Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football

1985

First Meeting of Dublin County Board

Park Lodge Hotel, North Circular Road 6th May 1985

National President at the time Pat Quill presided.

Also present were:

Aine Kehoe (Rathcoole) Pamela Gibney (Rathcoole)

Eimear Clare (Rathcoole) Eamon Gillegan (Rathcoale)

Siobhan Faran (Robert Emmets) Siobhan Hyland (Robert Emmets)

Marie O’Grady (Robert Emmets) Brendan Dardis (Robert Emmets)

Patricia Hickey (Rathcoole) Theresa Kelly (Rathcoole)

Paddy Murphy (Park Rangers) Aisling Keegan (Robert Emmets)

Martin McDonagh (Park Rangers) Brian Sheridan (Park Rangers).

The President (Pat Quill) gave an outlined history of Ladies Football since it began in 1974, and hope one day it would have 32 counties participating. He promised every assistance to help the development in Dublin.

The Committee was then elected:

Chairperson: Aine Kehoe

Secretary: Patricia Hickey

Assistant Secretary: Barney Brothwood

Treasurer: Pamela Gibney

Assistant Treasurer: Theresa Kelly

Registrar: Aisling Keegan

Selectors: Eamonn Gilligan and Brendan Dardis

PRO: Elaine Carroll, Ger McGinley

Three clubs that have already expressed an interest are Portabello, St. Annes,

Thomas Davis. St Finians and Lucan Larsfields will be invited to stand at the next meeting.

At the next meeting it was decided to approach Tom Finn to be Trainer/Manager of the County team. It was also stated that the same of IR£60 was required for affiliation to Leinster and Central Councils. It was agreed that Robert Emmets, Park Rangers and Rathcoole would each pay IR£20 and UCD could pay theirs as at later date.

The first challenge match arranged by the new Board was between Robert Emmets and Park Rangers in the Phoenix Park on Wednesday 22nd May 1985.

At the third meeting on the 17th June, the position of Vice-Chairman was filled by Justin Hennessy.

The first county C/S match was between Dublin and Wexford (no result available). It was decided to run a County League on a home and away basis, top two teams to play off in final.

On the 11th July at the fourth meeting it was decided to run a Dublin C/S. Each team to play only once and top two to play off.

The next meeting was 3rd September 1985.

County final arranged for 5th October. Mary Harney TD and later Tanaiste to sponsor the cup. Brendan Dardis to sponsor the medals and trophies. Presentation to be held in Shearson Pub, IR£1 entry fee. Entry to match IR£1.

Gate receipts: IR£58

Shearsons IR£72

A bank account opened for the first time.

1985 C/S winners: Rathcoole

Runners up: UCD

A league was arranged for five teams:

Park Rangers Rathcoole Robert Emmets

UCD Portabello

1986

January 15th, Maynooth College, St Pat’s College and Careysfort Manor and N.I.H.E.

(National Institute for Higher Education) attended and expressed interest in Dublin Ladies Football.

Tom Finn resigned as County Manager as he was emigrating to the USA,

Eamonn Gilligan appointed.

A 9 a side tournament, 10 teams entered.

1986 C/S winners: UCD

Runners Up: Marino

In November 1986 a new committee was selected by Management:

Chairperson: Brendan Dardis

Secretary: Helen O’Rourke

Treasurer: Brednan Dardis

Registrar: Aisling Keegan

PRO: Elaine Carroll

AGM 1986

Chairperson: Aine Keogh (Rathcoole)

Vice-Chair: Justin Hennessy (Rathcoole)

Secretary: Patricia Hickey (Rathcoole)

Assistant Secretary: Barney Brothwood (Robert Emmets)

Treasurers: Pamela Gibney (Rathcoole)

Teresa Kelly (Rathcoole)

Registrar: Aisling Keegan (Robert Emmets)

PRO: Elaine Carroll & Ger McGinley (Park Rangers)

Delegate to Leinster

& Central Council: Patricia Hickey

County Manager: Tom Finn (Rathcoole)

Selectors: Eamonn Gilligan (Rathcoole)

Brednan Dardis (Robert Emmets)

Portabello attend the next meeting on the 17th June 1985 and were the last club to start playing until Marino started in 1986.

TD and later Tanaiste sponsored the first Championship trophy.

UCD won the championship in 1986 and in November 1986 a new County Board was elected.

Chairperson: Brendan Dardis

Secretary: Helen O’Rourke

Assistant Secretary: Ann Kilameade

PRO: Elaine Carroll

Registrar: Aisling Keegan

Delegate to Leinster

& Central Council: Brendan Dardis

Elaine Carroll

Helen O’Rourke

County Manager: Brendan Dardis

Selectors: Eamonn Gilligan

In 1987 St Colmcilles from Swords, AIB and Cluain Mhuire from Naul started playing. Championship was won by Marino. League was won by Park Rangers, Shield was won by AIB.

1987

Meeting on 21st January 1987 in the Park Lodge Hotel.

League has now nine teams (including Colleges)

7 a side tournament run in AIB grounds to raise finance.

3rd June 1987. Big concern over lack of interest in county team also financing county team a big problem.

1987 C/S winners: Marino

Runners Up: Robert Emmets.

AGM 25th November 1987

Elected: Chairman: Brendan Dardis

Secretary: Helen O’Rourke

Treasurer: Eimear Gilligan.

Player of the year 1987 Rhoda Byrne, young player of the year, Christina McGinty.

The county team had a good year reaching both the national league and Leinster final (losing both). The County team got sponsored.

1988

County Board as follows:

Chairperson: Brendan Dardis

Vice-Chair: Elaine Carroll

Secretary: Helen O’Rourke

Treasurer: Eimear Gilligan

PRO: Moira Reidy

Irish Language Officer: Helen O’Rourke

Marino retained county championship in 1988. County team again reached national league at Leinster final winning Leinster the first ever title at county level. Dublin headed to London for All-Ireland semi-final and made history, being first Ladies Football team to play championship football outside Ireland. London beat Dublin in Ruislip.

1988 saw the first underage county team playing minor against Offaly in Eris Is le ground in Finglas.

8 teams now registered.

Cluain Mhuire Park Rangers Marino

St Gregorys St Monicas Robert Emmets

AIB Portabello

(Columcille now know as Gregorys)

4th July – first efforts made to form minor team – clubs asked to send forward eligible players.

Erins Isle replaces AIB, still 8 teams.

C/S winners: Marino (final 18th December)

Runners Up: Robert Emmets

League won by St Monicas after play off with top 4 teams.

1989

AGM 28th February 1989 (Belvedere Place)

Elected were:

Chairperson: Elaine Carroll

Vice-Chair: Wally Galvin

Secretary: Helen O’Rourke

Assistant Secretary: Patricia Monahan

PRO: Maura Reidy

Registrar/Treasurer: Eimear Gilligan

Team Manager: Brendan Dardis

A number of motions ere proposed, including one that the league would start each year on the third week in April and played each Wednesday evening.

Patricia Monahan resigned, position filled by Caroline Maloney at second meeting in March.

Ten teams now with new arrivals, Tallaght Gaels and Star Lights.

Financial position on 25th May 1989 – IR£17.83 o/d. It was decided to hold a race night on the 28th July.

Team Manager complains of no footballs. It was agreed to purchase one new ball.

Ger Reynolds, Louise Lynch and Christina McGinty selected for Leinster inter-provincial team. Dublin junior team reaches Leinster final. Under 16 won against Offaly (first match).

July – Dublin junior county team win national league. Dublin Under 16 won Leinster final. Dublin Under 18 beaten Leinster final by Laoise.

Dublin Junior County team win Leinster C/S.

Dublin Junior County team win All-Ireland C/S (beating Clare in final.

Finance IR£619 O/D.

Bucket collection at Croke Park (All-Ireland Sunday)

August 1989 – Dublin Under 16 win All-Ireland beating Waterford in final. Many of these players played on Junior Team Dublin County.

1989 C/S Winners: St Monicas

Runners Up: Robert Emmets.

St Monicas lose Leinster semi-final. League winners Marino.

Finance: Proceeds of race night IR£662.50. Bucket collection IR£698.87. Still IR£648.28 O/D.

Now 11 teams – New team Celbridge (Co Kildare, no County Board in Kildare).

1990

February 1990 AGM Belevedere Place.

The following elected:

Chairperson: Walter Galvin

Vice-Chair: Rory O’Connor

Secretary: Helen O’Rourke

Assistant Secretary: Patricia Monahan

PRO: Maura Reidy

Treasurer: Caroline Maloney.

League divided into 2 sections:

Division 1 Division 2

Robert Emmets Starlights

Erins Isle St Gregorys

Marino Clann Mhuire

St Monicas Na Fianna (new)

Park Rangers Celbridge

Portabello Tallaght Gaels

Parnells (new)

Meeting 30th July held in Crumlin GAA.

Dublin County Under 18 team reach All-Ireland final. Julie Kavanagh (Players of the match).

New County Manager: Colm O’Reilly

1990 County C/S winners: Marino

Runners up: Robert Emmets

Shield winners: Parnells

League winners: Park Rangers

AGM 1991 January 28th Belevedere Place, Dublin GAA HQ

Elected:

Chairperson: Caroline Maloney

Vice-Chair: Walter Galvin

Secretary: Helen O’Rourke

Helen resigned at next meeting as she took over National PRO. John Balfe elected Secretary.

Team Manager: Toss Walsh.

3rd June 1991 – Presentation of the All-Ireland medals to Junior and Minor teams in

St Marys Leixlip, Co Kildare. Jack O’Shea made the presentation.

1991 County C/S winners: Robert Emmets

Runners Up: Park Rangers

League winners: Robert Emmets

Division 2 winners: Erins Isle

Runners up: St Olafs

Three new clubs – St Marks – Lucan Sarsfields and St Olafs.

Dublin County team lose to London in Leinster final at Finglas on Sunday

25th August 1991.

August and September meetings held in NaFianna GAA Club. October meeting held in Moran’s Hotel.

Julie Kavanagh gets All Star award. Robert Emmets lose to Rochford Bridge (W.M.) in Leinster Club Final.

