months.

Booming

Ladies football is booming throughout the county at present, thanks mainly to the interest shown by the national media to the 1996 all Ireland final and replay between Monaghan and Laois. These played in Croke Park showed the game had great potential both to players and spectators, and now is the time to cash in on this popularity. We here in Cavan have a great football tradition and indeed, we were one of the top teams in Ireland some ten to 15 years ago and we much aspire to regaining that top position in the near future. It is going to take plenty of hard work and dedication from everyone involved but the satisfaction of taking Cavan ladies football back to the very top will make the sacrifices all worthwhile.

In conclusion, I would like personally to thank everyone who helped in any way towards improving ladies football in the county over the past 12 months, their great efforts are duly noted. Also, my fellow County Board officers for their hard work and dedication over the past year. We worked hard as a team and the results of our labours will be seen in the years to come also to our sponsors for their generosity and especially to the PRO, Margaret McKiernan and the Anglo Celt and Northern Sound Radio for keeping our activities in the limelight. To the clubs who won county titles over the past 12 months, many congratulations and keep up the good work.

Mr Dowd concluded by saying that ladies football in Cavan can have a great future if they all work together. “Lets come away from this meeting in a positive frame of mind, knowing that if the work is put in, then Ladies Football will go from strength to strength in the coming season”, added the Crosserlough clubman.

Secretary’s Report

The outgoing Anita O’Brien in her report gave a comprehensive review of the year’s activities and paid tribute to the great hard work of her follow officers. The Shannon Gaels club-person felt that ladies football was about to make a breakthrough in this county, but added that to achieve their goals, it will take a lot of hard work and dedication, not along from the officers of the County Board but the clubs of the county as well. She added there is great interest in the game amongst the youth of the county but if the game is not properly organised and players are not given the chance of partaking in proper coaching and an organised domestic league structure, then they will continue to struggle. Miss O’Brien who did not seek re-election as secretary said she will continue to be deeply involved for the betterment of the game with her local club Shannon Gaels.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer’s report showed the Board in a found financial position at the end of the year. Their income was £7,233.93 while expenditure was £5,875.62 giving a credit balance of £1,258.31. Outgoing Treasurer, John Joe Brady (Mullahoran) said that over the year he got great support from the clubs and County Board officials and was delighted to turn in a credit balance for the years workings.

He said that over the coming 12 months if the board were to improve the game in the county as a whole they would have to generate more finance, but he was confident they could reach their target because of the goodwill the game would get from the sports minded people of County Cavan. He added they started last season with a credit balance of £966.17 and this season they increased the credit balance to £1,358.31. He concluded by thanking the great efforts of his joint treasurer, Mary Brady, a dedicated worker and outstanding officer.

The Anglo Celt, Cavan, Thursday 13 March 1997

All Ireland Ladies GAA Congress

Cavan delegates attended Saturday night’s banquet in Irvinstown, Co Fermanagh to celebrate the first ever convening of an All Ireland Ladies GAA Congress in Ulster. Cavan delegates, Eileen Brown, Belturbet and Mary Smith Lavey were pictured with the Councillor Sam Foster, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council. Helen O’Rourke, National Ladies President and Pat Chapman, Development Officer, Fermanagh Ladies Board who organised the congress and had as a special guest, Jack Bootman, the GAA President, who was the first President to attend a congress. The Incoming National ladies President, Noel Murray, Waterford.

Seamus Doyle, AIB sponsors of Ladies All Ireland Championship with Joe McGurn, Chairman, Fermanagh Cou8nty Board GAA, Helen O’Rourke, National ladies President (outgoing) and John Vesey, Chairman of the Ulster Council GAA and member of Fermanagh District Council of all denominations attended the banquet and later the Cultural concert which was also a first for a ladies convention.

Ladies Under 16 Football Final

Lurgan win exciting final

Lurgan 4-4 Mullahoran 4-2

In a brilliant game of football, played between two talented sides, Lurgan overcame Mullahoran by two points in this ladies Under 16 championship final in Ballyjamesduff.

This game brought down the curtain on the ladies season for 1997 and what a game it turned out to be. It was exciting and entertaining with a lot of very good football played throughout and with the game always in doubt players and spectators were left on tenderhooks right up until the final whistle. Lurgan finally won the game, thanks to an injury time goal from full-forward Claire Carpenter. Mullahoran will feel aggrieved at having lost this match right at the end. However, they can’t complain too much as they had lived dangerously at times against a capable Lurgan team. Great credit is due to both teams for providing a free flowing game of football.

Mullahoran got off to a great start when Ciara Grey got through for a goal after just two minutes. Lurgan replied with points from Philomena McDermott and Leona Kerr. Aine Brady scored a great individual goal after 12 minutes to leave four points between the teams.

Lurgan were beginning to dominate play at this stage but ruined many fine passing movements with wayward shooting. They did get a boost however when centre half forward Philomena McDermott took a pass from Claire Carpenter and blasted the ball to the net to leave the score, Mullahoran 2-0, Lurgan 1-2, after 21 minutes.

Mullahoran were next on the scoresheet with yet another goal, this time from right half forward, Natasha Daly. Back came Lurgan once more and when Claire Carpenter crossed the ball from the right winger Eimear Fox fielded superbly and shot a brilliant goal from all of 20 metres. The score at half time was Mullahorn 3-1, Lurgan 2-2.

Lurgan began the second half in the same way as Mullahoran had started the first, Grace Kelly winning the ball well and volleying to the net after just two minute. Claire Carpenter followed the score with a point to leave Lurgan ahead by two points, four minute into the second half. Mullahoran weren’t going to lie down and with Denise O’Reilly and Ciara Grey added a point to leave Mullahoran back in the driving seat with a 2 point lead.

Lurgan still had plenty of time to get back into the game. They had the chances but as in the first half, wasted some of these. It took a good point from Aideen Kerr, who was having a great second half, to leave only one point between the teams with 3 minutes left. This was the spur that Lurgan needed and they went all out in search of the equaliser. Grace Kelly and Philomena McDermott had wides from good positions and it looked as if Mullahoran would hold on for a win.

However, Lurgan were not to be denied and Michelle Cole cleverly picked out Claire Carpenter with a quick free in the last seconds and the Lurgan full forward shot to the net for the winning score. It must have been heartbreaking for the Mullahoran team and mentors but they will be back another day. It was a sweet victory for Lurgan as Mullahoran had denied them in the final the previous years.

Outstanding Mullahoran Players were midfielders, Denise Reilly and Ciara Grey, backs, Irene Sheridan and Julie Anne Sheridan, and forwards Aine Brady, Natasha Daly and Sarah Smith.

For Lurgan in a great team performance everybody played their part. Orla Smith in goals was very good. Siobhan O’Reilly, Eimear Carpenter and Sarah McDonnell formed a solid fullback line. Emma Jane Courtney, Kara O’Connell and Leona McNally were good at half back with Kara O’Connell particularly outstanding. At midfield, Anne Hanratty and Michelle Cole had a great tussle with opposite numbers Ciara Grey and Denise O’Reilly with honours being divided equally in this sector. All of the Lurgan forwards got on the score sheet and worked very hard for each other. Grace Kelly, Philomena McDermott and Eimear Fox got important goals at vital stages. Claire Carpenter and the Kerr sisters, Leona and Aideen played well too and Claire will always be remembered for the match winning goal in injury time.

Mullahoran scorers:

Aine Brady 1-1, Ciara Grey 1-1, Natasha Daly 1-0, Sarah Smith 1-0.

Lurgan scorers:

Claire Carpenter 1-1, Philomena McDermott 1-1, E Fox and Grace Kelly 1-0 each, Leona and Aideen Kerr 0-1 apiece.

Lurgan:

O Smith, S O’Reilly, E Carpenter, S McDonnell, E J Courtney, K O’Connell, L McNally, A Hanratty, M Cole, G Kelly, P McDermott, E Fox, A Kerr.

Subs: B Farrelly, N McDermott, S Hanratty and L Cole.

Mullahoran:

A Brady, G Brady, P Beglan, L Fegan, J A Sheridan, I Sheridan, D White, C Grey, D O’Reilly, a Brady, V Brady, N Daly, P Reilly, S Smith, F Harten.

28 June 1997

Under 14 Ladies Football Final

Belturbet win with style

Belturbet 7-11 Drumlane 1-5

The Under 14 girls from Belturbet and Redhills showed their skilful football prowess in Ballyconnell on Saturday last when they overwhelmed Drumlane by 7-11 to 1-5.

The Belturbet girls led at half time by 4-7 to 0-1 and had already asserted their authority on the game. Fair play to Drumlane, they battled right to the finish and rallied with a total of 1-4 in the second half. However, the supreme all round performance by Belturbet was a treat to watch and the scoring power of Lyndsey Fitzpatrick, Laura Brown, Eilish O’Callaghan, Yvonne Donohoe and Pamela Fitzpatrick epitomised their greast all round football ability. Catherine Bogue, Leanne Fitzpatrick, Denise Rudden, Caroline Donnelly, Claire Rowan, Cathriona O’Reilly and Mary Fitzpatrick defended with skill and determination throughout and Maria Smith excelled in midfield with Lyndsey Fitzpatrick.

Belturbet:

Catherine Bogue, Leanne Fitzpatrick, Denise Rudden, Caroline Donnelly, Claire Rowan, Cathriona O’Reilly, Mary Fitzpatrick, Maria Smith, Lyndsey, Laura Brown, Elisha O’Callaghan, Yvonne Donohoe, Pamela Fitzpatrick.

Subs: Evelyn O’Callaghan for Yvonne Donohoe, Karen Fay for Pamela Fitzpatrick.

Drumlane:

Fiona McConnell, Geraldine Mills, jenny O’Dowd, Niamhy O’Reilly, Tracey O’Dowd, Alison Tully, Charlene Tully, Laura Corrigan, Ciara Maguire, Michelle Fitzpatrick, Niamh Bradley, Charlene Smith, Linda Foster.

Subs: Aisling Tully, Brona Sheridan.

Anglo Celt – May 22 1997

Cavan go under away to Tyrone

Cavan Under 14 ladies football team made the long trip to Clogher, Co Tyrone Saturday last in the first round of the championship and were defeated by a stronger and more experienced Tyrone side, in what was a very competitive game.

Cavan started slowly and took them some time to get into the game. In the opening quart6er the Breffni defence was under sever pressure but some great defensive work kept them in the game. In the second half the Cavan performance improved greatly, with the Breffni midfielders getting a good amount of good possession and at last we saw a team as an attacking force. However a combination of lack of experience and poor shooting saw them waste good scoring opportunities and in the closing stages the Tyrone side upped the pressure and ran out worthy winners.

While there was disappointment in the Cavan camp at the defeat, especially amongst the players, the game itself showed that there is some good talent and potential in the county and with a great emphasis in training and football skills in the coming domestic season, there is no reason while many of the players involved won’t go on to bigger and better things in the ladies football world in the near future. The general consensus amongst players and officials on the outcome of the game was lack of experience at this level cost them dearly on this occasion, but it was a good experience for those involved and hopefully they will have learned from this game.

Cavan v Antrim

22 June 1997

Convincing win for Cavan

Cavan ladies done the county proud on Sunjday evening in Emmett Park, Butlerbridge when they had a facile victory over Antrim in the first round of the Ulster Junior football Championship.

The home sides were on top right from the start of the game and their superior fitness and combination play had the visiting Antrim side in all sorts of trouble. It was all one-way traffic for most of the game, highlighted by some excellent scores, in what was a good Cavan team performance.

Cavan are in action in the second round of the competition when they make the long journey to Ballintra to play the home side, Donegal. This will prove a much tougher test form the Breffni side, who are on a high after their fine performance last week against Antrim.

Travelling arrangement6s for Sunday’s game was given to players at training on Thursday evening, when the entire panel were expected to be in attendance.

Cavan Ladies GAA County Board 1998

Committee:

Chairman: Tom Dowd Crosserlough

Vice Chairman: Martin Ellis Butlersbridge

Secretary: Mary Brady Lavey

Assistant Secretary: Breege Dolan Mullahoran

Joint Treasurers: Abbey Brady Mullahoran

Aishling Brady Lavey

Margaret McKiernan Crosserlough

PRO: Mickey Graham Cavan Gaels

Youth Officer Delegates to Ulster Council: Eileen Browne Belturbet

Martin Ellis Butlersbridge

Youth Officer Delegates to Central Council: Michael Lee Drumalee

Michael Graham Cavan Gaels

Martin Ellis Butlersbridge

AGM of Cavan Ladies Football Board

Chairman calls for greater effort in 1998

At a well attended annual convention of the Cavan Ladies Football Board in the Farnham Arms Hotel, Cavan recently the outgoing Chairman, Tom Dowd (Crosserlough) called for great effort by everyone involved in ladies football in the coming season to improve the standard of ladies football in the county and he asked for the support of GAAS clubs in the county in this matter. 16 clubs were represented at the convention and the agenda included a review of the year at club and county level, the various officers’ reports and an address by the county team manager Michael Flynn.

Prior to the commencement of the convention, the outgoing vice-chairman of the Ladies Football Board, Gerry McDermott, welcomed everyone and thanked the clubs for their co-operati8on to him personally throughout the season. 16 clubs were represented at the meeting including Crosserlough, Knockbride, Cootehill, Drumalee, Muillahoran, St Finbarrs, Lurgan, Drumlane, Mountnugent, Drumagoon, Lavey, Templeport, Castleharan, Denn, Shannon Gaels, Butlersbridge and Belturbet.

Secretary’s Report

The outgoing Secretary, Mary Smith, in her report gave a comprehensive review of the years activities and paid tribute to the great hard work of her fellow officers. She added that there was great interest in ladies football amongst the youth of the county. She felt the game was not properly organised and players are not five an opportunity to partake in proper4 coaching. If this trend is to be continued then they will continue to struggle.