AGM 25th January 1992

In attendance were Peter Rice (Central Council) and Brendan Dardis (Leinster Council).

Club asked to forward motions.

Elected:

Chairperson: Caroline Maloney

Vice-Chair: Rhoda Byrne

Secretary: Mary Fay

Treasurer: Gemma Carroll

PRO: Julie Kavanagh

Team manager: Toss Walsh

Assistant Manager: Brian Rock

Kildare County Board set up and Celbridge and Leixlip move to Kildare.

Kildare under age still play under Dublin County Board, run by Michael Delaney (Leixlip). No Dublin under age as such.

Dublin Under 16 and Under 18 made up from eligible players playing on adult teams.

County C/S winners: Portabello

Runners Up: Marino

Shield winners: Erins Isle

Division 1 Division 2

Park Rangers St Marys

Robert Emmets Tallaght Gaels

Portabello St Olafs

Marino Starlights

St Monicas Lucan Sarsfield

Erins Isle Na Fianna

Clann Mhuire

Parnells

County team training in Phoenix Park. New Club – Stars of Erin.

Finance – IR£53 O/D.

Park Rangers disbanded, most players transferred to Marino. Starlights disbanded.

Dublin County team disqualified from championship. One player not registered, Grainne O’Meara who had been playing for several years, omitted from registration form.

AGM 16th January 1993 O’Shea’s Hotel, Talbot Street

Elected:

Chairperson: Walter Thompson

Secretary Maureen King

Treasurer: Mary Fay

PRO: Caroline Maloney

Senior Team Manager: Toss Byrne

Minor County Manager Owen O’Sulivan

Secfretary: Finbarr O’Driscoll

Finance: IR£606.55 O/D

Meetings were moved after this to Teachers Club, Parnell Square.

Senior Grade

14 Teams

Division 1: 8 teams – Winners Portabello, Runners Up Marino

Division 2: 6 teams – Winners St Olafs, Runners Up St marks

Championship: Winners Marino, Runners Up Portabello

Shield: Winners St Monicas, Runners Up Parnells

A meeting in Finglas with Walter, Maureen King, Owen O’Sullivan and

Wally Galvin, decided to form an Under 14 league, four teams from St Margarets,

St Gregorys, Ballyboden Wanders and St Marks. They were later joined by

St Bridgets. Played a competition, which was won by St Bridgets, runners Up Ballyboden Wanders.

County Scene

Dublin won Division 2 National League, lost to May on final “B” Championship. Lost to Laois lst Round senior Championship. Lost to Meath in Junior Championship.

An Under 18 and Under 16 League were also run this year. They were both won by St Margarets with St Gregorys runners up.

Arnotts sponsor one set of jerseys.

AGM 15th January 1994.

Elected:

Chairperson: Walter Thompson

Vice-Chair: Rhoda Byrne

Secretary: Maureen King

Treasurer: Finbarr O’Driscoll

Registrar: Gemma Carroll

Minor Board: Chairman: Owen O’Sullivan

County Team Manager (not appointed)

Alan Byrne later took up the position.

Finance IR£141 c/f

Senior Division 1 (8teams) Winners Portabello, Runners Up Marino

Senior Division 2 (8 teams) Winners Thomas Davis

Championship: Winners Robert Emmets, Runners Up Portabello

Shield: Winners St Marks, Runners up St Monicas

Under 14 (6 teams) Winners St Bridgets, Runner up: Ballyboden St Endas

Under 16 (4 teams) Winners Ballyboden St Endas. Runners Up St Bridgets

Under 18 (6 teams) Winners St Gregorys. Runners Up Man O’War

An Under 14 Blitz for weaker teams won by St Olafs.

County National Scene

Due to falling interest by players and unable to get dual players to commit to football, it was decided to withdraw from league. Lack of finance, players required to provide their own transport and catering for visiting teams. Also a factor, unsuccessful attempts to meet Camogie Board.

Championship lost first round to Laois (Senior and Junior).

Christina McGinty received replacement All Star award.

Under 16 County lost Leinster final to Meath

Under 18 County lost first round to Wexford

Under 14 County lost to Laois (Leinster semi-final).

AGM 4th February 1995 Teachers Club Parnell Square

Elected:

Chairman: Walter Thompson

Secretary: Maureen King

Assistant Secretary Maeve Gallagher

Treasurer: Finbarr O’Driscoll

Minor Board C/M Tony Doogan

Team Manager Alan Byrne

Finance: IR£287.33

(7 teams) Division 1 – Winners Portabello, Runners Up St Olafs

Division 2 – Winners St Bridgets, Runners Up Fingallians

Championship: Winners Portabello, Runners Up: St Olafs

Shield: Winners St Marks, Runners Up Thomas Davis

3 Teams Under 18 – Winners Ballyboden, Runners Ballyboden Wanders

4 Teams Under 16 – Winners St Bridgets, Runners Up Ballyboden St Endas

10 Teams Under 14 – Winners Skerries Harps, Runners Up St Bridgets

Under 14 Blitz for weaker teams – Winners Ballyboden St Endas (B)

Runners Up St Sylvestors

Registration: Adult 339 Under-age 530

County Scene Division 2 – Seniors lost to Monaghan in semi-final league

Championship – Beaten first round by Wexford

“B” Championship – lost final to Westmeath 3-9 to 3-7

Under 18 – Lost Leinster semi-final to Wexford

Under 16 – Lost Leinster final to Wexford

Under 14 – Won Leinster final (Lizzy Hughes, Skerries Harps, Player of the Match)

Under 14 – Beaten in All-Ireland semi-final by Monaghan.

With the success of our under-age efforts, it was decided to try for post primary schools which had not been attempted in Dublin. After a few schools were approached, it immediately took off. Word spread quickly among the schools and it was decided that Tony Doogan who was a teacher at one of the schools involved, would co-ordinate it under the control of Dublin County Board.

It was decided to hold the next AGM at the end of the playing season so that the incoming committee would have time to organise.

AGM 24th October 1995

Elected:

Chairperson: Walter Thompson

Vice-Chair: Rhoda Byrne (Kerins)

Secretary: Maureen King

Treasurer: Finbarr O’Driscoll

Finance: IR£1,321 in hand.

Minor Board Chairperson: Tony Doogan

Senior Team Manager: Alan Byrne

At post primary school, 2 competitions held.

Junior Championship – won by HFDS

Senior League – won by Coolmine CS

Post primary schools

3 leagues run in Leinster.

Senior Clubs league we had 3 Divisions, Senior and Junior Championships..

7 teams Division 1 Winners Portabello Runners Up Marino

8 teams Division 2 Winners Round Towers Runners Up Lucan Sarsfields

6 teams Division 3 Winners Naobh Barrog Runners Up

Senior Championship Winners Portabello Runners Up Naobh St Olaf

1st year Junior C/Ship Winners Naobh Barrog Runners Up Na Fianna

Portabello lost to O’Hanrahans (Carlow)

Naobh Barrog lost to Rathoath (Meath

In Leinster Championship.

9 teams Under 18 Winners St Bridgets Runners Up Ballyboden

11 teams Under 16 Winners Ballyboden SE Runners Up St Bridgets

6 teams Under 14 A Winners Ballyboden SE Runners Up St Bridgets

6 teams Under 14 B Winners Naobh Barrog Runners Up St Pergrines

10 teams Under 12 Winners Ballyboden SE Runners Up St Bridgets

Ballyboden Under 14 win All-Ireland Feile Division 11. Dublin Blitz for weaker Under 14 teams, won by Ballyboden (B), Runners Up St Margarets

Maureen King resigns as Secretary position, filled by Maeve Gallagher.

County Scene Senior Team in Division 2

Major problems fielding team

Senior Championship lost to Laois lst round

Junior Championship lost to Carlow lst round.

1996 Clubs:

Division 1 Division 2 Division 3

St Marks Man O’War St Judes

St Olafs Parnells Naobh Barrog

Thomas Davis St Monicas Ballinteer

Portabello Lucan St Kevins

Marino Round Towers Stars of Erin

Robert Emmets Fingallians Clontarf

St Bridgets Na Fianna

St Margarets

Under 18 lost 1st round to Longford

Under 16 lost 1st round to Meath

Under 14 lost Leinster final to Meath

Under 14 won Leinster Blitz

This season saw the first arrival of a sponsor with Bernard Lynch (Cuckoos Next) giving IR£3,000 over 6 months.

AGM 1st October 1996 (Teachers Club)

Elected:

Chairperson: Tony Doogan

Vice-Chair: David McCabe

Secretary: No one elected

Treasurer: Finbarr O’Driscoll

Minor Board Owen O’Sullivan

Secretary: Bill Daly

1997

18th February 1997, Dave McCabe took over position of Secretary. Ex-Chairman, Walter Thompson elected Leinster President.

8 teams Division 1 – Winners Portabello

8 teams Division 2 – Winners Naobh Barrog

7 teams Division 3 – Winners Ballyboden St Endas, Runners Up Kilmacud

National Club Championship

Senior Championship – Winners Portabello, Runners Up St Bridgets

Junior Championship – Winners Ballyboden SE, Runners Up St Marks

Club County Scene – Portabello lost to Shelmaliers (Leinster semi-final)

Ballyboden lost to St Josephs (Louth).

7 teams Under 18 Winners St Bridgets Runners Up Ballyboden

6 teams Under 16 Div 2 Winners Naobh Barrog Runners Up Ballyboden

6 teams Under 16 Div 1 Winners St Bridgets Runnes Up Ballyboden

8 teams Under 14 Div 1 Winners Ballyboden Runners Up St Bridgets

6 teams Under 14 Div 2 Winners Skerries Harps Runners Up Kilmacud

6 teams Under 12 Div 1 Winners Ballyboden Runners Up St Bridgets

8 teams Under 12 Div 2 Winners Clontarf Runners Up Ballyboden B

“A” senior post primary schools – Winners Coolmine Runners Up Skerries

“B” Championship Winners Sancta Maria Runners Up Skerries

Junior “A” Championship Winners Colaiste Bride

Junior “B” Championship Winners Colaiste Iosagain Runners Up Riversdale

Coolmine lost All-Ireland final to Killorglin (Kerry)

Minor Board played 100 fixtures

Dublin Ladies had 68 games (1290 players registered)

County Scene

Senior team in Division 2

Juniors reached semi-final National League (lost toRoscommon)

Senior Championship lost to Laois 1st round

Junior Championship lost to Carlow 1st round

Intermediate Championship beat Westmeath to qualify for final against Kerry in Ballinasloe Kerry 6-15 Dublin 1-7

Under 18 lost to Longford 1st round

Under 16 lost Leinster final to Longford

Under 14 lost to Meath Leinster final

Ballyboden St Enda beaten Feile final Division 1 by Courtwood (Laois).