She highlighted the very successful referees seminar held on 15 May last at which over 40 people attended from the various clubs. She went on to thank our main sponsor Donal Keogan (Carraig Springs) who donated 12 track suits to the county team, also Oliver Sheils (Farnham Arms Hotel Cavan) who sponsored togs and socks.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer’s Report showed the Board in a sound financial position at the end of the current year. Their income was £11,408.10, while the expenditure was £9,757.38, giving a credit balance of £1,650.63.

Outgoing Treasurer, Mary Brady, said that over the year she got great support from the clubs and County Board officials and she was delighted to turn in a credit balance for the year’s workings. Mary did not seek re-election for 1998 as County Board Treasurer, but will continue to be involved with her local club, Lurgan. Her work for the County Board over the season was praised from the floor and she was thanked for her great contribution in general ladies football in the county.

Chairman’s Address

(Tom Dowd, Crosserlough)

A Chairde,

Once again it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Annual convention of the Cavan Ladies County Board. I would like to begin my address by thanking all my fellow officers and committee members for their great dedication and commitment to the County Board over the past 12 months, and also to their loyalty to me over that period. I must put it on record that I thorough enjoyed working with you all and hope to do so for many years to come.

The past 12 months has seen steady progress regarding the affairs of ladies football in the county. People in clubs have been working hard in their own areas for the advancement of the game and while in some instances progress has been slow, overall the structures are coming in place and this should come to fruition in the years ahead.

The game of ladies football is gaining in popularity nationwide and more and more people are coming interested in it. The exploits of our neighbours Monaghan (All Ireland senior champions once again) and Longford (All Ireland Junior champions this season also) shows what can be achieved if people are prepared to work hard, not alone on the playing side of things but also in establishing clubs in their own areas. ‘County Cavan is football mad’ as was seen this year after the county senior team regained the Anglo Celt Cup after a wait of 28 years and this is the time that we in the Cavan ladies Football Board must try and capitalise on this popularity.

From my travels around the county and reports from schools, there is a huge interest in the ladies game at present, especially with the television exposure it has been getting of late and youngsters are now really attracted to it.

I would like for it to go out from this meeting that the Ladies County Board are interested in establishing the game in all the traditional football areas of the county and we would hope that this challenge would be taken up immediately. It could be used as a major plus for the GFCs of the county having a ladies football club running alongside their men’s team, as for a start it would bring in new members into the club, and in many instances revitalise the club in many different areas such as fund raisi8ng and other organisational areas which women could have a big input.

For ladies football the advantages would be that they would have a home base and an identity, plus playing facilities to play and train one, which in the long run would establish the ladies game in the area. Personally, I think that is the way forward for the game in County Cavan at present and it is disheartening to see that three of the major population areas of the county Cavan town, Kingscourt and Bailieborough are not catering for the ladies game at present.

I would suggest at this meeting that we form a new committee to look into ways and means of strengthening the game not alone in the clubs, but also in our schools, especially the national schools. The personnel for this committee should be open to anyone whom the members feel could contribute in this area. Now is the time for action, when the interest is at his highest and our youth are looking for sporting outlets to pass their leisure time. Maybe we could start by targeting the national schools of the county, something similar to the Schools Board at present looking after schoolboys football in the county, find out how they operate and follow a similar plan for the ladies game. This is the way forward as you will be introducing youngsters to the game and as the years progress they will be available to the clubs in their own areas to continue in the game.

It is huge task to try and establish ourselves county wide and it won’t happen over night. We will have to be seen making progress and while it may be years down the line before we can challenge the Monaghans and Waterfords of the present ladies football work, we must be realistic and work from humble beginning and progress from there.

There is no easy fix in introducing what is basically a new sport to the county. There will be pitfalls along the way but in the end should we succeed then all the hard work that it will entail will be worthwhile.

Our near neighbours, Longford, have shown us the way, and they too started from humble beginnings just a few short years ago and are now able to challenge the best at senior ranks. Maybe it would do no hard for the County Board Officers to meet with their Longford counterparts in the future. They seem to have found the formula for success coming from a similar base as Cavan and I think this would be a worthwhile exercise.

Pitches for playing our games have been a problem at certain times during the season. I would appeal to GAA clubs to continue to help us out in this area, for without competitions our cause would be lost. Maybe the continuity of playing our games has been lack-lustre this season and I would like for the new season to see a ‘Master Fixtures Plan’ drawn up and all competitions finalised before the end of the season. We should be playing off the various competitions in the summer months when the interest amongst the players is keenest and pitches throughout the county would be available. To the winners of the competitions played to date, I say congratulations and I would also like to thank all the clubs who took part in the various competition s in different grades throughout the season.

For 1998 we will have to have a more professional outlook not along in promoting our game, but in the organisation structure of the County Board.

Regular monthly meetings will have to be the norm, committees to look after finance, fixtures and the inter-county activity will have to be formed. Everyone should have an input into some of these committees and the while organisation in the county will have to be revamped. This is the first step to progress and hopefully all the delegates here present will agree with these sentiments. We will all have to think bigger than our own area, and if the game of ladies football is to take the proper steps forward, then everyone will have to work for the game on a county wide basis.

The shop window for the game in the county is through our county teams. Steps were taken last season to improve matters in this area with the appointment of a new county team manager in Michael Flynn. I am glad to report that progress has been made under Michael Flynn’s guidance and we hope to build on that in the coming year. No doubt Michael Flynn will inform you of that and his plans for the future. I will conclude by thanking everyone involved with ladies football in the county at present.

We are a young and hopefully a vibrant organisation that will go from strength to strength in the future but we must support each other. We must go out from this meeting with the sole aim of recruiting new members and try and sell ladies football to the sporting public of Cavan in general. We have a good product to sell, the raw material is there in the county in abundance and it is up to us members of the ladies county board to organise this talent to the benefit of the game in the county as a whole. It is a huge challenge but one we must succeed if Cavan is to make its mark on the ladies game in the national stage.

I won’t let this occasion go without thanking all my fellow officers for their support and encouragement throughout the year, also our sponsors for their generosity, the local press and Northern Sound for keeping our games in the limelight. And to our efficient PRO, Miss Margaret McKiernan for her great work in advertising our games. Lastly I thank all the clubs of the county for their work over the past year and those clubs who were successful in the various competitions. Congratulations and keep up the good work.

“Let us all come away from this annual meeting refreshed and in a positive frame of mind and be prepared in the coming year to improve the lot of Cavan Ladies Football, not alone at domestic level, but also on the inter-county arena”, added Tom Dowd.

After the Chairman’s address there was plenty of lively discussion amongst the delegates to various topics pertaining to ladies football in the county and some interesting and worthwhile contributions from the clubs present.

Cavan Ladies 1998

Under 16 County Champions

Lurgan ladies football panel:

Philomena McDermott-Murphy, Laura Conaty, Jennifer Hetherton, Denise Smyth, Kara O’Connell, Caroline Hopkins, Aideen Cole, Noeleen McDermott, Philomena Clerkin, Caroline McGovern, Margaret Murphy, Brian McDonnell (Trainer), Jennifer O’Dwyer, Marie Mulvey, Barbara Farrelly, Stephanie Hanratty, Linda Cole, Elizabeth Keoghan, Siobhan O’Reilly, Danielle McNally, Michelle Cole, Leona Kerr, Ita Cole (club secretary)

Cavan Ladies 1998

The Victorious Virginia Vocational Girls football team who defeated Loreto College, Cavan and now meets Cootehill in the final were:

Philomena McDermott, Mary Owens, Catherine Fox, Aideen Kerr, Caroline Hughes, Louise Murphy, Ramona O’Reilly, Noeleen McDermott, Jennifer Hetherton, Ailish McCabe, Lisa Smith, Orla Smith, Laura Conaty, Sharon Timmons, Leona Kerr, Carol Fitzpatrick, Brian Duffy (coach), Emma McDermott, Siobhan O’Reilly, Roisin Brady, Elizabeth Keogan, Yvonne Kerr, Michelle Cole, Lucy Doherty, Paul Kerr (coach).

Anglo Celt, Cavan – Thursday September 17 1998

Cavan Ladies Junior Championship Final

Mullahoran retain title

Mullahoran 5-3 Lurgan 0-11

Mullahoran retained Junior Championship title at Killygarry on Saturday last at the expense of old rivals Lurgan in an uplifting encounter played before a large attendance with a cracking match. Mullahoran’s ability to take proved decisive.

Lurgan started strongly and had a number of attacks. Tara Clarke opened the scoring from a free after 8 minutes. Further points from Clarke and Michelle Cole extended the lead. Good defending by Emer Brennan and Joan Morris kept Lurgan from adding to their lead. Lurgan continued to dominate and added another point from Michelle Keating. Mullahoran then had a goal from a free to narrow the gap to 3 points. Breda Smith replied with a point to reduce the lead before Lurgan replied with 3 points to leave the minimum between the teams. Lurgan continued on the defensive and had a goal disallowed for a square ball. Mullahoran broke downfield and Niamh Brennan seized on a loose ball and shot to the net. A point from Denise Hartnett and a goal from Breda Smith put the game beyond Lurgan’s reach. Louise Adams shot a goal and both sides exchanged points to leave Mullahoran victorious.

Great Game

This was a tremendous game of football with some fine catching, blocking and passing movements from both teams.

After the game the cup was presented to Mullahoran Emer Brennan by Tom Dowd, Chairman of the County Board.

Mullahoran:

Patricia Beglan, Brid, Dolan, Emer Brennan, Monica Sheridan, Julie Ann Sheridan, Joanne Nannery, Joan Morris, Ciara Gray, Kathryn Brady, Aine Brady, Breda Smith, Niamh Brennan, Denise Hartnett. Louise Adams, Denise O’Reilly.

Subs: Yvonne Brady and Natasha Daly.

Lurgan:

Jennifer O’Dwyer, Anne Marie Kelly, Laura Hanratty, Emer Carpenter, Kara O’Connell, anne Hanratty, Elizabeth Koeghan, Rachel Duffy, Michelle Keating, Grace Kelly, Michelle Cole, Sandra Hopkins, Tara Clarke, Claire Carpenter, Nicola Brady.

Subs: Sinead O’Reilly.

Mullahoran team captain, Eimear Brennan accepts the cup from Chairman, Tom Dowd.

Manager is from Crosserlough

Phillip Sheridan, Tullyboy, Crosserlough, has been named manager of the New York Ladies AB Star team that will travel to Ireland on Wednesday, September 16 to compete in the Junior All Ireland final. They play Roscommon on September 19 in Ballinasloe, Co Galway and should they be successful in their third attempt to get to the final, they will play in Croke Park, Dublin on Sunday October 4.

The All Stars first competed in the Junior all Ireland semi final in 1995 when Tyrone defeated them by a point and again in 1997 when Longford defeated them by 5 points.

Phillip has been a strong GAA man all his life both in Ireland and in New York. His football career in New York started with the Cavan football clubs where he became a an expert.

In 1997 Phillip made the ladies league which was in its infancy and is noted for his leadership and skilful qualities among the ladies clubs. He has been manger of the cavan ladies for the last 7 years and who have won the Sean Faherty championship in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998, and the Annie Kearney knock-out Cup in 1992, 1993, 1997 and 1998.

Philip was again named Manager of the All Star team for 1998. His commitment and interest in the New York ladies has made stars, not only from the Cavan team, but from all other 7 teams in the league. He is totally devoted to the sport and his experience, tactics and opinion is valued by the team as they face Ireland in 1998.

“I am confident that we have a great team this year”, said Phillip. The girls are really working hard at training and the team is beginning to take shape. It is all our dream that we get to play in Croke Park this time.

2 April 1998

Cavan outclass Derry

Win sends Cavan through to play-offs

Cavan 8-7 Derry 3-4

An outstanding display of combination and control saw Cavan ladies win their way into the quarter finals of the league when they thoroughly outplayed Derry on Sunday last at Killnaleck.

As Derry chose to play with the wind in the first half they got the perfect start with two fortuitous goals. Cavan were facing a six-point deficit with barely 5 minutes of the game.

Shades of last year’s defeat by the same opposition loomed large as memories of the 8-9 to 7-3 defeat came back. But there was to be no repeat of that this year. The character that this team has show in their unbeaten run since Christmas once again came to the fore. As Cavan gradually worked their way into the game, a marvellous goal by Blathnaid Sheridan settled the nerves and as the midfield of Rachel Duffy, Pamela Crowe, Michelle Keating and Kathyrn Brady began to take control, the scores were bound to come. Further goals from Elaine Costin and Breda Smith added to points by Tara Clarke and Costin left the growing Cavan support in as much happier mood.

In a 10 minute spell before half time, Vera Kelly scored three excellent goals and a point to leave Derry shell-shocked at half time as they faced the breeze and a scoreline of 6-6 to 2-3.

Derry came out fighting in the second half but their attempted bombardment of the Cavan goal was kept at bay by a strong full back line of Joanne Nannery, Laura Hanratty and Joanne McNally, along with goalkeeper B Dolan.

When Monica Sheridan came in at corner back and Joanne Nannery was moved out to the half back line, Cavan continued to defend strongly and though Derry got through for goal in the first five minutes, little did anyone think that they would add only one more point to their tally. Two points by Elaine Costin and Tara Clarke were followed by a T Clarke goal and as the game drifted to its inevitable conclusion, further points by Costin and Clarke left Derry frustrated at their inability to break through the Cavan defence. This frustration was evident when Derry’s wing half forward was very lucky to escape being sent to the line when she tackled Cavan captain Breda Smith with a blow.