AGM 21st October 1997 (Teachers Club) – for 1998

Elected:

Chairperson: Tony Doogan

Vice-Chair: John Sheridan

Secretary: David McCabe

Treasurer: Finbarr O’Driscoll

PRO: Tom Waldron

Minor Board: Owen O’Sullivan

RPO: Joanne Cantwell

1998

Registration: Adults – 470 Underage – 940

8 teams Division 1 An Toghar (Wicklow) entered

Winners – Portabello Runners Up – An Garda

Division 2 Winners – Ballyboden SE Runners Up – St Marks

Division 3 Bray Emmetts entered (Wicklow)

Winners – Ballinteer St Johns Runners Up – Portabello

8 teams Senior County Championships

Winners – Portabello Runners Up – St Olafs

16 teams Junior County Championships

Winners – Round Towers Runnes Up – Na Fianna

Portabello win first Leinster Senior title (beating Timahoe) Club Championship for Dublin. Lost to Ballymacarby in All-Ireland final.

Round Towers lost to Rathcline (Longford)

Post primary schools – 61 teams competing in leagues

Hartstown CS reached Leinster “B” final and lost to Ballyfin (Laois).

47 schools competing in primary schools, run by Cumann Na Mbunscoill

Coolmine lose Junior final to Kilorglin Kerry.

8 teams Under 18 Winners – St Bridgets Runners Up – Ballyboden SE

11 teams Under 16 Winners – Ballyboden SE Runners Up – St Bridgets

8 teams Under 14 (D1) Winners – Ballyboden SE Runners Up – St Bridgets

8 teams Under 14 (D2) Winners – Naobh Marnog Runners Up – St Peregrines

6 teams Under 12 (D1) Winners – St Margarets Runners Up – St Judes

6 teams Under 12 (D2) Winners – Fingallians Runners Up – Naobh Barrog

9 teams Under 10 Winners – Fingallians Runners Up – Cabinteely

Tony Donegan requested permission from Leinster Council to run post primary schools on a Leinster basis. This was agreed for a trial period.

County Scene – Junior league lost final to Louth

Senior team win Division 3 B (beating Louth in final)

Senior Championship reached Leinster final, lost to Meath 2-12 to 3-6

Junior Championship lost to Carlow 2nd round

Under 18 lost to Wexford 1st round

Under 16 lost to Louth 2nd round

Under 14 lost to Wexford 3rd round

Annual Congress held in Dublin’s West County Hotel on the 6th, 7th, 8th March.

AGM 20th October 1998 Teacher’s Club Parnell Square

Elected:

Chairperson: Dave McCabe

Secretary: Tom Waldron

Assistant Secretary: Rhoda Byrne

Treasurer: Siobhan Vaughan

PRO: Joanne Cantwell

Walter Thompson (Dublin), President elect Comann Peile Gael na Mban and President of Leinster addressed the meeting.

Minor Board: Owen O’Sullivan

Leagues

Division 1 Winners Portabello Runners Up Ballyboden St Endas

Division 2 Winners Na Fianna Runners Up Kilmacud Crokes

Division 3A Winners Man o’War

Division 3B Winners Blessington

County

Senior Championship Winners Portabello Runners Up Ballyboden St Endas

Junior Championship Winners Na Fianna Runners Up Portabello (B)

Leinster Club Na Fianna lost to Confey in final

Portabello lost to Padriag Pearse (Roscommon)

Under 18 Winners Ballyboden SE Runners Up Skerries Harps

Under 16 Div 1 Winners St Peregrines Runners Up St Bridgets

Under 16 Div 2 Winners St Sylvesters Runners Up Naobh Barrog

Under 14 Div 1 Winners St Peregrines Runners Up Ballyboden St.E

Under 14 Div 2

Under 12 Div 1 Winners Fingallians Runners Up Kilmacud Crokes

Under 12 Div 2 Winners St Olafs Runners Up Clontarf

Under 10 Div 1 Winners Scoil Ul Conaill Runners Up St Peregrines

Under 10 Div 2 Winners Cabinteely Runners Up Ballyboden St E

Total number of Clubs: 24 Senior, 9 Juvenile

County Scene

Senior team win promotion to Division 1 for next season with Tyrone

Senior Championship, Round Robin (beat Wexford, lost to Laois)

Junior Championship (beat Offaly, lost to Carlow)

Under 18 – lost to Meath Leinster final

Under 16 – lost to Meath 1st round

Under 14 – lost to Meath Leinster final

Cuckoo’s Nest continue generous sponsorship.

AGM 19th October 1999

Elected:

Chairperson: Maureen King

Vice-Chair: Padraig Brogan

Secretary: Dave McCabe

Treasurer: Siobhan Vaughan

Team Manager: Brendan Dardis

Minor Board: Chair: Padriag Brogan

2000

Division 1 Winners Ballyboden SE Runners Up Portabello

Division 2 (North) Lucan Sarsfield

Division 2 (South) Kilmacud Crokes

Division 3 Winners Parnells Runners Up Naobh Marnog

Championship Senior Winners Ballyboden SE Runners Up Na Fianna

Championship Inter Winners Kilmacud Crokes Runners Up Lucan Sarsfield

Championship Junior Winners Parnells Runners Up Clontarf

Leinster Club Championship:

Senior: Ballyboden St E lost to Shelmaliers (Wexford)

Inter: Kilmacud Crokes lost to Kilmore (Wexford)

Junior: Parnells lost final to Sarsfield (Laois)

Inter County Scene

Division 1 Senior: Good run just missed

Semi-final play offs

Senior Championship Leinster: Round Robin basis

Lost final to Meath in Carlow 1-12 to 0-9

Junior Championship lost to Meath first round

Under 18 Winners Ballyboden SE Runners Up Man O’War

Under 18 C/S A Ballyboden SE

B St Bridgets

Under 16 Winners Ballyboden SE Runners Up Naomh Mearnog

Under 16 Div 2 Winners Round Towers Runners Up St Olafs

Championship (A)

Championship (B)

Under 14 Div 1 Winners St Peregrines Runners Up St Olafs

Under 14 Div 2 Winners Kilmacud Crokes Runners Up Clontarf

Under 14 Div 3 St Marys Runners Up St Bridgets

Under 14 C/S winners (A) Fingalligans (B) Cabinteely

(C) Castleknock (D) Fingal Ravens

Under 12 Division 1

Division 2 Winners Castleknock Runners Up Skerries Harps

Division 3 Winners Round Towers Runners Up St Sylvesters

Under 12 Championship winners (A) (B) St Olafs

(D)

Under 10 Winners Cabinteely Runners Up Castleknock

Under 10 Championship winners (a) Cabinteely (B) Kilmacud Crokes

Under age Inter County

Under 14 Round Robin (Leinster)

Won 3, lost 2 and were eliminated

Under 16 Lost to Meath Leinster final

Under 18 Lost to Loais 2nd round

A very successful National Feile held in Dublin June 2000.

10 Leagues Post primary schools played now on a provincial Leinster basis. 100 schools approximately. Best for Dublin were Loretto College (Swords) who were defeated by Gorey Leinster Final C, St Marks (Tallaght) CC lost Leinster final in Senior and Junior Grade to Patrician College Ballyfin (Laois)

Orla Colreavy and Angie McNally selected as replacement All Stars. Bill Daly (Ballyboden SE) elected Leinster President. Walter Thompson (Dublin) takes over as

National President. Cuckoo’s Nest continue to sponsor County Team.

AGM 21st October 2000 Teacher’s Club Parnell Square

Elected:

Chairperson: Maureen King

Vice-Chair: Rhoda Kerine/Byrne

Secretary: David McCabe

Treasurer: Tina O’Brien

Team Manager: Brendan Dardis

Minor Board Chair: Padraig Brogan

President’s Address

Extracts from Walter Thompson’s Address:

“Born and reared in Dublin and proud of it, my own Gaelic Football experience was at school level and it did not continue into adult years as my stature was not suitable for Gaelic Football as it was played at that time. However, I was involved in the running of teams at under age and had many years enjoyment and a reasonable amount of success at that. I then moved onto committee level and held my positions including secretary for 8 years. During my first year as secretary, my club Erins Isle GAA won the AIB club of the year trophy and I was honoured ‘Clubman of the Year’. My next step was to Ladies Gaelic Football, first training a team, later to Dublin Board Chairperson, then to Leinster President and now this in the space of 9 years.

There is no doubt the game and the Association has made phenomenal progress over the last few years and it will be difficult to emulate this, or even maintain the same rate. Perhaps it might not be a bad idea to pause for a while and take stock, so to speak, of how we stand at the moment.

Very often the biggest problem is the shortage of personnel. People to look after and coach teams and people to take positions on county committees. How often does it happen that people take positions simply because no one else will go forward, but they themselves have no experiences and really don’t know what is expected of them, even though they would clearly like to get it right. I think we could help in those circumstances by providing forums or courses in each Province. The recent forum sponsored by Bank of Ireland and the GAA was aimed at promoting women in sport and researching the possibility of al alliance between the Association. Joe McDonagh said that by strengthening the alliance we will have crossed the last frontier and unleashed another chapter in GAA history.

Spectators and the need to attract spectators is also a priority. We cannot survive without an Audience, we must therefore always encourage supporters to our games.

And so I accept with great pride and gratification the honour of Uactarin Cumann Peile Gael na mBan and appeal for unity and co-operation between members and in my case help to carry out my duties. I will close the way the book opens: ‘The aim of the Association shall be to foster, promote and control Ladies Gaelic Football’ “.

Dublin Officers

2001

Chairperson: Maureen King

Secretary: Dave McCabe

PRO: Rhoda Kerins

2002

Chairperson: John Sheridan

Secretary: Patricia Monahan

PRO: Alan Murphy

2003

Chairperson: John Sheridan

Secretary: Kathleen Colreavy

PRO: Patricia Monahan

2004

Chairperson: John Hilliery

Secretary: Patricia Monahan

PRO: Patricia Monahan

2005

Chairperson: John Hilliery

Secretary: Patricia Monahan

PRO: Siobhan Walsh

Registrar: Seamus McKenna

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football

County Board Officers: 2002

Chairperson: John Sheridan

Vice-Chairperson: John Hillery

Secretary: Patricia Monahan

Assistant Secretary: Bernice Jones-Moore

Treasurer: Ollie Murphy

Assistant Treasurer/Registrar: David McCabe

Development Officer: Michael Walsh

Fixtures Secretary: Camillius Kilpatrick

PRO: Alan Murphy

Irish Language Officer: Roisin Ni Bhaoil

Children’s Officer:

Minor Board:

Chairperson: Peter Donoghue

Secretary: John Hilliery

Assistant Secretary: Helen Kelly

Development Officer: Michael Walsh

PRO: Niamh Madigan

Fixtures Secretary:

History: Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Association

Ladies Gaelic Football has been in existence in Dublin since 1985. In that year Dublin formed the first County Board and had 5 teams playing in a Dublin League. These four teams were Rathcoole, UCD, Robert Emmets and Park Rangers. Over the past 21 years the sport has grown phenomenally and is the fastest growing sport in Ireland with a national membership of 87,000.

51 Clubs are currently affiliated to the Dublin Ladies County Board with a registered membership at 5,000 approximately with that figure due to increase with the affiliation of five new clubs to the Dublin Association in 2004.

The Dublin County Board organise 6 adult league competitions namely leageue Division one to Division six. The Dublin club championship is structured and graded as Senior, Intermediate and Junior. In 2003 the Dublin County Board introduced a Junior B championship for the first time and in 2004 will be introducing two new championships, namely Junior C and Junior D to facilitate the increased number of players now playing Ladies Gaelic football in the capital.

In 2004 approximately 850 adult games will be played whilst the figures for the juvenile age groups will surpass the two and a half thousand mark!

The Dublin club champions from senior to junior go on to represent the county at Provincial and national levels in the Club All-Ireland Championships. Over the last couple of year, Dublin clubs have had tremendous success at national and provincial level.

Ballyboden St Endas won their clubs first ever Leinster club title in 2001 and went on to represent Dublin in the Club All-Ireland final only losing out to Cork side Donaghmore. Ballyboden St Endas retained their Leinster title in 2002 but bowed out off the club championship at semi-final stage to the eventual club champions Cornacon, of Mayo. Naomh Mearnog reached the Junior and Intermediate Leinster Club finals in 2001 and 2002. Lucan Sarsfields were crowned club Junior Leinster champions in 2002. In 2003 Na Fianna and Fingallians were crowned Leinster champions at Intermediate and Junior level respectively. Na Fianna lost out to Parnells of London in the All-Ireland semi-final whilst Fingallians went all the way to the Junior All Ireland final but lost out to Gabriel Rangers of Cork.

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football – Primary Schools Level

Ladies Gaelic Football is active all over the County, playing membership is increasing yearly within the clubs and schools throughout Dublin. Cumann an mBunscol, Atha Cliath organises all the primary schools competitions within Dublin. Cumann na Bunscol have been promoting gaelic games amongst primary schools throughout Dublin for the last 75 years with the Dublin organisation recently winning three top awards at the prestigious National Awards ceremony held in the Berkeley Court Hotel. Dublin came out tops in the poll in the “Best fixtures and information Booklet”, “Best Public Relations” and “Best Hurling Initiatives”.

50 Dublin schools compete in Ladies football schools competitions with a playing membership of 2,000. Tom Fitzpatrick, Dublin secretary of Cumann an mBunscol, Atha Cliath, states “there are a significant number of children who play the game of Ladies Gaelic Football in the form of their physical education classes but do not participate in the matches organised by Cumann na mBunscol, bringing the true numbers of girls playing the game to over 2,000 approximately.

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football – Post Primary Schools

Forty Dublin schools participate in the competitions organised by the Leinster Post Primary Schools Committee, with a combined playing membership of approximately 1— Dublin players. Dublin has the highest number of schools in this competition with Kildare close behind with 12 schools. The Post Primary schools league is divided into three categories, Senior, Junior and Under 14.

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football – Colleges/Third Level

Currently there are ten Dublin Colleges participating in Ladies Gaelic College Football, UCD, DCU, Trinity, DIT, Inchicore VEC, St Patricks, Coiste Ide, Tallaght VEC, Crumoin VEC and Marino VEC. The Colleges football league is organised through Leinster with the top team in Dublin going on to represent Dublin at Provincial. The Dublin Colleges Championship is organised on a similar structure as the league with the top team representing Dublin at provincial level and a colleges cup competition is also organised. In recent years UCD have been the most successful Dublin team winning the Championship and senior league in 2001, 2002 and again in 2003. The number of players playing ladies Gaelic football at college level in Dublin is approximately 400.

The number of girls/women playing the sport of Ladies Gaelic Football throughout Dublin between club, primary school, post primary school and colleges is 6,600 approximately.

The Dublin County Board have the highest number of registered players in the Association. Dublin has more clubs registered than any other county and part-take in all National and Provincial competitions.

Note: Wicklow Clubs – Bray Emmets, Blessington and Kilbride also play their club league football in Dublin due to the lack of clubs/fixtures within Wicklow.

Growth of Dublin Club Player Registration (8 year period)

Grade 1995 2003

Senior 353 979

Juvenile 368 2647

Total 721 3626

Dublin Inter County

2002 was the year that history was made. Dublin captured the counties first ever Senior Provincial Title. Having won the counties Junior Leinster Championship and All-Ireland crown in 1989, and with the popularity of Ladies Gaelic football in Dublin, no one could have foreseen that there would be a 13-year wait for Dublin to capture a senior provincial title.

But on the 28th July 2002, the Dublin Ladies senior team beat the then reigning Leinster and All-Ireland Champions Laois and did so in convincing style. The victory set the Dub’s up for a semi-final appearance against the All-Ireland champions of 1999 and 2000 Mayo. However, Mayo’s experience of the “big day” insured that Dublin would not be competing in the All-Ireland final of 2002.

Dublin defended their Leinster title on the 27th July when they once more beat Laois in 2003 Leinster Final. On the 5th October 2003, the Dublin ladies senior team made history by appearing in the Counties first ever senior All-Ireland final. As the history book will show the All-Ireland title found it’s way west of the Shannon once more when Diane O’Hora snatched a lost minute goal to deny the Dub’s All Ireland glory.

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football – Inter County Achievements to date:

ACHIEVEMENT YEAR

Leinster Senior Champions 2003

Under 16 Leinster Champions 2003

Under 14 Leinster Champions 2003

Leinster Senior Champions 2002

Under 14 Leinster Champions 2002

Under 14 Leinster Champions 2001

Division 3 League Winners 1998

Tommy Kenny Shield Winners 1998

Under 14 Leinster Champions 1996

Junior League Winners 1989

Junior All Ireland Champions 1989

Junior Leinster Champions 1989

Under 16 All Ireland Champions 1989

Under 16 Leinster Champions 1989

County Board Officers: 2003

Chairperson: John Sheridan

Vice-Chairperson: Michael Walsh

Secretary: Kathleen Colreavy

Assistant Secretary:

Treasurer: Ollie Murphy

Assistant Treasurer/Registrar: David McCabe (AT Yvonne Burke)

Development Officer:

Fixtures Secretary: Patricia Monahan

PRO: Patricia Monahan

Irish Language Officer:

Children’s Officer:

Minor Board:

Chairperson: Owen Sullivan

Secretary: Claire Byrne

Assistant Secretary:

Development Officer:

PRO:

Fixtures Secretary: Barry Flynn

Dublin Inter County Player Achievements:

As in the men’s game, the National Association also present “All Star” awards to the top ladies Gaelic Footballers of that season/year. Each county nominates the names of the County Players they deem worthy of being honoured with an All Star for the current playing season.

The nominations are forwarded onto the Adjudicating Committee who ultimately decides the All Star Team and also the All Star replacement team for that year. All Inter County Players regard been chosen as an All Star as the ultimate honour.

Cumann Peil Gael na mBan announced that the 2003 All Star awards would be sponsored by O’Neills and TG4, the All Star banquet was held in City West Hotel on November 15th 2003, guest of honour will be President Mary McAlleese. Dublin had eight nominations and came away with three All Star awards.

Below is a list of Dublin Ladies Gaelic Footballers who have been honoured with All Star Awards.

All Star All Star

Year Winners Year Replacements

2003 Angie McNally 2003 Sorcha Farrelly

Martina Farrell Mary Nevin

Maria Kavanagh

2002 Suzanne Hughes 2002 Orla Colreavy

Sile Nic Coitir Angie McNally

2001 Louise Kelly 2001 Suzanne Hughes

Sile Nic Coitir

Sorcha Farrelly

1991 Julie Kavanagh 2000 Orla Colreavy

Angie McNally

1983 Kathleen Kennedy 1998 Joanne Cantwell

1984 Kathleen Kennedy 1994 Christina McGinty

1991 Christina McGinty

1989 Geraldine Reynolds

1986 Patricia Hickey

Other Awards that are also in stowed on Dublin Ladies Gaelic footballers.

Dublin GAA supporters club “Player of the Year” in 2003 was Dublin’s inspirational midfielder Angie McNally – previous winners include Dublin’s Sile Nic Coitir and Louise Kelly. Fingal Independent sports awards are presented annually at the “Fingal Sports Star of the Year”. In 2002 the overall winner was Dublin’s Orla Colreavy, with Sinead Finnegan being voted as “Fingal Sports Young Star” in 2003.