As the game entered the final minutes, a poor kickout by the Derry goalkeeper was intercepted by Aisling McDermott and when it fell at the feet of Tara Clarke, she coolly finished it to the net to leave Cavan undisputed winners. Cavan now have a wait of several weeks to see who their quarter final opponents are, but they are most likely to be either Dublin or Cork late in April.

The younger players in the team like Anne Hanratty and Carol Fitzpatrick in defence are always prepared to give, and with Shannon Gael’s Therese Maguire back in the fold there are now plenty of excellent options available to the selectors.

Cavan:

B Dolan, J Nannery, L Hanratty, J McNally, A Hanratty, R Duffy, C Fitzpatrick, M Keating, P Crowe, E Costin (1-3), K Brady, B Smith (1-0), V Kelly (3-1), T Clarke (2-3), B Sheridan (1-0), M Sheridan, T Maguire, A McDermott, E Duffy, S Mullholland, J Nannery, E Duffy

Cavan Secondary Schools Senior Ladies Football Final 1998

The victorious St Aidan’s Ladies Football squad who beat Loreto College, Cavan in the final:

Julie McCann, Donna McGahan, Sorcha McBennett, Eileen Argue, Grace McNally, Eimer Carragher, Catherine Flynn, Theresa Clerkin, Margaret McBride, Nicola Clegg, Serena Gardiner, Kelly McCarney, Lorraine Tackney, Sinead Hall, Naomi Dempsey, Muireann McDermott, Ciara Galligan, Kelly Hogan, Gina Pierce, Siobhan Crowe, Ann Marie Fitzpatrick, Emma Slowey, Elaine Costin, Diane Dempsey, Pat McMorrow (trainer).

1998 All Star Team

Olive Wilson from Mullahoran has been named the Captain of the 1998 All Star team. This will be Olive’s third year in representing New York in Ireland. Like her late father, Willie and her Uncle John, Olive is a natural defender and plays in the familiar full back position. She is fondly referred to as the ’Blonde Boomer’ in the New York ladies circles and she is regarded as the best full back in the league. She is not unfamiliar with the title of captain having first been named captain of the Cavan under 16 side in 1979. She was named ‘Player of the Year’ for Mullahoran that same year, but her most memorable award was winning the Ulster title in 1980, alongside her sisters Una and Carmel.

That same year Cavan would lose to Offaly in the All Ireland final. In 1991 when ladies football took off in New York, Olive was the first to sign up for the Cavan ladies and was once again named captain.

Having now played with Cavan for 7 years and one of the longest players with the club, she has won 6 Sean Faherty Championship medals and 4 Annie Kearney knock-out medals. She was named MVP of the Sean Faherty championship final in 1996.

Rosie O’Reilly from Lavey has been named once again for the 1998 All Star team. Rosie showed great promise as an athlete and by the time she reached secondary school she was already an established camogie player at senior club level. Upon emigrating to New York she joined the New Irish Camogie Club, winning her first North American Board final in 1990 and receiving ‘Player of the final’ award.

In 1991, when the idea of the New York Ladies GAA was in its embryonic stage, Rosie went on a recruitment rampage for her native county and has held the position of President of the Cavan Ladies team since its inception. She has won 6 Sean Faherty football championship medals and 4 Annie Kearney knock-out cup medals with Cavan. In 1993 she was named MVP of the Sean Faherty Championship final and in 1995 she had the distinction of becoming the first woman to captain a ladies team to victory in a final at Croke Park.

Anglo Celt 21 May 1998

Cavan ladies senior league 1997 final

Mullahoran dethrone champions

Mullahoran 3-5 Lurgan 0-8

At Dr Plunkett Park, Kilnaleck on Sunday last, Mullahoran and Lurgan contested the ladies football final.

On a brilliant day for football with the park in perfect playing order, both teams served up a tremendous hour’s football with Mullahoran to avenge last year’s defeat at the hands of their opponents.

Mullahoran were first on the scoreboard through Louise Adams. Lurgan soon levelled through Tara Clark and play was evenly divided over the next 10 minutes.

Both defences were in sparkling form with some fine catching, blocking and astute clearances.

Lurgan began to get on top in the middle of the field and further points through Michelle Cole and Claire Carpenter. Mullahoran had two points from Denise O’Reilly and Niamh Brennan. After a pulsating half hour in high temperatures the scores were level at 3 points each. Lurgan could feel unlucky not to have been in front after wasting a few good chances in front of goals. After half time, Mullahoran attacked and Louise Adams shot a fine point. Both teams battled for supremacy with the honour being even.

Purple Patch

After a fine move down field, Mullahoran shot a good goal from captain Breda Smith. After this Mullahoran’s midfield enjoyed a purple patch and Denise O’Reilly burst through to shoot a goal and extend the lead to seven p0oints. Lurgan replied with a point but a minute later Mullahoran had another point fr4om Louise Adams. With 10 minutes left, Breda Smith pounced on a loose ball and shot to the net to extend the lead to 10 points.

Lurgan failed to give up however and replied with a number of points through Michelle Keating and Tara Clarke. With some stout defensive play, Mullahoran restricted Lurgan to two further points. This was a tremendous game from two very fit teams and played with great sportsmanship. Referee Joe McQuillan had a fine game and kept the game flowing.

For the winners, Patricia Beglan was sound in goals and was supported by the full back line of Brid Dolan, Eimear Brennan and Irene Sheridan. At half back Joan Morris, Joanne Nannery and Julie Ann Sheridan played their hearts out and assisted midfielders Kathyrn Brady and Ciara Gray who improved as the game wore on. In attack, Niamhy Brennan, Breda Smith and Aine Brady were dangerous and created chances for an eager full forward line Natasha Daly, Louise Adams and Denise O’Reilly.

For Lurgan, goalkeeper Orla Smith couldn’t be faulted for the goals and was fronted by a strong full back line of Eimear Carpenter, Laura Hanratty, and Rachel Duffy defended well in midfield. Michelle Keating and Michelle Cole caused problems for their opponents and in attack Grace Kelly, Claire Carpenter, Sandra Hopkins, Philomena McDermott, Tara Clark and Laura Morgan played their hearts out.

Mullahoran:

Patricia Beglan, Irene Sheridan, Eimear Brennan, Brid Dolan, Joan Morris, Joanne Nannery, Julie Ann Sheridan, Kathyrn Brady, Ciara Gray, Aine Brady, Breda Smith, Niamh Brennan, Natasha Daly, Louise Adams, Denise O’Reilly.

Lurgan:

Orla Smith, Emer Carpenter, Laura Hanratty, Lisa McNally, Kara O’Connell, Anne Hanratty, Rachel Duffy, Michelle Keating, Michelle Cole, Grace Kelly, Claire Carpenter, Sandra Hopkins, Phil McDermott, Tara Clarke and Laura Morgan.

Referee: Joe McQuillan

The 1999 Cavan Executive Committee:

Chairman: Tom Dowd Crosserlolugh

Vice-Chairman: Gerry McDermott St Finbarrs

Secretary: Mary Smyth Lavey

Assistant Secretary: Ita Cole Lurgan

Joint Treasurers: Abbey Brady Mullahoran

Owen Hanratty Lurgan

PRO: Hugh brady Killeshandra

Registrar: Abbey Brady Mullahoran

Youth Officer: Shane O’Reilly Cuchullians

Ulster Delegate: John Joe Brady Mullahoran

Central Council Delegate: John Joe Brady Mullahoran

Roll of Honour 1999

Competition Winners Runners Up

Under 14 League Lurgan Ballyhaise

Under 16 League Belturbet Drumlane

Under 18 Championship Lurgan Cuchullians

Division 3 League Belturbet Templepart

Division 2 League Castlerahan/Denn Cootehill

Division 1 League To be completed

Junior B Championship Killeshandra Cuchullians

Junior Championship Mullahoran Lurgan

Cavan

A bright future beckons

At 3.20 pm on Sunday 5 December, Elaine Costin was a villain in the eyes of the large number of Cavan supporters who travelled to Clontibret for the Ulster B Final against Monaghan.

With 10 minutes left and Cavan trailing by two points, Elaine missed a penalty, but rather than admit defeat, Cavan dug deep and it was fitting that the earlier villain, Elaine Costin fisted over the winning point in the dying seconds to give Cavan their first trophy since 1977.

Seeds Sown

The seeds of victory were sown back in October when the new management team of John Mulvaney (Virginia), Gerry Sheridan (Mullahoran) and Fr Gerry Kierans (Lavey) took over the reigns for the Division 3 National League campaign and the Ulster B Championship-. All 3 men had a wealth of experience and the County Board felt that to move forward, new facers were needed. Training 3 nights per week was introduced and the players responded brilliantly. They quickly adapted to the new style of play required by their new management team.

Prior to the B Championship final with Monaghan the Breffni girls had excellent league wins over Donegal and Armagh. Against Donegal the blues were impressive, scoring 2-15 to the Tir Connal girls 1-11. Even better things were to come against Armagh. Cavan hammered the Orchard ladies 3-19 to 0-4.

Whilst the all round play was excellent, Tara Clarke was singled out for special praised. The full forward from Cuchullians scored 2-10 (2-7 from play).

Instead of the winter break, Cavan now faced the Ulster B Championship0. Armagh was handy opposition in the opening round. That set up a semi final meeting with Fermanagh. The Erne side neighbours had defeated Cavan in the 1999 Championship so victory in the B Championship was sweet. That set up a final with Monaghan juniors.

The Ulster B Final

Bad weather delayed the final by one week. On the 5 December, a bitterly cold day, Clontibret was to be the venue for Cavan’s finest hour for 22 years.

Monaghan were going to be no push over. Their junior team contained seven of this year’s all Ireland winning minor team, alongside regarded senior players, Ann Gavan and Voreen Quigley. Add to that senior panelists (with only league experience) Rosie Hughes and Davina McCaffrey, and you get an idea of the task ahead.

On a difficult day for football, Cavan settled quickest and took an early lead through a Tara Clarke free. Monaghan did come into the game more as the half progressed and on 15 minutes Voreen Quigley scored the first of her two goals. Cavan, to their credit kept plugging away, their ‘never say die’ attitude was amazing and at half time they trailed by only 4 points, 1-5 to 0-4. Denise Keogan opened the second half, scoring for Cavan with a point to leave only three between the teams. Cavan were then dealt a killer blow. Voreen Quigley scored her second goal and with 20 minutes left, thee was a mountain to climb. The Breffni girls not only climbed the mountain but also went down the other side. Their defence was very solid in the last quarter, limiting the Monaghan forwards to four shots, all of which went wide.

Up the other end of the pitch the Monaghan defence was coming under increasing pressure. Emer Brennan and Carmel Rogers were now on top in midfield and lively Tara Clarke, Michelle Keating and Denise Keoghan were causing all sorts of problems. Monaghan persisted in fouling and Tara Clarke continued to send frees over the bar. In the dying seconds with the teams level, Elaine Costin set off on a pacey run. After evading three defenders she was faced with the out rushing Ann Gavan between the sticks. Cool as a cucumber the 20 year old Cootehill girl fisted over the bar. Moments later Cavan were to win the Trudy Kierans Cup 0-12 to 2-5.

Their victory was thoroughly deserved. They hit 12 scores to Monaghan’s seven and also forced Ann Gavan into thr4ee fine saves. When many a team would have folded, Cavan showed great resilience, which will stand them in good stead for the 2000 Championship.

The full squad was:

Orla Smith, Monica Sheridan, Laura Hanratty, Emma Traynor, Anne Hanratty, Pamela Crowe, Michelle Cole, Emer Brennan (capt), Carmel Rogers, Breda Smith, Michelle Keating, Una Murphy, Denise Keogan (0-2), Tara Clarke (0-8, 6 frees), Elaine Costin (0-2), Joanne Hayes, Emily Meehan, Brid Dolan, Joan Morris, Derbhla Reilly, Sinead Duffy, Louise Adams, Grainne Reilly, Arlene Smith and Patricia Beglan.

The Player of the Match award went to Michelle Keating (Cavan)

The success of the County Junior team has coincided with a resurgance of ladies football in Co Cavan. There are currently 19 clubs in the county and over 700 players registered. Competitions are organised at Under 14, Under 16, Under 18 and Junior level. In 1999 county teams were entered in Ulster Championships at Under 14, Under 18 and Junior grades.

The Future

A bright future certainly beckons for Cavan ladies football. No date has been set for their AGM yet but many of this year’s hard working committee are likely to be returned some time in February. An Under 16 county team will compete in next year’s Ulster Championship, thus keeping continuity between last years Under 14s and Under 18s. Of the senior squad, the management team have already set a goal of winning next year’s Ulster Championship. The league games will be used to strengthen the panel and give young players experience. If an incentive was needed in Cavan for the Championship, its there. Next year’s Ulster champions will travel to the USA to play New York in the All Ireland Junior semi final. Cavan selector, Gerry Sheridan would dearly love to lead his team to the Big Apple.

Did you know?????????

• Cavan were the first Ulster team to win the Brendan Martin Cup (in 1977)

• County and Western singer, Cathy Durkin, won an all Ireland medal in 1977

• Current Chairman, Tom Dowd, was National President from 1979 to 1981

• The “Dowd Cup” (Ulster Colleges Championship) is named after Tom Dowd

• Mullahoran contested the 1977, 1978 and 1979 All Ireland Club finals, winning the title in 1977

• Monica Sheridan played in the club final in 1977 and the Ulster B final in 1999-01-02 Una Murphy has played soccer for Ireland at Under 16 and Under 18 level

• Eimear Brennan, Breda Smyth, Joan Morris and Bird Dolan have all played camogie for Cavan

• Michelle Cole, Carmel Rogers and Joan Morris all have brothers in the Cavan men’s county squad

• John Joe Brady and Michael Henry are both nationally recognised referees

• Two Cavan natives, Olive Wilson and Rosie O’Reilly played in this year’s All Ireland junior final for New York

2003 Review

After a break of 13 years since it was last played Ladies football recommenced in Cavan. It has been steadily growing from starting with six clubs to now having 23 with competitions for all age groups from Under 12 years onwards.

We have had a very dedicated group of people working on our County Board over the past eight years. When we started in 1994 we were very lucky to have as our Chairman a former National President, Tom Dowd who only stepped down as Chairman last year and we are very glad that he still remains on our Board. Tom’s knowledge and experience in all areas of football both on and off the field has been invaluable to us over the years.

He was succeeded last year by the very able Vice-Chairman Hugh Brady (Killashandra) who has been mainly responsible for the very efficient, however, difficult running of our club fixtures and also his role in the acquiring of sponsorship and raising funds.

We have been well served by our secretaries, Anita Maguire (Blacklion) and Mary Smith (Lavey) for 3 years and of course our current secretary Eileen Brown (Belturbet).

Two well know people at both Ulster and national level who also do tremendous work in Cavan are John Joe Brady and Abby Brady (Mullahoran).

There are 1,014 registered players in Co Cavan. We have been making steady progress at inter-county level.

Our Junior team currently managed by John Mullvany (Lurgan) won the Ulster B Championship in 2000, reached the Ulster semi final in 2001 and this year lost the Ulster final to Donegal. John has been assisted over the last three years by Gerry Sheridan (Mullahoran) and James Lovett (Cavan GAA Coaching Officer).

Our Under age U14 and U16 have been capably looked after by Eamon Lynch (Gowna) and Concepta Traynor (Knockbride). Eamon and Concept have put a lot of effort into the building of this underage structure over the last few years, results of which are now coming to fruition.

Our current Chairman, Fintan Tierney is also well known in Ulster and this year is involved in organising the Schools competition within Ulster. He was one of the founders of the Feili competition, which has now become a very prestigious national competition.

The future looks bright for Cavan ladies football and we have now reached the point where we can realistically aspire to achieving both Ulster and national honours. But the real success as we know always starts at club level and to this end we continue to strive to bring the enjoyment and comradeship of this great team sport to every part of our county.

Cavan Panel which took part in the Ulster Junior Final in 2002

Brid Boylan, Elaine Costin, Grainne Smith, Joanne McNally, Michelle Cole, Carmel Rodgers (capt), Onida McBride, Laura Hanratty, Michelle Keating, Ann Hanratty, Aisling Doonan, John Mulvaney (trainer), Eimer Reilly, Margaret Farrell, Claire Carpenter, Pamela Crowe, Breda Smith, Arlene Clarke, Orla Smith, Ciara Reilly, Blaineath Sheridan, Bronagh Sheridan, Ciara Gray, Aisling Traynor, Maria Smith.

Cavan are worthy Ulster Under 16 Ladies football champions

Tremendous boost for Cavan Ladies Football

One of the real success stories of the Cavan sporting year to date has been the excellent progress of ladies football in the county at club and county levels. Recently the county made a major breakthrough on the inter-county scene when the county ladies Under 16 team won the provincial title for the very first time thereby creating their own piece of football history by defeating Fermanagh in the Ulster final played at Patrick McManus Park, Kinawley.

This was a tremendous performance by the Breffni side who completely dominated this final and in the end ran out worthy and convincing winners on a scoreline of 5-21 to 0-6.

After a fairly even opening half the sides adjourned to the dressing rooms at the interval with the Breffni side ahead by 3 points, 2-3 to 0-6. However, the Cavan side upped their performance in the second half and within a minute had increased their lead with an excellent point from Vanessa Brady. This score seemed to kick start them into action and from there to the end there was only one team in the contest.

Dominating all sectors of the field, the visiting Cavan side were unstoppable and despite the best efforts of a gallant Fermanagh side, at the end the Cavan side were clear winners and worthy provincial champions.

It was very much a team performance by the winners on the day. Led by inspirational team captain, Aisling Traynor the side gelled well together and once they got into their stride their opponents had no answer to them. They also had the ‘star of the match’ in the free scoring Emma Clarke who finished the final with a personal tally of 3-6 and along with her forward colleagues gave the Fermanagh defence a torrid time.

Well coached and managed. It is only fitting in this great achievement to mention the part played by the team’s excellent management of Concepta Traynor, Eamon Lynch and Finian Farrell. They have put endless hours in coaching this group of talented players and were rewarded in excellent style in this Ulster final.

Ulster Champions – the victorious Cavan Under 16 foot squad who created their own piece of football history recently when they defeated Fermanagh in the final of the provincial championship played at the Patrick McManus Memorial Park, Kinawley.

Joanne Moore, Elaine Reilly, Niamh Smith, Aisling Doonan, Laura Walsh, Kerry Smith, Nicola Sheanon, Patricia Lynch, Aisling Traynor (capt), Emma Clarke, Edel Gaffney, Vanessa Brady, Laura Galligan, Christine McCutcheon, Brona Boyle, Nicola O’Dwyer, Julieanne Brady, Roisin O’Keeffem, Ailish Cronin, Aideen Duff, Clodagh Doonan, Brona Sheridan, Erin Galligan, Laura Shaughnessy, Catriona Smith, Claire O’Brien.

Management Team: Concepta Traynor, Finian Farrell, Eamon Lynch

At minor level Cavan reached the Ulster finals against Tyrone in 2000 and 2001 and suffered heavy defeats at Carrickmore 1-17 to 0-3 and at Breffni Park by 0-17 to 0-5. Cavan again reached the minor final in 2003 and were backbone4d by their Under 16 squad and gave Monaghan a very close call despite a scoreline of 2-14 to 1-9 and notice to all concerned in 2004.

The progress within the county is evident by the fact that Cavan have reached the Ulster Junior finals in 2002 and 2003, meeting strong Donegal contestants who reached the All Ireland finals winning in 2003.

Cavan were defeated in 2002 by 2-14 to 1-8 and in 2003 by 3-12 to 2-4, with both matches being played at Pairc Naomh Tigernach Cluain Eois.

In 2002 Knockbride, the county intermediate champions won the Ulster title at Clones defeating Newtownbutler from Fermanagh by 3-8 to 1-8. The previous year 2001, Mullahoran reached the final but were defeated by the Monaghan champions Donaghmoyne by 4-14 to 2-7.

In 2003 Knockbride brought further honour to Cavan, when against all the punter’s predictions they defeated the firm favourites Carrickmore from Tyrone in a thrilling final at Scotstown winning by 3-7 to 1-12.

Knockbride found the Meath and Leinster champions Senschalstown too hot to handle at Canningstown in the All Ireland semi final losing by 3-17 to 2-4.

2003 was a tremendous year for Breffni, when they contested all the Ulster finals and that included the new Kearns Cup competition at Under 16 level which they defeated in Monaghan. Cavan have also won the (A) section Under 14 blitz in 2002 and 2003, which is a true water level reading of the amount of work that is being put in at coaching and development in Cavan.

Football and my native Parish – Crosserlough by Tom Dowd

National President 1979 – 1983

Cavan Chairman 1976 – 1982 & 1995 – 2002

I was appointed Chairman of the Crosserlough GFC in the late 40s and held the position for 26 years. During that term we made history by winning seven senior championships in a row. By the early 70s, a group of girls approached me to give some training in Gaelic Football. We played in tournaments in Meath, then John Joe Brady set up a ladies football team in Mullahoran.

In 1974 Rosemary Sexton from Kingscourt and Secretary of the Cavan Association in Dublin met with Tommy Kenny who was then the National President of ladies football. We asked her to get a ladies football team together to represent Cavan and Ulster to play in the All Ireland semi final against Mayo.

John Joe Brady and I, with the help of Mary Sexton worked hard to field a team for the game in Mullingar. Our side got beaten but we put up a very good performance by 11 points to 2 points.

In 1975 Tommy Kenny got in touch with me to go to congress in Roscommon, as there was no County Board Committee in Cavan at this time, afterwards we called a meeting in Cavan and formed a committee.

Chairman: Tom Dowd

Vice Chair: Veronica Sharkey

Secretary: John Joe Brady

Treasurer: Dan Daly (Maghera)

Michael Greenan, Ulster Council represented us.

The late Hugh Meehan started a team in Armagh. Hugh was made first Ulster President. We played two games for the championship, one in Armagh and one in Cavan, which Cavan won and were crowned Ulster champions.

In 1976 Kerry agreed to travel to Breffni Park to play the All Ireland semi final. A crowd of about 400 spectators turned up to watch this great match. Kerry won by 6 points, 3-9 to 3-3. All our good friends accommodated and looked after the visitors after a enjoyable social night in the Farnham Hotel.

This made the people of Cavan see that our ladies could play Gaelic Football. In 1977 we met and defeated Roscommon in Hyde Park by 4-3 to 2-3 and this was a wonderful day for our Cavan ladies. We also won the Under 16 that year. We reached a few more All Ireland finals but failed to take the honours.

In 1979 I was appointed President of the Ladies Association and met many great people at national level such as Mick Fitzgerald, Kerry, Mick Talbot, Offaly, Mary Wheatley, Laois, Ann Knockton, Roscommon, Liam Ford, Galway and many many more. By 1984 the Cavan Board had disbanded due to lack of members and players with people emigrating and move elsewhere.

In Co Cavan, Mullahoran ladies were the top team winning an All Ireland Club Championship during that term, no team ever beat them in Cavan.

In 1995, football re-started in Cavan. A meeting was called and a group of girls from Kingscourt, Knockbride and Shannon Gaels elected a committee. John Joe Brady and myself were asked to take part.

I really enjoyed my last 7 years as Chairman attending meetings, travelling to game, near and far, and helping to fundraise.

I worked with a lot of great dedicated people during these 7 years and now I must say Cavan Ladies football is on a very sound footing with 27 clubs in all.

Fintan Tierney

Cavan has a great football history having won more Ulster titles than any other county and five senior All Irelands, the last in 1952, 51 years ago. We in Cavan won one senior All Ireland and one Club All Ireland by Mullahoran in ladies. We in Cumann Peil Gael na mBan in Cavan are not looking back but to the future with great hope for our Under 14, and Under 16 won Ulster titles in 2003 for the first time and with this foundation we are looking to the future. We in Cavan are extremely grateful to the coaches, the girls and the parents, because everybody gave 100% and it is great to be chairman of a great and historical county.

Ladies football is a wonderful game, fast, skilful, with few stoppages, a game of great enjoyment because there is no body contact. The girls from the age of 14-20 are more skilful and appear to have a better football brain than the boys of similar age. No wonder so many girls now and in the past are playing on boys underage teams.

I am over 50 years involved as a player for club and county (Longford), an inter-county referee, 3 All Ireland minor, junior and senior, Ulster and Connacht finals, a club and county mentor and official. Now in the later summer of my life, I am getting more enjoyment from ladies football for all the above stated reasons.

I am looking to camogie, football, hurling and ladies football coming under C.L.C.G. I cannot see it coming for four or five years even though it is under trial in several counties. The sooner it comes the better. Ladies are the best to sell tickets and make money for clubs. This is proved in our club, Butlersbridge, where one lady had collected 35% of the total funds for the past 2 years for Butlersbridge supports the ladies club. And several clubs make their pitch available to clubs and county matches. Lastly, this year with the bad weather, not all club pitches were playable.

With our youth policy, I am looking forward to Cavan being up there with the great counties in Ladies football like Monaghan, Tyrone and Down. Ladies football is growing fast and it will not be long until Donegal, Derry, Fermanagh and Armagh are up there too. Antrim will need help from the rest of Ulster as it is hard to integrate a city and its rural teams in competitions.

If we in each county work hard for our county and our province we will be a very strong organisation with great competitive competitions at all ages and grades of junior and senior.

Finally I would like to congratulate Pat and Francis for their hard work in putting together this history of ladies football.

Fintan Tierney

Chairman: Cumann Peil Gael na mBan Co. and Cabhain 2003

Secretary’s Report 2004

On the domestic front we had 25 clubs participating and we ran 17 competitions ranging from Under 12 to Senior level. Congratulations to all the clubs who were successful in their respective competitions during the year. It was good to see new clubs emerging to the fore in the various competitions. I would also like to congratulate the following:

Knockbride Under 14 team represented Cavan in Feile in Tyrone.

Knockbride Under 14 team won the All Ireland Shield in Kilmacud

Erne Valley Gales Under 12 team won a silver medal in the All Ireland Community Games.

Aishling Traynor, Aishling Doonan, Joanne McNally and Emma Clarke were selected for the inter-provincials.

Emer Reilly w3ho was selected for the Ulster All Stars and to the other county players who were nominated.

We had another successful year at county level with our Under 14, Under 16, Minor and Junior teams reaching semi final and final stages.

The Junior ladies started their league campaign with a first round game against Tipperary and Cork B. The next game was against Sligo with the ladies winning well on the day. We then travelled to Athlone to meet Clare and were beaten by a very strong and physical side. This led to Cavan and Louth meeting in the semi final. This was a very exciting game but our ladies were unlucky to be beaten narrowly.

Our Championship trip took off in early July with Armagh up first in Ballyconnell. This was indeed a very close encounter with Armagh winning marginally. We then went on to beat a strong Fermanagh side, which led us to the semi final against a strong Monaghan B team. The girls were victorious on that day and we were once again in an Ulster final. We met Armagh again but unfortunately Armagh was the stronger and more experienced side. The Cavan team are a very young side but with patience and commitment, they will indeed bring the honours to Cavan.