The Dublin County Board also acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our Inter County Footballers and at this year’s Dublin County Board Annual Presentation night, held on the 24th January 2003, Dublin full-back Louise Keegan was named “Dublin Player of the Year 2003”. Dublin Young Players of the Year for 2003 was Dublin goalkeeper Clodhna O’Connor. Junior winners were Ann Clarke (Player of the Year) and Louise Kidd (Young Player of the Year). An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD presented Christina McGinty with the Dublin Hall of Fame award for her services to Dublin and Ladies Gaelic Football.

Dublin Media Coverage

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football receives media coverage through the various forms of media that is currently available to the Association, club notice boards, pitch hoardings, newspapers/magazines, match programmes, radio TV and the internet.

Club Notice Boards/Pitch Hoardings

All Dublin Clubs are issued throughout the year with posters and notices advertising the Dublin County teams fixtures and are strongly encouraged to display these on their respective club notice boards. As Dublin Inter County fixtures are often played at club opposed to County ground, the Dublin County Board advertise the association in the form of displaying banners around the pitch hoardings.

Newspapers, Magazines, Match Programmes

Reports on the Dublin County and Club teams are reported on a weekly basis in a number of newspapers namely, The Evening Herald, The Star, The Tallaght Echo, The Fingal Independent, and through local newspapers such as Northside and Southside News.

The level of coverage is determined on the time of the year, for example high season (Leinster Championship) the Dublin Teams profile is high. The Dublin Club County finals (which are held in July and August each year) also receive a high level of coverage.

Depending on which competition that the senior team and the other Inter County teams are competing in at the time, coverage of our games and results are also covered in The Irish Independent and The Examinor. (Promoted by the National Association).

The Dublin Ladies County Board in association with the Dublin men’s County Board have a number of articles included in the Dublin annual year book which is distributed and sold throughout the County and to all Dublin Clubs.

Throughout the year articles on the Dublin Ladies Gaelic football teams are printed in Gaelic sports magazines, such as The Hogan Stand, Gaelic Sport, Gaelic World, High Ball and Breaking Ball. In January of 2004 a new ladies football magazine will be launched in conjunction with Cumann Peil Gael na mBan and magazine publishers, Fairplay.

The Dublin Ladies County Board produce an extensive and comprehensive match programme for our Dublin Club County Finals that are held yearly in Parnell Park. This year’s programme had 61 pages of information on Club teams, Dublin teams and player profiles. Clubs and businesses avail of the opportunity to advertise in this match programme. The programmes are also sold to the spectators at the game.

“Attendances at the Dublin Ladies County finals can reach up to and above 5,000”

The provincial and national Council’s also produce match programmes. The Dublin County Board submit Dublin’s team and club information for inclusion in the match programmes for all games that Dublin are involved in. Again the programmes are sold to the supporters attending the game.

“35,000 spectators attended the 2003 Ladies All Ireland Final”

Radio Coverage

Radio coverage of Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football has increased over the last few years mainly due to the coverage of the game by local radio stations.

Mick Hanley’s Annia Livia production on a Wednesday night gave comprehensive coverage of the Dublin Ladies senior teams championship run last season, the station has also given an considerable amount of coverage of the Dublin club County finals, the 2003 Dublin \ladies Senior County final was broadcast LIVE on Anna Livia radio, a first in Dublin Ladies Gaelic football.

The 2003 Leinster senior final and the TG4 senior All-Ireland quarter final, both featuring Dublin were broadcast LIVE on Newstalk 106 FM with FM 104 giving regular LIVE updated from the Dublin v Monaghan quarter final.

Another local station that gave coverage of club and county fixtures and results last season was a north side station, NEAR FM.

Other Dublin stations, Lite FM and 98 FM also gave the results from the Dublin senior teams championship campaign last year, the Dublin County Board hope to go a step further and have all the Dublin national League fixtures also announced by the radio stations, the Board also aim to get more coverage of the Dublin club scene.

Television

As national senior and junior championship sponsor as well as TV rights holder, TG4 has put the sport of Ladies Gaelic Football firmly in the spotlight.

TG4 currently televise LIVE the senior All-Ireland semi-finals, also the junior and senior All-Ireland finals. In 2003, TG4 also televised LIVE for the first time the National League Division one final. Highlights from the provincial finals are televised the following Monday night on TG4’s popular gaelic games programme “Ard san aer”.

“TG4 had their largest TAM ratings for a TG4 programme when 200,000 people tuned in to watch the 2003 All Ireland ladies senior football final between Mayo and Dublin, accounting for 26% of all people watching TV”

“On the 14th September 2002, 35,000 people tuned in to watch the All Ireland Semi-final Dublin v Mayo”

On the Web (Internet)

In this era of high tech, the Dublin Ladies County Board are very aware of the importance of having a web site. The Dublin County Board are currently in the process of planning and developing their own web site.

Recent surveys have shown the important role the Internet plays in the promotion of a product or service. (our product – Ladies Gaelic Football).

“65% of 18 to 24 year olds use the Internet, (301,000 surfers) this is an increase of 45% since 1999” – source www.amarach.com”

The Dublin Ladies County Board currently avail of the Dublin Men’s County Board web site, www.hill.16.ie, where Dublin has a page dedicated to Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football. This page is updated at least three times a week by the Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football PRO, updated will increase during the summer months when the football season is at it’s peak.

The senior/adult league tables are also available on this web site, players, clubs and teams can check out their league positions every week.

www.hill16.ie gets 1,500 hits a month, this figure increases during the summer months – source Cyril Duggan Webmaster.

The National Association – Cumann Peil Gael na mBan also have their own official website, www.ladiesgaelic.ie, again information pertaining to Dublin can be posted on the web site via the Dublin PRO, it is estimated that www.ladiesgaelic.ie receives on average 100,000 “hits” a month.

All substantial amount of Dublin clubs have their own club web sites, up to date and current information on their respective ladies football teams is regularly posted up on these club sites, along with information on their Dublin Stars.

History – Cumann Peil Gael na mBan (National)

The Ladies Gaelic Football Association was found in Hayes Hotel Thurles in 1974. Four counties, Offaly, Kerry, Tipperary and Galway attended the meeting. However, eight counties, namely Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Waterford, Galway, Roscommon, Laois, and Offaly participated in the first official All Ireland Senior Championship of that year which was won by Tipperary. The Association has build up steadily in the intervening years and today Ladies Gaelic Football is played in all counties. Ladies Gaelic football is played on an organised basis in Britain, Mainland Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA.

The Association is similar to that of the GAA with Club, County Boards, Provincial Councils, Central Council and Annual Congress. The National President is elected for a three-year term of office. The 2003 Congress was held in Kerry with President Elect Geraldine Giles (Westmeath) taking office from out going President Walter Thompson (Dublin). The Association was recognised by the GAA in 1982. The Association since its humble foundations has now has a membership of 100,000, a figure that has tripled in the last five years.

Like most sporting organisations in Ireland, Cumann Peil Gael na mBan have a full time Chief Executive Officer, CEO – Helen O’Rourke, who has brought the Association into the new century with a professional approach that has resulted in the current development of the game nationally.

Cumann Peil na mBan Senior and Junior Championships are sponsored by TG4 and the National league is sponsored by Suzuki Ireland. All 32 counties compete in the Suzuki National Leagues. In 2005 Dublin is the only County to field three teams in the National League, Division 1B, 3B and Division 4.

A new Senior Championship format was introduced in 2003 with the introduction of quarter-finals, the four provincial champions and runners up are drawn against each other to determine the quarter final line ups. This format has introduced the same level of excitement that the qualifiers have had in the men’s senior championship, with unique championship fixtures being served up.

TG4 as Championship sponsor also have the broadcast rights to ladies gaelic football, as such the TG4 currently televise live the senior All Ireland semi finals, the Junior and Senior All-Ireland finals. TG4 also televise live the National League Division 1 final. Highlights from the provincial finals are televised the following Monday night on TG4’s popular gaelic games programme “Ard san aer”.

“TG4 had their largest TAM ratings for a TG4 programme when 230,000 people tuned in to watch the 2003 All Ireland ladies senior football final between Dublin and Mayo, accounting for 33% of all people watching TV.”

The attendance at the Ladies All Ireland finals on the last Sunday of September in Croke Park have increased annually with 22,000 in attendance at the 2002 All Ireland final and 34,000 attending the 2003 final.

Dublin’s Sile Nic Coitr co-commentated on the live coverage of the 2002 All Ireland final.

History: Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Association

Ladies Gaelic Football has been in existence in Dublin since 1983. In that year Dublin formed the first County Board and had 4 teams playing in a Dublin League. These four teams were Rathcoole, UCD, Robert Emmets and Park Rangers. Over the past 22 years the sport itself has grown phenomenally and is the fastest growing sport in Ireland with a national membership of 87,000.

52 Clubs are affiliated to the Dublin Ladies County Board with a registered membership at 6000 approximately comprising of 210 teams.

The Dublin County Board organise 6 adult league competitions namely league Division 1 to Division 6. The Dublin club championship is structured and graded as Senior, Intermediate, Junior, Junior B, Junior C and Junior D with the latter championships namely Junior C and Junior D introduced due to the increased number of players now playing Ladies Gaelic football in the capital.

In 2004 approximately 850 adult games will be played whilst the figures for the Juvenile age groups will surpass the two and a half thousand mark.

The Dublin club champions from senior to junior to one to represent the County at provincial and national level in the club All-Ireland championships. Over the last couple of year, Dublin clubs have had tremendous success at national and provincial level.

Ballyboden St Endas are the pride of Dublin, having won the AIB Club All-Ireland title this year following the capture of the senior Leinster Crown. Naomh Mearnog reached the Junior and Intermediate Leinster Club finals in 2001 and 2002. Lucan Sarsfields were crowned Club Junior Leinster champions in 2002. In 2003 Na Fianna and Fingallians were crowned Leinster champions at Intermediate and Junior level respectively. Na Fianna lost out to Parnells of London in the All-Ireland semi final, whilst Fingallians went all the way to the Junior All-Ireland final, but lost out to Gabriel Rangers of Cork.