I would like to sincerely thank the manager, Mr Ciaran Brady and his management team of Tom Dowd, Finian Farrell, Fr Tom McKiernan and Raphael Rogers for their hard work and commitment that they put into this campaign.

Our minor championship got off to a great start. We travelled to Antrim whom we beat very convincingly.

We then went on to meet Tyrone. This was a very thrilling and exciting game with great displays of football from the ladies. It went into extra time and Cavan were once again victorious.

We once again reached another Ulster final, which took place in Breffni Park. We were up against a very strong Donegal side. During the game both teams had periods of dominance but Donegal edged ahead late into the second half. This was a great performance by our girls who displayed some great footballing skills.

Again I would like to thank Finian Farrell, Ciaran Brady and Gerry Sheridan.

Next up were the Under 16 girls who were victorious against Monaghan. The girls put in a great performance in an exciting game. This led them to the semi final against Donegal. In very wet conditions, Cavan were beaten by the Donegal side who then went on to win the Ulster final and reach the All Ireland final.

Again I would like to thank Eamon Lynch, Emma Traynor and Karen Kiernan.

Our Under 14 girls started their campaign by beating Down convincingly to go on to meet Derry whom they also beat in a very exciting game. This led our girls to the semi final and their opponents were Tyrone. This was a close and exciting encounter but the Cavan girls were dominant and brought us to another Ulster final against old rivals Monaghan. This was a game which brought lots of excitement and entertained us with some great displays of football. The girls were the better team and progressed to the All Ireland semi final against Dublin. Unfortunately the Dublin girls were the better team on the day but I must say that our Under 14 girls showed great determination and commitment.

I would like to thank Eamon Lynch, Pat Fitzpatrick and Carmel Rudden.

Lily O’Reilly

Runai

Competition Winners 2004

Competition Club

Under 12 League Mullahoran

Under 14 League Knockbride

Under 14 Championship A Knockbride

Under 14 Championship B Ballymachugh

Under 16 Championship Lacken

Minor Championship Lurgan

Division 1 League Knockbride

Division 2 League Lacken

Division 3 League Templeport

Division 4 League Ballymachugh/Crosserlough

Junior Championship Lavey

Intermediate Championship Lacken

Senior Championship Knockbride

Shield Drumgoon

9 a side Division 1 Lurgan

Division 2 Gowna

Division 3 Arva

Officers and Committee for 2004

President Tom Dowd

Chairman: Concepta Traynor

Vice-Chairman: Eamon Lynch

Secretary: Lily O’Reilly

Assistant Secretary: Patricia King

Treasurer: Aidan O’Reilly

Registrar: Abby Brady

PRO: Raymond Brady

Irish Officer: Finian Farrell

Youth Officer: Eamon Lynch

Central Council: John Joe Brady

Abby Brady

Ulster Council: John Joe Brady

Abby Brady

Fintan Tierney

Gerry Sheridan

Executive: Dolores Canning

Tony Conaty

Finian Farrell

Eileen Brown

Gerty Conaty

Owen Hanratty

Pauric Rudden

Patricia King

Fixtures:

Chairman: Gerry Sheridan

Bridget O’Dywer

Aidan O’Reilly

Ciaran McCabe

Gerty Conaty

Eileen Brown

Juvenile Committee:

Chairman: Eamon Lynch

Concepta Traynor

Finian Farrell

Adrian McGovern

Pauirc Rudden

Ann Kelly

Madge Fitzpatrick

Gerry Leinster

Oliver Fitzsimons

Secretary’s Report 2005

It gives me great pleasure to submit my annual report to the Cavan Ladies Annual General Meeting 2005.

Reflecting on the year’s activities, many items come to mind.

National football League

In November 2004, we kicked off our league campaign with a Round 1 fixture against Sligo. This marked the beginning of the role of the new Junior Manager, Raphael Rogers and this would give him an idea of what talent he had on board. Unfortunately Sligo were the strong side and came away victorious.

We then travelled to Cleanna Gael Club grounds in Dublin to meet our next opponents, Wexford. This was a very competitive and exciting game with the new and experienced talent shining through. Wexford proved too strong in the latter part of the second half and came away with the points. Next, off to Kilcavan to meet Cork B in Round 3. This was another thrilling game, with the Cavan ladies securing their first victory. In Round 4, Clare travelled to Moungnugent with only 14 players. Our ladies performed well that day and ran out easy winners. Now into March and Round 5. Limerick travelled to Ballyhaise where our girls put in a great display of footballing skills in very stormy weather conditions. Limerick was a strong and physical side but it was a win for Cavan which led us into the quarter finals of the National league. We were up against Laois. It was a game of two halves as Cavan allowed the visitors to build up a lead at half time. Our girls got to grips with the game and played a more controlling game getting good scores and closing down the Laois attacks. Laois held on and went through to the next stages, thus ending our league campaign.

Ulster Championship

Our Championship started in June and the hopes and determination of the management and the girls were running high after being defeated in the last three Ulster finals. Our first match paired us with Fermanagh and this was played in Breffni Park. Cavan led at the interval by a single point after a very closely fought opening period.

The second half was much the same but gradually Fermanagh were gaining the upper hand. However, it looked like our day until deep into added on time, Fermanagh were awarded a penalty and won by two points.

Round 3 was against Monaghan B. The girls performed well running up a big score in the process. This led us into the semi final against old rivals, Armagh. We travelled to Mullaghbawn with confidence and playing Armagh seemed well within our capabilities but right from the throw in, it was a different story. Armagh was well primed and was really up for the game. They took control of the game and we were playing catch up from then. Armagh were easy winners and showed their true potential later in the year by winning the All Ireland Junior Championship.

I would like to thank the manager, Raphael Rogers and his selectors, Tom Dowd and Finian Farrell for their hard work, dedication and commitment.

Minor Championship

Our minor squad started their campaign in April with a game against Monaghan in Breffni Park. This was a very competitive match with our girls coming out victorious. We then travelled to Down. The girls put in a great display of football and showed their true class, running out easy winners. We were then into the semi final and all roads led to Pomeroy in Tyrone. Tyrone started the stronger side and clocked up vital scores in the first half. Cavan put in a determined and gutsy performance in the second half but luck and time was not on our side that day with Tyrone coming away the winners by 4 points. Well done to the manager, Finian Farrell and his selectors, Raphael Rogers, Tom Dowd and Mick Flynn on getting the girls to et another Ulster final. Unfortunately it wasn’t our year.

Under 16 Championship

The Under 16 Championship started in March with a Round 2 win over Monaghan and a comprehensive win in Round 3 against Fermanagh. Tyrone travelled to Kidallen for Round 4. This was an exciting game with the Cavan girls putting in a great display but Tyrone were well prepared and were the stronger side. We were then into the play offs and we had once again to meet Monaghan. This was played in Lavey. Monaghan were out to make amends after their defeat in Round 2 and came away easy winners, thus ending our interest in the competition. Again special thanks to the management, Eamon Lynch and Emma Traynor.

Under 14 Championship

The Under 14 Championship commenced in April with a trip to Derry. Our girls performed very well and came away with an easy win. Next up was Tyrone and we travelled ton a venue in Trillick. Cavan put in a fine display of football in a very exciting match with Cavan winning and into the semi final stage. We were up against Donegal which was played in Stradone. This again turned out to be a very exciting match with great displays from the Cavan girls. Unfortunately it was not to be our day with the Donegal girls into the final. Once again a special thanks to the management, Patsy Fitzpatrick, Francis Clarke, Carmel Rudden, Madge Fitzpatrick and Ray Foley.

Other achievements

I would like to congratulate the following:

• Cavan Under 16 girls who won the Trudy Kearns Cup in July

• Cavan Under 14 girls who performed very well in the All Ireland Blitz held in Mullingar. They were beaten by Tyrone who then went on to win the All Ireland in their group.

• Cavan Under 14A squad on winning the Ulster Blitz held in Tuagh, Monaghan on 10 September 05.

• Cavan Under 14B squad on achieving runners up in their group

• Knockbride Under 14 girls who represented Cavan in Feile na nOg. Well done to them on reaching the semi final stages.

• Knockbride Club on reaching the quarter final stages in both the Under 14 and the All Ireland 7 a side. Drumgoon Club was also represented.

• Emer Reilly, Mullahoran Club on achieving ‘Player of the Year’

Club Scene

As in recent years we have a very healthy club scene. The Senior Championship produced a number of good quality games, with the final ending in a draw between Lurgan and Erne Valley Gaels (Mullahoran/Gowna). In the replay, Erne Valley Gaels emerged as Senior Champions.

The Intermediate Championship brought together Mullahoran and Erne Gaels in the final and the venue was Killygarry. This was a closely contested match with Mullahoran being victorious.

In the Junior Championship, there were many keenly fought games with Templeport and Killinkere heading to Cornafean for the final. This produced a thrilling and exciting game with Templeport claiming the honours.

26 clubs participated in 22 competitions throughout the year.

Competition Winners 2005

Competition Club

Under 12 League Templeport

Under 12A Championship Templeport

Under 12 B Championship Crosserlough

Under 14 League Knockbride

Under 14A Championship Knockbride

Under 14B Championship St Finbarrs

Under 16 9 a side League Lavey

Under 16A Championship Lacken

Under 16B Championship Inny Gaels

Minor Championship Knockbride

Junior Championship Templeport

Intermediate Championship Mullahoran

Senior Championship Erne Valley Gaels

Shield Competition Ballyhaises

Division 1 League Knockbride

Division 2 League Erne Gaels

Division 3 League Gowna

Division 4 League Killinkere

Division 1 9 a side League Lurgan

Division 2 9 a side League Arva

Division 3 9 a side League Killinkere

Under 14 Feile Knockbride

Officers and Committee for 2005

President: Tom Dowd

Chairman: Concepta Traynor

Vice-Chairman: Eamon Lynch

Secretary: Lily O’Reilly

Assistant Secretary: Patricia King

Treasurer: Aidan O’Reilly

Registrar: Abby Brady

PRO: Raymond Brady

Irish Officer/

Youth Officer: Finian Farrell

Central Council: Gerry Sheridan

Abby Brady

Gerry Sheridan

Executive: Tom Conaty

Eileen Brown

Gerty Conaty

Owen Hanratty

Pauric Rudden

Bridget O’Dwyer

Madge Fitzpatrick

Oliver Fitzsimons

Charlie Doughty

Bernard Sheridan

Declan McCabe

Fixtures Chairman: Eamon Lynch

Patricia King

Eileen Brown

Aidan O’Reilly

Ciaran McCabe

Declan McCabe

Sinead Cusack

Bernard Sheridan

Mullahoran Ladies Football 1995 – 2005

The Mullahoran Ladies Club were reformed in 1995 under the guidance of John Joe Brady and Gerry Sheridan. They fielded teams at Under 14 and 16, Minor and Junior Level. The club won the Cavan Junior title in 1997 and 1998 and when Cavan was graded intermediate, the club proceeded to win the Cavan intermediate title in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

They made their way to the Ulster final in 2001 after some great performances but were defeated after a tough encounter by the Monaghan champions Donaghmoyne.

Mullahoran also won the league title in 1997 and completed a histories league and championship double on 5 occasions from 1997 to 2001.

They also enjoyed success at underage level and have won Cumann Na mBun Scoil title in 1999, 2000 and 2001. They also have appeared in the county final at Under 12 and Under 14, losing narrowly on each occasion.

Mullahorn formed part of Erne Valley Community Games club and a number of their players have tasted success at Ulster level. In 2000 and 2001 Erne Valley won the Ulster Under 12 girls community games and then went on to represent Ulster at All Ireland level in Mosney. Mullahoran also tasted success at county level as they have had players selected to represent the county at all age groups.

Some of their players that spring to mind are Breda Smith, Monica Sheridan, Brid Dolan, Eimer Brennan, Ciara Gray, Denise Keogan, Louise Adams, Eimer Reilly, Patricia Beglan, Kathyrn Brady, Julie Ann Brady, Amanda Sheridan and Lisa Reilly.

When you think or speak of ladies football in Cavan, the name Mullahoran immediately comes to mind, especially with the great names of the past.

The girls have kept up this great tradition and no doubt will continue to do so in the future.

Committee 2002

Chairperson: Gerry Sheridan

Secretary: Patricia Beglan

Treasurer: Monica Sheridan

Delegates to County Board: John Joe Brady

Abby Brady

Gerry Sheridan

Team Manager: Gabriel Keogan

Under Age Committee: Brid Dolan

Nicola Wilson

Monica Sheridan

Profile of Gerry Sheridan

Gerry Sheridan has a long tradition of football for club and county. He has played all grades of football in his club and was a stalwart with the county team for a number of years having played in a number of positions. He is still playing football for his club and has played over 40s with the county this year. Gerry has been coaching the girls’ teams since 1995. He has also coached the Cavan team in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

One of his greatest achievements was in 1999 when the Cavan ladies won the Trudy Kearns Cup. Gerry is one of the gentlemen of ladies football and has given a great deal of his time to developing and encouraging the game of ladies football.

Gerry is married to Monica who plays in the number 2 position today and have 4 children, Louise, Mona, Geraldine and Aisling and needless to say they are following in their father’s and mother’s footsteps.

Profile of John Joe Brady

John Joe Brady has been involved in Ladies football in both club and county since 1975. He along with Paddy Moynaghy was team manager of the Mullahoran ladies team for 8 years from 1975 to 1983. He helped bring the Mullahoran ladies to the top of the ladder in 1977 when they won the first ever All Ireland Club final. Along with Tom Dowd, John Joe also enjoyed success with the county ladies team. They won 7 Ulster finals in a row from 1976 to 1982, the most satisfying of these games was the winning of the 1977 All Ireland title when they defeated Roscommon at Dr Hyde Park.

Bot Tom and John Joe were in charge of the 1980 and 1981 Cavan teams that reached the All Ireland final but were beaten by Tipperary and Offaly respectively. John Joe was the first Chairman of the Mullahoran Ladies Club in the years 1975 and 1982, County Board Treasurer from 1977 to 1980 and Secretary from 1980 to 1982. He was also Ulster Chairman in 1982.

Football lay dormant in the county and the parish of Mullahoran until 1995. There was massive interest in the revival of ladies football in the county and needless to say Mullahoran was at the forefront once again, and once again John Joe acted as Chairman for the club. He was also a member of Cavan County Board and represented them at Ulster Council and central Council meetings and at the present moment his is Irish Language Officer with the Ulster Council.

John Joe has also been a referee for a number of years and had the task of refereeing the minor All Ireland in 1981 as well as the senior All Ireland in 1982 and 1983 respectively. And in more recent times, John Jon was given the job of refereeing the Under 14 Ulster final for 2002.

He has also been a selector on the Ulster inter-provincial team and 2001,2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. He has also refereed many Ulster club games over the years.

John Joe, who is married to Ann have five children, 4 girls and one boy, who all play football.

John Joe Brady has a long association with ladies football going back to 1976. He has saw glory days with Cavan, being associated with the training of All Ireland winning teams and indeed as stated, he refereed 3 All Ireland finals in the early 1980s. Indeed when Cavan decided to take sabatical from inter-county football in 1982, whatever the reasons were, it must have been far out of the reach of John Joe Brady, or indeed at the time of withdrawal, was the serving National President. If one was asked to provide a description of what John Joe Brady has contributed to ladies football, not alone in Mullahoran, but at provincial and national level, one could write a book on is input.

His physical input can only be described as phenomenal. Where could you compare, or where would you find a water level of dedication, where on a daily basis he travels 80 miles each way to his employment in Dublin and finds time to participate as a County Board Officer, an Ulster Council Officer and a delegate to Central Council.

He also dedicates his leisure evening time to attend to his parish needs, his family leisure needs, Ulster county duties as the provincial registrar, officiator at Ulster games, the requirements of his county board, the county’s delegate to Central Council, a body who harnesses his vast connections in acquiring pitches for national games etc.

If Mick Fitzgerald of Kerry can claim to be the father of the association without unbroken tenure of 32 years, this writer would enter deep debate if opposed to nominating John Joe Brady as a dedicated and generous uncle to the association. John Joe has gave the modern timescale of ladies football in Breffni from 1995 to the present day as we swathe through the year 2006 with unbroken dedication and like all Cavan folk in all grades, he lives in eternal hope of a blue band on the rainbow.

As a person who knows the quantity of his labours, and a fellow Cavan man, it is more than a privilege to provide a citation on his endeavours for to provide cultural games for the youthful young ladies of our nation.

By:

Pat Chapman: History Co-Ordinator

Community Games

The club were also well represented on the Erne Valley Community games team which won the Ulster title and then finished runners up in the All Ireland Final.

Under 12 Football

Mullahoran won the 2003 All County Under 12 Football Championship by defeating Knockbride in the final.

Under 14 Football

Mullahoran won the Under 14 B Championship final by defeating holders Killygarry. The teams finished level and after a replay they were still level but Mullahoran pulled away in extra time to win by two points.

Cavan ladies Under 12 Final

Mullahoran too strong for Knockbride

Mullahoran 2-7 Knockbride 1-5

On Saturday last at Munterconnacht, Mullahoran added the Under 12 title to the Under 14 championship, which they won earlier in the year.

Both Mullahoran and Knockbride had reached the final after good league runs and served up an entertaining game for a fair sized attendance.

Knockbride started brightly and opened the scoring with a point. Mullahoran won the kick-out and good play involving Aine Reilly and Delia Baxter resulted in Shauna Wilson firing to the net to secure an early lead.

Both teams pressed hard and both defences had to defend resolutely. The next score came in the 10th minute with Kate Smith firing over a point. A further point from the same player stretched the lead to 1 goal 2 points to 1 point for Knockbride.

Mullahoran were on top at midfield through Mona Sheridan and Delia Baxter but their forwards were guilty of a number of misses and Knockbride manoeuvred the gap through Emma Scanlon with a point from a free.

A further point left two points between the sides as half time approached but Shauna Wilson sent over a free to leave Mullahoran leading at half time on the score of 1-3 to 0-3.

Second Half

Mullahoran started the second half brightly and had two further points to leave them leading by 5 points aft5er 10 minutes. Knockbride, to their credit fought back and two points left a goal between the sides. Good play along with win by Daena Clerkin resulted in a goal to leave the sides level at 1 goal and 5 points each.

The excitement was now palpable as both teams tried to get on top. Geraldine Sheridan was introduced in the Mullahoran forward line as her team tried to find a way through the Knockbride defence.

Mullahoran were awarded a free 30 metres out and Mona Sheridan sent a long shot crashing to the net. Sensing victory, Mullahoran pushed for home and added further points through Delia Baxter and Edel McGahern. Knockbride tried hard to the finish but good defending from Aine Reilly and Sarah Comiskey kept them at bay.

Referee, Joe McQuillan sounded the final whistle to end a very entertaining game.

Sporting Game

Both teams deserve great credit for a very sporting game with ladies football being the winner. To scenes of great excitement and celebration, Chairman Fintan Tiernay presented the Under 12 trophy to the Mullahoran captain, Aine Reilly.

Mullahoran Ladies Team who were the Ulster Runners-Up in 2001

Niamh Brennan, Julie Ann Sheridan, Monica Sheridan, Aine Brady, Denise Reilly, Catherine Brady, Denise Keegasn, Eimer Reilly, Louise Byrne, Brid Dolan, Joanne Dannary, Patricia Beglan, Ciara Gray, Breda Smith, Eimer McGovern.

Mullahoran Panel from 1995 to 2001

Aileen Brady, Andrea Bearber, Jane Foster, Aisling Smith, Julie Ann Sheridan, Natisha Daly, Louise Adams, Aine Brady, Brid Dolan, Yvonne Brady, Niamh Brennan, Denise Reilly, Gabrielle Brady, Breda Smith, Monica Sheridan, Eimer McGovern, Denise Keogan, Eimer Reilly, Lindsey Reilly, Patricia Beglan, Aisling Brady, Una Brady, Kathleen Nannery, Joan Morris, Gerry Sheridan (Trainer), Louise Sheridan, Catherine Brady, Joanne Nannary, Clara Gray,

Mascots: Aoife Brennan, Olive Brennan, Cioara Brennan, Niall McGahern, Roisin Brennan, Louise Sheridan, Aishling Sheridan, Kylie McGahern, Denise Sheridan.

Players: Geraldine Sheridan, Sheila Reilly, Karen Sheridan, Sheila Reilly, Karen Sheridan, Donna McGahern, Aine Reilly (capt), Shauna Wilson, Kate Smith, Nicole Wilson, Sarah Lee, Edel McGahern, Brid Dolan (Manager), Aoife McGahern, Mona Sheridan, Andrea Comiskey, Emer Byrne, Niamh Brennan, Delia Baxter, Niamh Campbell, Sarah Comiskey, Nicola Wilson (Manager)

Ballymahugh Ladies Football Club

Hugh McEnerney, Joe Lynch and Maureen McEnerney formed Ballymachugh Ladies Football Club in 1977. At that time ladies football was very strong in Cavan. Ballymahugh ladies were a very talented team with players making the county team on numerous occasions at different age levels. Under 16, Colette Kelly (Carrick) was awarded underage player of the year and received a trophy when she played with the county against the famour Kerry ladies. Other players to make the county grade were Mary Cooke, Sheila Smith and Mary Plunkett. Our biggest win was the Killygarry Cup in which the team played the Killygarry girls out of it. We trained weekly in Fitzsimons football field in Finea and had many exciting games, especially against Mullahoran, Ballyhaise, Kilmore, Templeport and Maughera.

The County Board Chairman at the time was Tom Dowd. Unfortunately the County Board and team drifted from lack of funds and recognition of the sport at that time with the result that local clubs eventually went. (Ballymahugh ladies took a break). Our team had a lot of enjoyment at that time.

Players: Pauline Briody, Ann Smith, Sheila Smith, Siobhan McGarry, Colette Kelly, Eileen Kelly, Margaret Fitzsimons, Margaret Reilly, Mary Reilly, Bridie Fagan, Siobhan and Maura McHale, Maureen Lynch, Margo Gaffney, Dolores Plunkett, Mary Plunkett, Frances and Imelda Reilly, Mary Cooke and Ann Reilly.

The present Ballymahugh girls team was born out of the Ballynarry girls Cumann Na Bunscoil teams win which headmaster Peadar Quealy has taken the girls to winning 3 titles in a row, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

On July 1st, the new Ballymachugh team was set up under the guidance of :

Chairperson: Ann Kelly

Vie Chairperson: Mardi Baxter

Secretary: Philomena Lynch

Treasurer: Patricia Galligan

Team Trainer: Tommy Smith

Their first victory Under 12 was over Gowna and Mullahoran in a tournament run by Gowna in 2001. The same year Mullahoran beat them in the Under 12 semi final.

In 2002, the Under 12 girls had a very successful year under the management of Ann Kelly winning all their games and drawing the final only to be beaten in the replay by Gowna. Also under the management of Tommy Smith, the Under 14 girls have reached the Under 14 championship final.

The Under 14 final was played on Sunday 24 November against Lurgan. Unfortunately Ballymachugh were defeated.

Under 14 final – 24 November 2002

Ann Kelly (Manager), Geannie Ellis, Regina Rooney, Deobhra Kelly, Deirdre Kelly, Siobhan Smith, Ciara Galligan, Sheana Kiernan, Helena Baxter, Corlene Galligan, Tommy Smith (Trainer), Rachel Reilly, Denise Kiernan, Lisa Smithy, Aoife Kiernan, Charlene Harten (capt), Aoife Galligan, Nicole Smith, Laura Galligan, Rachel Kiernan.

Under 12 Gowna Tournament 2001 – Ballymachugh defeated Mullahoran in the final.

Ciara Lynch, Ann Kelly (Trainer), Deirdre Kelly, Aoife Kiernan, Siobhan Smith, Tommy Smith (Trainer), Sheana Kiernan, Helena Baxter, Laura Galligan, Rosemarie Tierney, Rachel Kiernan, Aoife Galligan, Regina Rooney, Lisa Smith, Geannine Ellis, Denise Kiernan.

Ballynarry first win in Gowna Tournament

Rosemarie Tierney, Rachael Kiernan, Aoife Galligan, Regina Rooney, Lisa Smith, Genlenne Ellis, Denise Kiernan, Clara Lynch, ann Kelly (Trainer), Deirdre Kelly, Aoife Kiernan, Siobhan Smith, Tommie Smith (Coach), Sheana Kiernan, Helena Baxter, Laura Galligan.

Ballynarry NS Team

Rachael Reilly, Laura Galligan, Helena Bgaxter, Kate Kelly, Aoife Galligan, Ciara Lynch, Melissa Goldrick, Rebecca Harten, Ciara Quealy, Sinead Farmer, Regina Rooney, Kathleen Coyle, Grainne Reilly, Marcella Baxter, Rachael Kiernan, Master Peadar Quealy (Teacher and Trainer), Ciara Goldrick, Deirdre Kelly, Nicole Smith, Rosemarie Tierney, Brid Clarke.

Ballynarry Girls

Rosemarie Tierney, Kathleen Coyle, Regina Rooney, Denise Kiernan, Michelle Kiernan, Ciara Galligan, Aoife Kiernan, Helena Baxter, Rachael Kiernan, Kate Smith, Brenda Galligan, Master Peadar Quealy, Mary Kiernan, Lisa Smith, Regina Reilly, Josephine Baxter, Sheana Kiernan, Aoife Kiernan, Corlene Galligan, Aideen Quealy, Charlene Harten, Laura Lynch, Niamh Reilly, Deirdere Kelly, Nadine Smith.

Lurgan Ladies GFC

Based in and around the Virginia area of Co Cavan, Lurgan Ladies GFC was established in 1995 and takes its name from the parish of that area. Many people have been involved in the setting up and then, the running of the club over the year but the first Chairman was Patsy McDonnell, Secretary Ita Cole and Treasurer, Pauline Cole. In 2000 Larry Carpenter took over the chair for two years and the club’s current chairman is Owen Hanratty, Secretary Brigid O’Dwyer and Treasurer, Maureen Curran.

Lurgan Ladies has grown in size and strength over the 8 years of its existence. In the club’s inaugural year, teams were entered at Under 14 and Junior level. It turned out to be an excellent start, with the Under 14s winning the League under the watchful eye of Fr Tom McKiernan, who was Curate in the parish at that time. The Junior team took both League and Championship honours in the county that year and the next, under the guidance of Brian McDonnell.

From there, Lurgan grew into the club it is today, fielding teams at Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Minor, Junior, 9 a side and Intermediate. This cause was helped enormously by the addition of John Mulvaney who together with Fr Tom coached the underage players. Their dedication and hard work brought several trophies to the club, as in turn, did Matthew Gaffney, Ollie O’Dwyer and Jimmy Brady. With the continued hard work of Brian McDonnell and later on, Gerry Hopkins, the Under 16, Minor and Junior teams also had their share of successes.