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football – Primary Schools Level

Ladies Gaelic Football is active all over the County, playing membership is increasing yearly within the clubs and schools throughout Dublin. Cumann na mBunscol, atha Cliath, organises all the primary school competitions within Dublin. Cumann na mBunscol have been promoting gaelic games amongst primary schools throughout Dublin for the last 75 years with the Dublin organisation recently winning three top awards at the prestigious National Awards ceremony held in the Berkeley court Hotel. Dublin came out tops in the poll in the “Best Fixtures” and Information Booklet”. “Best Public Relations” and “Best Hurling Initiatives”.

50 Dublin schools compete in Ladies football schools competitions with a playing membership of 2000. Tom Fitzpatrick, Dublin secretary of Cumann na mBunscol, Atha Cliath states “there are a significant number of children who play the game of Ladies Gaelic Football in the form of their Physical Education classes but do not participate in the matches organised by Cumann na mBunscol, bringing the true numbers of girls playing the game to over 2,000 approximately.

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football – Post Primary Schools

40 Dublin schools participate in the competitions organised by the Leinster Post Primary Schools Committee, with a combined playing membership of approximately 1000 Dublin players. Dublin has the highest number of schools in this competition with Kildare close behind the 12 schools. The Post Primary schools league is divided into three categories, Senior, Junior and Under 14.

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football – Colleges/Third Level

Currently there are ten Dublin Colleges participating in Ladies Gaelic College Football, UCD, DCU, Trinity, Inchicore VEC, St Patricks, Coiste Ide, Tallaght Vec, Crumlin VEC, and Marino VEC. The Colleges Football League is organised through Leinster with the top team in Dublin going on to represent Dublin at provincial. The Dublin Colleges Championship is organised on a similar structure as the league with the top ten team representing Dublin at Provincial level and a colleges cup competition also organised. In recent years UCD have been the most successful Dublin team winning the championship and senior league in 2001 and 2002. The number of players playing ladies gaelic football at college level in Dublin is approximately 400.

“The number of girls/women playing the sport of Ladies Gaelic Football throughout Dublin between Club, primary school, post primary school and colleges is 6,600 approximately”

“The Dublin County Board have the highest numbers of registered players in the Association, Dublin has more clubs registered than any other county and part-take in all National and Provincial competitions.”

Dublin Inter County

2002, was that the year that history was made – Dublin captured the Counties first ever senior provincial title! Having won the counties Junior Leinster championship and all Ireland crown in 1989, and with the popularity of ladies Gaelic football in Dublin, no one could have foreseen that there would be a 13 year wait for Dublin to capture a senior national final.

Dublin has since won a triple crown of Leinster titles having won in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

On the 5th October 2003, the Dublin ladies senior team made history by appearing in the counties first ever senior All-Ireland final. As the history book will show the All Ireland title found its way west of the Shannon once more when Diane O’Hora snatched a last minute goal to deny the Dub’s All-Ireland glory. In 2004 Dublin once again reached the All Ireland final but the Dubs where to experience heartache again when Galway defeated Dublin and took the tribes women first senior crown.

However, Dublin did win an All-Ireland final in 2004, the Dublin Under 14 team defeated May in a replay to capture the capitals first ever Under 14 All-Ireland title.

Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football – Inter County Achievements to date:

Achievement Year

All Ireland Under 14 Champions 2004

Leinster Senior Champions 2004

Under 16 Leinster Champions 2004

Under 14 Leinster Champions 2004

AIB Club Senior All Ireland Champions 2004

AIB Club Senior Leinster Champions 2004

Leinster Senior Champions 2003

Under 16 Leinster Champions 2003

Under 14 Leinster Champions 2003

Leinster Senior Champions 2002

Under 14 Leinster Champions 2002

Under 14 Leinster Champions 2001

Division 3 League Winners 1998

Tommy Kenny Shield Winners 1998

Under 14 Leinster Champions 1996

Junior League Winners 1989

Junior All Ireland Champions 1989

Junior Leinster Champions 1989

Under 16 All-Ireland Champions 1989

Under 16 Leinster Champions 1989

County Board Officers: 2004

Chairperson: John Hilliery

Vice-Chairperson: Michael Walsh

Secretary: Patricia Monahan

Assistant Secretary: Kathleen Colreavy

Treasurer: Declan Hallissey

Assistant Treasurer/Registrar: David McCabe

Development Officer: Fionnuala Sexton (A), Eimear Foley (J)

Fixtures Secretary: Phillip Brady

PRO: Patricia Monahan

Irish Language Officer: Bernice Jones-Moore

Children’s Officer:

Minor Board:

Chairperson: Amalgamated

Secretary:

Assistant Secretary:

Development Officer:

PRO:

Fixtures Secretary:

Dublin Inter County Player Achievements

As in the men’s game, the National Association also present “All Star” awards to the top ladies Gaelic Footballers of that season/year. Each county nominates the names of the County Players they deem worthy of being honoured with an All Star for the current playing season.

The nominations are forwarded onto the Adjudicating Committee who ultimately decides the All Star Team and also the All Star replacement team for that year. All Inter County Players regard been chosen as an All Star as the ultimate honour.

Below is the lost of Dublin Ladies Gaelic Footballers who have been honoured with All Star Awards:

Year All Star Winners

2004 Mary Nevin

Bernie Finlay

Louise Keegan

Cliodhna O’Connor

2003 Angle McNally

Martina Farrell

Maria Kavanagh

2002 Suzanne Hughes

Sile Nic Coitir

2001 Lousie Kelly

1991 Julie Kavanagh

1983 Kathleen Kennedy

1984 Kathleen Kennedy

Dublin GAA supporters club “Players of the Year2, the 2004 Dublin’s inspirational forward Mary Nevin – previous winners include Dublin’s Angie McNally, Sile Nic Coitir and Louise Kelly, Fingal independent Fingal Sports Star of the Year”, the 2002 winner was Dublin’s Orla Colreavy, with Sinead Finnegan being voted as “Fingal’s Sports Young Star of the Year in 2003.

Fiona Hudson the 2004 Dublin Under 14 Captain was named as Leinster Player of the Year.

Dublin’s Media Coverage:

Dublin Ladies Football receives media coverage through the various forms of media that is currently available to the Association, club notice boards, pitch hoardings, newspapers/magazines, match programmes, radio, TV and the Internet.

Club Notice Boards/Pitch Hoardings

All Dublin Clubs are issued throughout the year with posters and notices advertising the Dublin County teams fixtures and are strongly encouraged to display these on their respective club notice boards. As Dublin Inter County fixtures are often played at club opposed to County ground, the Dublin County Board advertise the association in the form of displaying banners around the pitch hoardings.

Newspapers, Magazines, Match Programmes

Reports on the Dublin County and Club teams are reported on a weekly basis in a number of newspapers namely, The Evening Herald, The Star, The Tallaght Echo, The Fingal Independent, and through local newspapers such as Northside and Southside News.

The level of coverage is determined on the time of the year, for example high season (Leinster Championship) the Dublin Teams profile is high. The Dublin Club County finals (which are held in July and August each year) also receive a high level of coverage.

Depending on which competition that the senior team and the other Inter County teams are competing in at the time, coverage of our games and results are also covered in The Irish Independent and The Examinor. (Promoted by the National Association).

The Dublin Ladies County Board in association with the Dublin men’s County Board have a number of articles included in the Dublin annual year book which is distributed and sold throughout the County and to all Dublin Clubs.

Throughout the year articles on the Dublin Ladies Gaelic football teams are printed in Gaelic sports magazines, such as The Hogan Stand, Gaelic Sport, Gaelic World, High Ball and Breaking Ball. In January of 2004 a new ladies football magazine will be launched in conjunction with Cumann Peil Gael na mBan and magazine publishers, Fairplay.

The Dublin Ladies County Board produce an extensive and comprehensive match programme for our Dublin Club County Finals that are held yearly in Parnell Park. This year’s programme had 61 pages of information on Club teams, Dublin teams and player profiles. Clubs and businesses avail of the opportunity to advertise in this match programme. The programmes are also sold to the spectators at the game.

“Attendances at the Dublin Ladies County finals can reach up to and above 5,000”

County Board Officers: 2005

Chairperson: John Hilliery

Vice-Chairperson: Michael Walsh

Secretary: Patricia Monahan

Assistant Secretary: Kathleen Colreavy

Treasurer: Pat Ring

Assistant Treasurer/Registrar: Seamus McKenna

Development Officer: Fionnuala Sexton

Fixtures Secretary: Phillip Brady

PRO: Siobhan Walsh

Irish Language Officer: Phillip Brady

Children’s Officer: Phillip McAnenly

Minor Board:

Chairperson: Amalgamated

Secretary:

Assistant Secretary:

Development Officer:

PRO:

Fixtures Secretary:

A reflection of 2005

Patricia Monahan – Dublin PRO

Dublin ladies football is without doubt a growing, progressive and developing sport within a capital city and county which is also experiencing change in various ways, demographically, financially, socially and ethically.

Can Dublin ladies cater for these ever increasing changes within our society and can we make a lasting difference to the youth of today and indeed tomorrow. The belief amongst the association is we can and are currently doing so right now but rather than criticise an amateur organisation, let us all co-operate with each other to overcome the obstacles in our path and together reap the rewards of success both at club and county level. When we say state ‘reap the rewards of success’, by success we don’t mean just winning leagues and championships but by encouraging more and more young girls to take up the sport of ladies Gaelic football.

In 2005 more clubs, teams and players were involved in Dublin Ladies Gaelic football than ever before. Therefore we have to acknowledge the amount of work being done by team mentors, coaches, teachers, parents and various personnel at club level and at school and college levels. Our association is indebted to these volunteers who give up so much of their valuable disposal time all in aid of the cause.