Lurgan ladies achievements include 2 Junior Championships (1995/96), 2 Junior Leagues (1995/96), 1 Junior League 9 a side (2002), 4 Minor Championships (1998/99/00/02), 3 Under 16 Championships (1997/98/00), 1 Under 14 Championship (2002) and 5 Under 14 Leagues (1995/98/99/01/02). In 2003, and for the first time in the Club’s history, Lurgan took the Intermediate Championship title, beating off the challenge of a strong Drumgoon side in the final. The team was led by Philomena McDermott and managed by John Mulvaney, with his selectors Ollie O’Dwyer and Jimmy Brady. This elevated the club to senior status in 2004.

Lurgan Ladies GFC have the unique honour of having represented Cavan at the Feile Peil na nOg finals for the past five years from 1998 – 2002. Cavan were well represented in this competition by Lurgan, as they reached the final on no less than 4 occasions. However, one of the proudest moments in the club’s history came in the millennium year in Croke Park, when the girls beat Rochfortsbridge of Westmeath in the Division 3 All Ireland final, to take the cup back to Cavan. And the following year, the Under 14 team were unlucky to be beaten in the Ulster Blitz, which was held in Draperstown, Co Derry.

While we have spoken highly of our club officers, committee and team managers, it would be sinful if we failed to mention the players who, over the year, at all grades, gave so much to Lurgan Ladies Club and its supporters. It goes without saying that if it weren’t for their commitment too, our Club would not be the success that it is. Lurgan Ladies are proud also, to have had many representatives on Cavan Ladies teams at all grades over the year and there was to exception to this in 2003, a year in which Cavan Ladies football made its mark both in Ulster and all of Ireland.

Brigid O’Dwyer

Secretary

Cavan Ladies Intermediate Champions 2003 – Lurgan

Aine Farrelly, Claire Carpenter, Laura Hanratty, Michelle Cole, Anne McEnroe, Nicola O’Dwyer, Louise Murphy, Linda Cole, Sinead Curran, Fiona Murphy, Anne Hanratty, Aibhne Hetherton, Philomena McDermott (capt), Julie Cahill, Ciara Brady, Helena Dowd, Rachel Duffy, Laura Conaty, Michelle Keating, Edel Gaffney, Vanessa Brady, Claragh O’Reilly.

All Ireland Feile Champions 2000 – Lurgan Ladies GFC

Oliver O’Dwyer (Selector), Sinead Curran, Nicola O’Dwyer, Pauline Monaghan, Mairead Clarke, Niamh Smith, Tara O’Dwyer, Sabrina McDermott, Fiona Murphy, Aine Farrelly, Samantha Andrews, Caroline McGovern, Bronagh Keating, Julie Cahill, Noeleen Kellett, John Mulvaney (Team Manager), Ita Cole (Club Secretary), Cerys Clowes, Helena Down, Christine Rock, Danielle McNally (capt), Vanessa Brady, Alva McNamee, Edel Gaffney, Valerie McGovern, Claragh O’Reilly

Butlersbridge Ladies Football Club

Butlersbridge Ladies Football Club was formed in May 1997. Its Chairperson was Mary Mulvey, Secretary was Veronica Shannon and Treasurer was Anne Sweeney. The trainers were Liam Murphy and Aidan Crossan. Our sponsor was McPhillips Butlersbridge.

In 1997, we had a membership0 of 23 and took part in Minor and Junior Championship football. In July of 1999, Tom Canning took over the team and in 2000 Finian Farrell came on board. 2000 proved to be a good year for the team winning the Junior Championship and the Junior League. Success continued in 2001 with the club retaining the Junior Championship title.

Club membership has grown to 34 members, taking in all levels, including Under 16, Minor and Senior. In 2001 Sally West sponsored the team. The club hopes to build on strong performances and experience gained in Division 2 this year. Our present chairman is Fintan Tierney, Secretary is Anita Young and Treasurer is Dolores Canning.

Ballyhaise Ladies Gaelic Football Club

The club was reformed in 1999 after approaches from some girls to parents. A meeting was called to access the interest. A large crowd of players and parents attended. The following committee was elected:

Chairman: Christy Dooley

Secretary: Pauline Reilly

Treasurer: Felim Costello

Team Management: Christy Dooley and Dessie Reilly

Training was called and a large number of players attended. The majority of players were Under 14. It was decided to enter only one team (Under 14). After a very enjoyable season, the team were beaten by a long established team from Lurgan in the county final. This was the drive the young players needed and the team went forward with the belief that if they worked hard that success would not be far away.

The year 2000 was a progressive year and the club enter5ed Under 14, Under 16 and Junior teams in competition. The Under 16 team again reached the county final only to be defeated by Lurgan.

At the start of 2001, the players were determined to succeed and a large number of players attended training. The club believed they were in a position to challenge for their first title. Ballyhiase qualified for the Under 14B and Junior Division 3 finals. The finals were played on the same day in Butlersbridge. The Junior team played a fancied Lacken team who were favourites for the title. The girls were determined not to lose another final and played some great football to record a fine victory on the score line of Ballyhaise, 1-9 to Lacken 1-8. The next game on the programme was the Under 14B final against St Finbarrs. The Under 14 team were not going to be beaten and after a great game of football succeeded on a score line of Ballyhaise 0-10 to St Finbarrs 0-7. Elaine Reilly played in both games as goalkeeper for the Junior team and midfield for the Under 14 team. It was a great day for the club after losing the previous two finals.

The year 2002 was the toughest year to date for the club. The Junior team were in Division 2 and found it to be of very high standard.

In 2003, the club set its sights on the Junior Championship. The team trained very hard but again found the League to be very difficult. In the championship, the team found their form and with victories over teams like Cuchullians and Templeport, they reached the final against Lavey. After a great game of football the team emerged victorious on a score line of Ballyhaise 2-13 to Lavey 2-8.

The team went forward to represent Cavan in the Ulster Junior Championship. In the first match Ballyhaise easily defeated the Tyrone champions, Galbally. The next outing was against Moneyglass of Antrim in the semi final. With seven minutes remaining Ballyhaise were 7 points in arrears but the girls battled back to lead by a point with time up.

However, with a loss of concentration the team conceded a point to put the game into extra time. The team battled hard but unfortunately lost to the experienced Moneyglass who went on to win the Ulster Championship.

This was a great year for the club and well done to the team and the team management of Dessie Reilly and Adrian Delaney.

Club Officers:

1999 – 2002

Chairman: Christy Dooley

Secretary: Pauline Reilly

Treasurer: Felim Costello

2003

Chairman: Paudge Masterson

Secretary: Pauline Reilly

Treasurer: Felim Costello

PRO: Geraldine West

Ballyhaise Ladies Football

Ballyhaise Ladies football team was founded in 1976, with some 25 members, under the guidance of Paddy and Ted Duggan.

Their first major achievement was in 1977 when the senior team won the County Division 2 Championship and the Under 16 team were runners up in the county final. The Ballyhaise team also had four representatives on the county Under 16 team that won the All Ireland title the same year.

The team lasted until 1982, winning numerous tournaments in the intervening years, with the senior team runners up for two consecutive years in the county finals.

In 1977 the ladies brought equality a long way for Ballyhaise. Not only did the females bring a ladies football title to the village, along with four All Ireland medals, but the team was captained by a Kerry lady, Mary Buckley, who was the first ever female student in the Agricultural College.

Perhaps the not too distant future will see a return of the ladies to the new Gaelic Football Grounds of Ballyhaise to experience the same pride, loyalty, determination and friendship as the ladies team of the past did.

Ballyhaise Football Team 1977

Eithne Callaghan, Therese Callaghan, Bernadette Callaghan, Monica Brady, Mary Buckley, Mary Fox, Carmel Fox, Catherine Browne, Michelle McGrath, Paddy Duffan (Trainer), Mary Quinn, Therese McEntee, Eilish Conaty, Mary Duggan, Julia Costello, Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Ann Duggan, Breda Dolan, Patricia Walshe, Olive Browne, Susan Fox, Ted Duggan (Trainer).

Ballyhaise 2003 – Cavan Junior Champions

Eleanor Fitzpatrick, Tanya Reilly, Catherine Rooney, Alice Fitzpatrick, Blathaid Dunne, Louise Reilly, Desmond Reilly, Melissa West, Aideen Smith, Jill Masterson, Colette McCaul, Yvonne Donohoe, Elaine (Blondie) Reilly, Sinead Lyons, Elaine (Blackie) Reilly, Leona Sexton Delaney, Dessie Reilly, Mairead McCabe, Emma Nevin, Roisin Greenan, Aisling Reilly, Sara Pickett, Laura Masterson, Aoife Costello, Judy Leddy, Katie Hayes, Adrian Delaney.

Belturbet Rory O’Moores

Belturbet was one of the first clubs to register in Cavan when ladies football commenced in 1994. We started just a very young group of girls who were involved in Community Games. The Club was formed by Eileen Brown, currently the Cavan County Secretary. Eileen’s commitment and hard work kept the club going, through the rough and the smooth, and she didn’t give up easily.

We went on to win three county titles, Under 14, Under 16 and Division 3 Junior League. The excellent underage coaching by local man, Michael Henry (now GAA Coaching Officer for Monaghan) and the very efficient management of Eileen Brown brought these young players to achieve great success in the following years winning three county titles, Under 14, Under 16 and Division 3 Junior League. The good work of Michael Henry, who incidentally still assists our Club despite his busy schedule, was followed on by another wonderful coach, Teague McGinley, who was with us when we won the Under 16 and Division 3 in the same year.

Currently at Junior level, we have joined with our near neighbours Drumlane and this has been a tremendous success. Last year being their first year and winning three county titles, Division 2 League, Shield and Minor. Great credit to their manager Gerry Leinster for his dedication and commitment.

Belturbet Under 14 Champions 1997

Mary Fitzpatrick, Maria Smith, Eilisha O’Callaghan, Leeanne Fitzpatrick, Lyndsey Fitzpatrick, Maria Buckley, Pamela Murphy, Cathriona O’Reilly, Laura Brown, Caroline Donnelly, Denise Rudden, Caron Fay, Pamela Fitzpatrick, Catherine Bogue, Yvonne Donohoe, Claire Rowan, Amanda Magee, Avieen O’Callaghan.

Erne Gaels Co Cavan (Belturbet/Drumlane)

Division 2 winners 2001

Minor Champions 2001

Gerry Leinster (Manager), Blanthaid Sheridan, Beatric Sheridan, Claire O’Reilly, Laura Corrigan, Caron Fay, Charlene Tully, Fiona McConnell, Martina Fitzpatrick, Laura Brown, Niamh O’Reilly, Mary Fitzpatrick, Denise Rudden, Bronagh Sheridan, Ciara Maguire, Maria Smith, Leeanne Fitzpatrick, Ashling Fitzpatrick, Pamela Fitzpatrick, Rachel Leinster.

Droim Dhuin Football Club

The Drumgoon Club situated in East Cavan has had a long history of both men’s football and camogie but it wasn’t until 1994/95 that a ladies team was set up. Founded by a small group of young enthusiastic girls who had only experience of Gaelic from their primary school years. The local National School, Dernakesh had entered in Cumann Na mBunscoil competitions and from this root and interest in forming a ladies club was developed.

In that first year the girls trained themselves, organised their own matches and teams. Their first league game was against Lurgan. The following year Tom Farrell trained the girls, training sessions took place in Parkers Meadows and Cootehill as the home grounds of Boyle’s Park was under construction. The following year Peter Hand and Benny McIntyre took the girls to their first final against Shannon Gaels, the Drumgoon girls were 11 points down at half time. They made a huge comeback and super-sub Ann Smith came on in the last few minutes of the game to score a goal bringing the result to a draw. However, in the replay we were unsuccessful.

In 2001 under the management of Seamus Morris, Phillip McDermott and Charlie Coyle ‘Water Boy’ the girls won the double, taking the league and the Shield titles. The most memorable game that year was the Shield final against Knockbride in Killygarry where the Drumgoon girls showed great spirit and determination. For the first time a Drumgoon ladies captain, Blathnaid Farrell lifted the cup.

In 2002 the ladies team was under the management of Sean Clerkin with a lot of injuries and lack of luck the girls failed to get to the final stages of the competitions. The ladies team re-focused themselves in 2003 under the guidance of Paul McCabe, Niall Crossan, Jim McNally and Sean Clerkin. The commitment of both players and management paid off with the girls earning a well deserved place in both the Intermediate Championship and Division 2 League finals. The path taken to get there was difficult, meeting the talented Erne Gaels in the first round only to draw with them. The replay was on home ground, after full time nothing separated the teams, extra time was played. In the end pure heart won it for the girls with the youthful Fiona Murray scoring the winning point to earn the girls a place in the semi’s against Butlersbridge. In the semi, the teams were even until half time when the ‘Bridge caught the defence off guard and edged ahead.

Drumgoon just managed to pull it back when Ciara Farrell and Margaret McBride combine to score a goal, which opened the scoring flood gates for Drumgoon.

In the final however, the experience and physical strength of Lurgan proved too much for the girls in Breffni. Drumgoon finished off the year on a high note when they defeated Butlersbirdge in the Division 2 Shield.

The Ladies Club all Ireland 7 a side this year (2003) was entered into for the first time by the girls, they reached the quarter final stages. They beat Sligo Intermediate champions, St Marys and Donegal champions, Moville in the group stages.

Since 1997 a Player of the Year has been chosen for their commitment and contribution to the game throughout the year. To date the winners include Margaret McBride, Caroline Clarke, Ashling McDermott, Theresa Clerkin, Ciara Farrell and Tracy Cochrane. Junior Players are Kathyrn McBride, Michelle Murray and Sarah McCabe.

The national School Dernakesh won Cumann Na mBunscoil competitions in 1998 and 2002. In 1998 Ann Smith and Ciara Farrell were chosen to represent Cavan in the mini sevens in Croke Park that year. In 2002 Siobhan McGarry captained her side to beat Farnham NS, Cavan, convincingly. Siobhan is presented the senior goalkeeper for Drumgoon. They also won the Killian O’Connell Tournament. That same year the Under 12 team trained by Ashling McDermott won the Tommy Clegg Memorial Tournament in Cootehill.