We would like to congratulate all our championships winners at adult level, Ballyboden St Endas, St Brigids, Skerries Harps, Clan Na Gaerl Fonenoy, Croi Ro Nasfa and St Annes. We would especially like to wish the best of luck to reigning all Ireland and Leinster champions, Ballyboden St Endas who play Donaghmoyne in the All Ireland club final on Sunday the 4 December.

A special mention to the epic championship encounter between Clan Na Gael Fontenoy and Garriston in the Junior B Championship final, which went to a second replay. The excitement, commitment and passion that these two teams brought to their three champions finals rubber-stamped for everybody what is so great about our sport. Well done to all concerned.

A number of our juvenile championship and shield finals will be taking place over the next few weekends, may I wish the clubs involved the very best of luck. Well done also to all our league winners of 2005.

We would like to thanks Setanta TV who broadcast delayed coverage of our senior and intermediate club finals, a first not only for Dublin Ladies Gaelic football but ladies Gaelic football in general. Another first for Dublin’s GAA was the fact that our senior final was played under floodlights, another welcome first for our association.

Well done to our various development squads and their respective members for providing the half time entertainment by way of mini games, well done to all concerned.

Well done to Phillip McAnenly for all the work he has done in establishing the development squads and for providing so much encouragement and enthusiasm to the various members of the squads who again do all this valuable work voluntarily. Our development squads provided the players for the two Leinster Under 12 Blitz that were held in June and September. Dublin achieved great success at these events and the players and mentors had two very enjoyable outings.

Dublin once again enjoyed great success at inter county level and are once again leading the way in Leinster by winning four out of the five provisional titles available to them.

Dublin are Under 14, Under 16, Under 18 and Senior champions while the junior team were unlucky in the junior final versus Wexford thus becoming Leinster runners up.

The Dublin senior team captured their 4th Leinster title in a row and progressed to the All Ireland semi final where they met a formidable Galway team who proved too strong for Dublin on the day. At this point we would like to thank the senior management team for all their hard work, commitment, time and passion in the pursuit of glory for Dublin over the last two years. John, Ann, Dave and Frankie have been nothing but professional in the attempt to bring the Brendan Martin Cup to Dublin and on behalf of the County Board we are indebted to them.

We would also like to congratulate Gemma Fay, Louise Kelly, Sinead Aherne and Lyndsay Davey on being nominated for All Star awards. Congratulations again to Lyndsay Davey on being chosen as Leinster’s young player of the year, two in a row for Dublin, following Fiona Hudson’s same achievement last year. Well done also to Mary Nevin on her Dublin supporter’s player of the year award, and to Bernie Finlay on being chosen as the player of the year and the player’s player of the year for 2004 which was presented at our very successful awards nights in March. A special word of thanks to O’Neills and indeed Elverys for the sponsorship of the awards night and senior team respectively.

The Junior team would remind one of the old say ‘always the bridesmaid never the bride’, having had a tremendous campaign in AFL 3 this year, the team went on to the league final and had the misfortune to be beaten by a very strong Tipperary team. Again following a strong Leinster championship, the junior team reached the final where they met Wexford. The final was a very tight affair and except for a few dubious decisions the outcome may have been different.

Armagh were up next and Dublin always have a very hard task to try and beat a very strong polished outfit who eventually where crowned All Ireland junior champions. We again would like to thank Peter Clarke and his team of selectors for a job well done.

The minor team won the county’s first Leinster minor title since 1989 and had a very tough game against a very experienced Galway team in the All Ireland semi final and luck did not shine on the young Dubs that day. Again the effort and preparation put into the minor squad by their management team was second to none and we thank their manager John Hillery and his selectors for a job well done.

The Dublin Under 16s also won Leinster and progressed to the All Ireland final versus cork. Again a strong determined Cork side came out the winning team on the day but not before the Dublin team gave them a good fright and maybe with a bit more luck could have pulled off a victory. We wish to thank Jimmy Graham and his selectors for their preparation and management of this team.

Last but by no means least we come to the Under 14 team and we congratulate them on their All Ireland success. This team has some of the most talented young footballers that one has seen in a long time and on their way to All Ireland and Leinster glory they showcased some marvellous football. The team also won the Leinster Under 14 Blitz and are a credit to their clubs and parents. Well done to Pat Ring and his management team on a job well done. Maybe 2006 will provide three in a row of All Ireland Under 14 titles for Dublin.

Congratulations to Foxrock Cabinteely on their All Ireland Feile success. A first for this new club and a first for Dublin. A special word of thanks to those clubs who allow the County Board the use of their facilities for various events, meetings, training, matches etc. The County Board is extremely thankful to them and could not operate without their support. Especially Naomh Mearnog, thank you. A word of thanks also to the Dublin GAA for their support by providing their facilities for meetings and also by allowing us both O’Toole Park and Parnell Park for matches. People who warranted special thank you – Patsy, Siobhan and Noel.

Referees are an endangered species! Thanks to our entire group of referees who assisted with the running of our fixtures programme this year. However, we urgently require more whistle blowers. I would request that clubs try and provide more people who would be willing to become ladies referees for 2006.

Thanks to the media people who gave Dublin Ladies GAA great coverage over the last year especially Kevin Nolan, Gordan Manning, Niall Scully, Willie O’Connor, Declan Drake, Fergal Carroll and Mick Hanley, thank you.

The Dublin Ladies GAA would like to congratulate the Dublin camogie team on the All Ireland success and we hope that as the two largest women’s sporting organisations in Dublin that we can encourage better dialogue between our two associations in 2006.

So as we come to the end of the season that was 2005 we congratulate all our winners and toast your success and wish everyone a sporting and successful season in 2006.

The Pride of Skerries – Lyndsay Davey

As Lyndsay Davey lef ther home in Skerries to travel across the M50 towards the Citywest Hotel back in November she knew she had won the Leinster Young Player of the Year but what she didn’t know was that another award was also awaiting this great footballer.

So firstly what was her thoughts on the Young Player of the Year award, “I was shocked, wasn’t expecting to get it at all, was an amazing feeling to get the award.

However, while shocked at that announcement this young Dublin girl had an even bigger one awaiting her as the All Stars were announced. As the list of winners made its way to left half forward and the announcement of Lyndsay Davey by Marty Morrissey, “could not believe it at all, was not expecting it, when he called out my name I was just in shock. I was so happy to have received the Young Player award and then to get the All Star was unbelievable”.

To get awards like these a player must perform and that is exactly what the North Dublin girl did with some wonderful performances in the Blue of Dublin. Her player of the match performance in the Under 16 All Ireland final may not have seen her county into the winners enclosure but a good year for the team no matter what. “We played very well throughout the year, just unfortunate in the final against Cork. At half time we were leading but had a player sent off in the second half and it knocked the confidence out of us. Cork used the extra player very well and ran out winners in the end”.

Despite the bitter disappointment at Under 16 level, Davey was now a regular name in the starting lineout on the Dublin senior side so the year still held plenty of promise. However after retaining the Leinster title they fell to a Galway side at the semi final stage. Yet 12 months earlier, Davey had savoured playing in Corke Park. “It was just a wonderful feeling lining out for your county side in Croke Park, a day I will never forget and just running out onto the pitch”.

She may have been still young to be part of a senior set up but what she has learnt from the experience has taken her on so much as a player, “to be part of the senior set brings you on so much and makes you a much better player, quicker thinking and different things during a game”.

Football was very much a part of Lyndsay’s life from a very young age with her father playing a major roll in it. “I was just five when I started, there used to be a nursery camp down at Sherries Harps every Saturday. My Dad was over that and he brought me down every week”.

Despite being involved at a very young age with no ladies club starting in Skerries until she was 13, Lyndsay was content playing with the boy’s team and it is something she feels has helped her also. “My own club, Skerries had no team until was about 13 so I played with the boy’s team up until then. I feel it helped me a lot and made me stronger as a player, taking knocks and it all helped and strengthened me up making me a tougher player and probably helped me for the senior side at a young age”.

Her home club may be the new kids on the block but what strides they made and won the Dublin Junior Championship this year and had a very good run in the Leinster campaign also. Lyndsay lines out in her favourite position at centre half forward for her club.

Now a key member in the Dublin colours, Lynsday always looked up to one of the more experienced players who she now lines along side.

“I always looked up to Martina Farrell when I followed the ladies team, she is a great player and on the men’s front Ciaran Whelan was always a player I looked up to.”

Davey is a player that is in the ideal position to give her own verdict on how she feels ladies football is developing even since she began. “It is great at the moment, so many girls getting involved in it and at a much young age now. The skill levels are improving more and more and when they are starting so young they are so much better players when they get to senior level”.

Like every player there needs to be a driving force behind you. “My Dad and Mum are brilliant and have been right behind me from the start, they support me in everything I have done and are always there to support me at games”.

As the year comes to an end, what would Lyndsay Davey be hoping for this Christmas and as a new year approaches. “This year was my last at Under 16 so now its just minor and senior, so I would love to win an All Ireland and at club to do well in intermediate and hopefully win the county and maybe Leinster”.

Another hope for the Skerries girl is for her school, Skerries Community School, to have a ladies team in 2006. That is the aim and I am sure with Davey involved they will be up their winning titles if that team kicks into action. A hero already in many eyes but I am sure will be hearing plenty more about Lyndsay Davey before too long as she continues to perform to the highest quality on the field.

AIB All Ireland Senior Club final

Two in a row for Ballyboden St Endas

By Alan Gunn

Ballyboden St Endas 1-06 Donaghmoyne 0-06

Ballyboden retained the All Ireland Senior club title thanks to a second half converted penalty by player of the match Louise Kelly.

That was the score that was to separate two very evenly matched sides at the end of a thrilling final played by Drogheda. Going into the game the Dublin champions were hotly fancied to have little trouble in retaining the crown but as it turned out, the girls from Monaghan pushed them to the very limit.

This was a game that had just about everything from cracking scores at one end to wonderful saves at the other. Throw in three sin bins and a few errors along the way and it all made for a great afternoon’s entertainment.

As expected the scores were few and far between as the best two defences in the country came head to head. Once again they didn’t disappoint and any scores that were taken had to be worked for. Credit too must go to referee Declan Corcoran who had a fine afternoon in controlling matters.