Dromgoon Ladies in Intermediate Championship Final 2003 in Breffni Park, Cavan

Paul McCabe, Caroline Shalvey, Jim McNally, Lisa Murray, Ashling McDermott, Elizabeth McCabe, Siobhan McGarry, Nicola Clegg, Ann Smith, Ciara Farrell, Kathyrn McBride, Emma-Kate O’Reilly, Niall Crossan, Paula Lynch, Sabrina Challenger, Theresa Clerkin, Muireann McDermott, Margaret McBride, Claire McCaffrey, Fiona Murray, Maria Clarke, Michelle Murray, Niamh Farrell, Irene McCabe, Caroline Galligan, Sarah McCabe, Doireann Farrell, Breda McCluskey, Carol Boylan, Philomena Mccluskey.

Dromgoon Under 12 team 2002 after winning Tommy Clegg Tournament in Cootehill

Lorraine Kelly, Lisa Murphy, Fiona Smith, Kelly Conney, Catherine Fortune, Carmel McBride, Sinead McDonald, Paula Hughes, Michelle Harkin, Orla Dowd, Susan McDermott, Cliona Farrell, Lisa Kelly, Conana O’Brien, Nisha, Laura O’Hare, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Grainne Smith

Killygarry Ladies Football Club

Killygarry Ladies first football club was formed in 1998. At that time we had 44 players registered and one team was entered in the League competition.

Our membership has rapidly increased since then and today we have over 100 members registered and we have ladies teams entered in the Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Minor and Junior competitions.

2002 was our most successful year to date when we won the Under 14B Ladies Championship and also contested both the Junior League and Championship finals only to lose by very narrow margins.

Killygarry GFC have a well maintained football pitch surrounded by an athletic track. The Club also has a new gymnasium hall, new changing rooms and toilets and new club meeting rooms. They have also acquired a new training pitch.

Killygarry Ladies Football Club hold their Annual General Meeting each January. This is an excellent opportunity for players, parents and interested people to meet for discussion and to get to know any new residents in the area. Our Ladies Club now plays a very important part in our local community.

Officers elected at the last AGM were:

Chairperson: Teresa Smith

Secretary: Susan Grogan

Treasurer: Kevin Smith

PRO: Angela McCormack

County Board Reps: Tony Conaty

Francis Grogan

Angela McCormack

Team Coaches: Declan Gilsenan

Stephan Maloney

Harry Lynch

The Presentation of medals to Killygarry Under 14B 2002 Championship winners by Tom Down, President of Cavan Ladies Football in 2002

Aisling McCormack, Mary Grogan, Edel Brady, Sinead Collins, Deirdre Galligan, Blaithin Conaty, Sinead Smith, Kim Sexton, Eilish Farrelly, Clare Coyle, Ruth Joyce, Dearbla Cullen, Christine Donohoe, Lisa Bates, Maeve Owens, Christi Brady, Laura Brady.

Knockbride Ladies Football Club

Knockbride ladies were formed in 1995. We started of in junior competitions and have worked very hard over the years to build ourselves up to intermediate level. Having reached six finals (League and Championship) only to be the bridesmaid every time, last year (2002) had by far been our most successful to date, when we were at last the bride and claimed our first every cup, winning the Intermediate Championship, beating our near neighbours Lurgan.

We then went on to represent Cavan in the Ulster Club Championship and defeated the Monaghan champions, Scotstown, in the quarter final. Next was the Armagh champions, Crossmaglen which was a close encounter, but Knockbride came away worthy winners.

The Ulster final against the Fermanagh champions, Newtownbutler, was a hard fought game and with 10 minutes to go, things didn’t look good for us, but Lady Luck was with us and Knockbride were Ulster Intermediate champions for 2002. We went on to meet the Connaught champions, Clann Na nGael in the All Ireland semi final, but were narrowly beaten.

Knockbride finished off 2002 on a winning note by winning the Division 2 league. The year 2003 was going to be a big test for our club. We were promoted to senior championship and Division 1 League. As there was no other senior club within the county a senior championship was organised by the County Board, consisting of amalgamated teams. This proved to be a tough test, but great competition. We continued our winning streak of 2002 by winning the county championship and went on to meet the Down champions, Castlewellan, and then qualified to meet Carrickmore of Tyrone in the final, who were the reigning champions. It was a very tough encounter but this team who never say die, dug deep and came away with their biggest win of all. We now go on to meet the Leinster champions in the All Ireland semi final of 2003.

Thee is a lovely blend of youth and experience on the panel at the moment, it shows that it takes time to build a team. The Underage has been worked on, and on the fir5st year entering the Under 16 competition, we got to the county semi final.

Our Club is represented at every level on the county panel and it was a great honour to have one of our most influential players and leaders, Carmel McCabe (Rogie), captain of the Cavan team who reached the Junior Championship Ulster final and league semi final last year. Great credit must go to Ciaran McCabe who has been manager of the club since it was formed and for those year he has seldom missed a training session or a game. Also the input of John Carolan, Raphael Rogers, Adrian Rogers and Ronan Keaskin (physio). Credit also at underage level to:

Cepta Traynor, Brenda Keaskin, Carmel O’Reilly, Margaret McCabe, Emma Traynor, Colette McCaul, Rosita McCabe and Arlene Clarke.

There are also a lot of hard-working people (behind the scenes) who have to be thanked for the day to day running of the club.

A club needs money to run on now-a-days and Knockbride has always got a great response from the parish in al its fundraising efforts. We would like to thank all the business people who sponsored us over the years, especially McCabe’s Canningstown. Last but not least we would like to thank our supporters who are the best ion Cavan and hope we can do our parish and club proud at club and county level over the coming years.

Officers for 2003:

Chairperson: Margaret Donohoe

Secretary: Nuala Rogers

Assistant Secretary: Carmel McCabe

PRO: Ciara Tierney

Treasurer: Mairead Smith

Assistant Treasurer: Anne Hand

Panel for 2003:

Deirdre Dolan, Aibhne Clarke, Mairead Smith, Aishling Clarke, Emma Traynor (captain), Lisa McCabe, Louise McCabe, Edel Farrelly, Eimear Dolan, Pamela Deaskin, Joanne McNally, Christine Regan, Anne Hand, Laura Carolan, Carmel McCabe, Briege Smith, Claire Murtagh, Aisling O’Reilly, Nuala Rogers, Brianain Clarke, Aisling Traynor, Nicolle Clarke, Elaine Costin, Lorraine O’Reilly, Arlene Clarke, Geraldine O’Reilly, Emma Clarke, Joanne Regan, Margaret Donohue.

Lacken Ladies GFC

The Lacken Ladies Football Club was formed in 1998. Since then, the girls have shown a great interest in the game and the club has gone from strength to strength.

We now have four different teams, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, and a Junior team.

To date we have reached numerous finals – In 2001, the Under 12s won their final.

This year has been our best, 2002 will be a year to remember. We won the Under 16 Championship with Joanne Moore as captain and trained by Rosie Mulligan and Linda Kenny. The girls won the Junior Championship and went on to represent Cavan in Ulster. They were led by Lily O’Reilly as captain and the management team was Sean Finnegan, Ollie Gilroy, Gerard Charters and Maureen Lynch. We lost the final to Tyholland from Monaghan. We have gained a lot of experience and skills from our coaches and the games played to date. We beat Killygarry to take the league title.

The Chairperson of the club was Patricia King, Secretary, Linda Kenny, Treasurer, Julie Anne McKiernan.

2003 will be starting with Patricia King as Chairperson, Lily O’Reilly as Secretary and Maureen Lynch as Treasurer.

2003 got off to a good start with the Intermediate ladies winning all their matches in the league.

We are now in the semi final. We lost the intermediate semi final to Lurgan who went on to win the intermediate final.

We reached the first ever senior final in the county with the amalgamated teams of Lacken and Arva, hence La Gaels was formed. Knockbride took the title that day.

The Under 16 team have reached the final and hope to retain their title as Under 16 county champions. This is the first time we have entered a minor team in the competition and they are in the semi final.

Our Under 14 group won both League and championship titles beating Crosserlough and Templeport respectively. These girls went on to represent Cavan in the Ulster Blitz and lost the final by one point.

The Under 12 girls did well in their competition but were unsuccessful this year.

We are a small country club and since our formation six years ago, we have won many competitions at all levels and have produced some fine footballers who have earned their place on the various county teams.

Ollie Gilroy, Maureen Lynch, Catriona Leddy, Erinn Galligan, Andrew Lynch, Sinead O’Keeffe, Teresa McGauran, Lily Reilly (capt), Michelle Fitzpatrick, Linda Kenny, Sinead Brady, Rosie Mulligan, Nicola King, Sean Finnegan, Gerard Charters, Rosemary Crowe, Carmel Smith, Roisin Keogh, Catriona King, Miranda Crowe, Julie Ann McKiernan, Noeleen Fitzpatrick, Joanne Moore, Roisin O’Keeffe, Lisa Crowe.

Lacken Ladies Under 14 Championship and League Winners for 2003

Lily O’Reilly (Coach), Ann Marie Moynagh, Kelly Donohoe, Shona King, Emma Keaney, Josephine Maguire, Lauren Costello, Edel Kearney, Niamh McInerney, David Donohoe (coach), Shauna Donohoe, Roisin O’Keeffe, Teresa Cronin, Ursula Cadden, Regina Reilly, Nicole Hyland, Ciara Smith, Sarah Reilly, Rose Brady (capt), Maureen Lynch (coach), Patricia King (Chairperson)

Lavey Ladies Football Club

The first meeting of Lavey Ladies Football Club was held in our local pub, The Lavey Inn on the 27 February 1996. The meeting was called as a result of pressure from schoolgirls at the local national school, Killyconnon, who had been participating in Cumann na nBunscoil competition.

The school was winners of both county Cumann na mBunscoil final in 1994 and 1995 mini-sevens in 1995. The team progressed to the Ulster leg of the latter competition and consequently two of the mini-sevens teams were chosen to represent Cavan and Ulster in Croke Park. There were 32 people at the first meeting and a committee was formed:

Club President: Fr Martin Gilcrest

Chairperson: Mary Smith

Vice-Chairperson: Annette Rice

Secretary: Siobhan Jordan

Assistant Secretary: Orlath Smith

Treasurer: Gertie Conaty

Assistant Treasurer: Aisling Brady

PRO: Sandra Kane

The result of this success was a desire to get the club up and running and from that year on the club has been strong and enthusiastic.

As the year went on, the club progressed even further and won many medals and took part in competitions in Under 14, Under 16, Minor and Junior football. Also many of the players were on the county panel from the first year the club was formed, right up to 2003. Naturally this is a great boost for the club.

It is very important that ladies football continues to grow from strength to strength, not only in the parish but also throughout the county. The dedication of the girls who go out training from week to week, and their loyalty to their club is what makes a team.

Under 14 Team 2002/2003

Rachel Jordan, Stephanie Smith, Ciara Murphy, Catriona Smith, Niamh Rice, Aine Finnegan, Renee Murphy, Laura Walsh, Vanessa Smith, Denise Smith, Gillian Tracey, Emma Smith, Claire Tierney, Christina Lynch, Emma Conaty, Jacinta Smith, Finulla Conaty

Junior Team 2002/2003

Caroline Smith, Deirdre Kearns, Celina Smith, Jennifer Kane, Annette Reilly, Lisa Conaty, Sinead Cusack, Louise Maguire, Siobhan Jordan, Orla Smith, Ann-Marie Jordan, Lorraine Smith, Catriona Smith, Laura Walsh, Helen Jordan, Martina Cullivan, Clodhna Rice, Seamus Smith (trainer)

Loch Gowna Ladies GFC

Loch Gowna ladies GFC is a relatively new club having been formed in January 2000 with the help of sponsorship from Donal and Mairead White, local publicians. During the past 3 years teams have been entered at all levels. This year we had our first success winning the Under 12 league with trainers Eamonn Lynch and Paula Fitzpatrick. Prior to starting our ladies GFC, Loch Gowna NS won their school division in 1998 and 1999.

We have a number of girls representing our club on the Cavan underage teams. Our club hopes to follow in the footsteps of the men’s club who have won 7 senior championships since 1988 and have been a great support to the ladies club.

Founding Officers:

Chairperson: Monnina Mullan

Assistant Chairperson: Madge Fitzpatrick

Secretary: Bernie Mulfaul

Assistant Secretary: Sheila O’Reilly

Treasurers: Kathleen Denning and Philomena Pearson

PRO: Bridie Smith

Present Officers:

Chairperson: Madge Fitzpatrick

Assistant Chairperson: Monnina McKeever

Secretary: Bridie Smith

Treasurers: Philomena Pearson and Kathleen Denning

PRO: Aisling Brady

Trainers:

Gavin Harton, Laurence Brady, Sharon Brady, Denise Duignan, Eamonn Lynch, Paula Fitzpatrick, Terry Harton, Colette O’Reilly

Panel:

Claire Keegan, Aine Keogh, Julie Berry, Niamh Fitzpatrick, Janice Sheridan, Annemarie Lynch, Yvonne Madden, Shauna Fitzpatrick, Nimah Halton, Aoife O’Reilly, Mary McLaughlin, Elaine Smith, Aine O’Reilly Sheree Gaffney, Grainne Conaty, Olivia Dewart, Roisin Fitzpatrick, Ruth Mulligan, Elaine Gaffney, Eamonn Lynch, Madge Fitzpatrick, Paula Fitzpatrick.

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