The action got off to a blistering start with Donaghmoyne first into the attack and after just two minutes they had a point on the board from Majella Woods. The early signs shown that they were not just here to make up the number.

The reigning champions soon settled after been delayed on their way to the game after the team bus broke down. Thanks to their large loyal support they go there as the supporter’s bus became the team bus.

The Dublin girls opened their account from an unlikely source as centre half back Joanne O’Sullivan fired over. The lead soon followed as the lively Gemma Fay cut through to fire a fine point after just five minutes. The tempo was still high and the pace of the game at lightening speed, but the scores were at a premium. Donaghmoyne keeper Linda Martin had to be quick off her line to deny Orla Scollard.

At the other end Suzaane Hughes was called into action to halt Angela Lennon with a point blank save. A minute later and we had the first caution of the game to Sarah Denvir for a very high challenge on Joanne Geoghegan. With numerical advantage Donaghmoyne stopped it up a gear to pull two points clear.

The equalising score coming off Lennon, after good interplay with Karen Hall, team captain Aine Gilsenan followed in the footsteps of her opposite number to go forward

From centre half back to edge her side in front. As the clock ticked into the final ten minutes, Caitriona hit the first of her two points to extend the lead.

The final say of the half went to Louise Kelly after Natasha Hyland’s path was closed off, Kelly popped over a point. Despite Denvir returning to the action that was the final score of a very entertaining opening period that seen Donaghmoyne lead 0-4 to 0-3.

Ballyboden opened the brighter, after the resumption, but without reward with a number of wasted opportunities. They were almost made pay at the other end with Donaghmoyne’s first attack of the half almost yielding the first goal. A great ball from Niamh Lynch, set up ~Angela Lennon but the latter’s shot rattled the upright with Hughes well beaten.

From almost been four clear within minutes, the Monaghan girls were behind. A foul by Fiona Courtney on Natalia Hyland resulted n a penalty for the Dublin side nine minutes into the half. Courtney seen yellow while Martin seen an unstoppable shot fly by her into the top corner of the net by Louise Kelly.

Back came a fighting Donaghmoyne side with a fine score from Majella Woods to make it a one point game. That was the way it stayed until into the final ten minutes and Donaghmoyne, back to full strength. It was now that Kelly really began to fire on all cylinders. She rattled over three unanswered points, the first a good score from play. Her second was a free after Gemma Fay was fouled and her third also from a free.

It suddenly had the holders four clear and time running out. Kelly was also to see the bin before the whistle sounded and Donaghmoyne added a point from McConnell. But as hard as Donaghmoyne tried, Boden were not giving anything away and they held out for a three point victory. The experience throughout the Boden side edging them past the winners post with a very strong last quarter.

Ballyboden St Endas:

Suzanne Hughes, Aisling Farrelly, Noelle Comyn, Tonya Allen, Sorcha Farrelly, Joanne O’Sullivan (0-1), Susan White, Fiuona Ni Corcorain, Martina Farrell, Claire Butterly, Gemma Fay (0-1), Natalia Hyland, Orla Scollard, Louise Kelly (1-4, 1 pen 2f), Sarah Denvir.

Subs: Karen Hopkins.

Donaghmoyne:

Linda Martin, Joanne Geoghegan, Michelle Grimes, Niamh Lynch, Sharon Courtney, Aine Gilsenan (0-1), Joanne Courtney, Annette O’Toole Duffy, Angela Lennon (0-1), Karen Hall, Majella Woods (0-2), Caitriona McConnell (0-2), Hazel Kingham.

Subs: Lisa Kingham, Cora Courtney, Fiona Daly.

Referee: Declan Corcoran (Mayo)

What they said

All Star recipient Gemma Fay was overjoyed with another title, “absolutely delighted, such a great achievement, two in a row, credit to the management and all the girls worked so hard, such a tough game but we pulled it out in the end, just so proud to be part of it and a privilege to be part of this team, it takes a good team to win it the first time but a second time it takes a brilliant special team and that’s what we are. We left no stone unturned and we deserved to win it on the day”.

“Donaghmoyne are a great team and really put it up to us, it was so tough and one of the toughest games I have ever played in. Credit to them and their management and players. I am sure they have put in a lost of work. It is disappointing for them and I am sure they will be back and I wish them the best of luck in the future”.

“Louise Kely was brilliant, fair play to her, the pressure was on with the penalty but as always she delivers, player of the match was well due, the penalty was so important”.

Donaghmoyne’s Michelle Grimes was disappointed but very proud of the team’s performance.

“I don’t think we could of asked for anymore of the team, everyone played out of their skins, I think experience won on the day, we may have to learn how to lose a final before we win one. Ballyboden lost one and came back to win. We will learn a lot from this and from a team like them”.

“It was probably a bit like our semi final, we went in leading at half time but had to come out to face a slight breeze. We were up a point in the second half and we hit the post and had that went in, it might have been a different story, but it wasn’t to be and Ballyboden were deserved winners on the day”.

“the penalty decided the game and with two very strong defences whoever got the goal was going to have a major advantage.

They got that break and we were playing catch up after that. We didn’t get the breaks and you need a bit of luck if you are to be victorious”.

Foxrock Girls – Dublin

By Denis O’Hara

There had to be a very logical reason why Gaelic football for girls is mushrooming at such a phenomenal rate in Foxrock.

It is no accident. The refreshing overnight success story of the 4 year old Foxrock Girls club can be traced back to the influence, energy and foresight of one Philip McAnenly and Donal Hutchinson who has chaired the club since its inception.

Now the famous Kilmacud Crokes, whose players ply their trade with distinction in male juvenile and adult Gaelic games, have to cope with some healthy competition from their ‘new’ neighbours in South County Dublin.

Phillip, with Co Monaghan football roots, was a core member of the initial enterprise. He maintains a zealous devotion to an ideal, mainly as the dedicated coach of the club’s Under 14 and Under 16 teams – his assistant is Mrs Bernie Bolger.

Foxrock girls club is constantly attracting the attention of Dublin county team selectors for all the age group sides. Grace O’Neill has swept through the county ranks – and is presently pushing for a place in Dublin’s Under 18 squad. Right on Grace’s heels are five girls who helped Dublin win last year’s Leinster Under 14 C Championship; Elaine Bolger, Aoife Kearney, Sarah Brophy, Sinead Loughran and Danielle Kells. Elaine now plays Under 16 football with us; Aoife and Sinead have regained their places in this season’s county squad and have been joined by Aideen Maguire.

The club’s Under 10s will miss the skills of Hayley Whyte and Olivia Crossan who move up to join emerging talents Petra Kealy, Ellen Monnolly, Michaela Grealish, Aoife Mooney, Laura King and Niamh Collins in the Under 12 section.

These players’ achievements did not happen by accident, but very much by design. Still, great expectations require immense sacrifice and no small amount of effort to maintain such an impressive assembly line.

Not long after the launching of Foxrock Girls’ Club, a man with strong Scottish roots brought his Daughter Kirstie to join the fun. Derek McArdle, with Caledonian connections from the Highlands, was invited to lend a helping hand – and ended up Club Secretary and PRO.

“I have enjoyed every moment and it has been very rewarding. I come from Shinty country in Scotland and I suppose a love of games has helped”, said Derek, whose daughter progressed in the football skills department to secure representation in Dublin’s Under 12 team for the special half time mini sevens match during last year’s All Ireland football final at Croke Park.

“It is a very exciting adventure. There is a great family spirit at the club, and I also help out with some coaching – mainly in the nursery section along with Ray Casey”.

There are four clubs currently sharing the facilities, the Foxrock Parish pitch at Cornelscourt. From the beginning the club grew by word of mouth. It started with around two-dozen girls gathering to help launch the first club team, which by the way all now play in the first Division! The demand is fantastic, the club is going like a train!

“Things are on a bit of a high already, after winning the Under 12 Dublin League Shield last season. That is a glowing sign of the times, as Foxrock Girls Clubs takes off. We were also runners-up in the Under 14 Shield. For the coming season at Under 16 level we shall make our debut in the Dublin league with a combined team involving girls from Cabinteely.

At Under 18s, we shall continue our association with St Olaf’s from Sandyford, as we do not yet have enough players at this age level to ‘go it alone’. With so many skilful players emerging we would hope to soon have players involved in every underage group with the Dublin County panels.

Such progress does not happen without the voluntary help at the club. Philip McAnenly is ably assisted by Mick Kealy for the Under 14s and at Under 12 level Kieran Condon coaches, helped by Janine Whyte.

The overall success by Foxrock Girls Club means, in my opinion, we are being seen as the ‘Brand’ for ladies Gaelic football. The interest in our club is quite astonishing, with backing by McDonalds for our summer camp, 02 sponsorship for our jerseys and Roma on our tracksuits.

The Foxrock Grils Club have recently recruited the services of Dublin County player and former All Star, Sile Nic Coitir as Derek explained. “This is part of the overall strategic development of the club in forging strong links with all the neighbouring schools. She coaches one day a week at Hollypark Girls National School in Foxrock, St Brigid’s Girls in Cabinteely and Our Lady of Mercy in Booterstown. Hollypark in fact did us all proud in 2002 by reaching the Division 1 final of the Cumann Na mBunscoil school competitions in Croke Park.

The next step is to further develop the game in the secondary schools. Links have already been made with Loreto Secondary School as 15-18 year olds can represent a potential problem age when players tend to slip out of the game”.

“Overall we are delighted to see the girls getting exercise and enjoying their participation in Gaelic Sports. It is also extremely encouraging to see parents down at the ground week after week supporting their children”.

A True Blue – Martina Farrell

Dublin were a breath of fresh air in last year’s TG4 Senior All Ireland Championship. Their direct style, coupled with high-energy performances saw them take Leinster by storm. After stumbling slightly against Monaghan in the quarter final, they beat hot favourites Kerry to qualify for their first ever Croke Park final. On the day there was real heartbreak for the city girls as an injury time goal from Mayo’s Dianne O’Hora secured a fourth title in five years for the western side.

For Dublin captain Martina Farrell, it was obvious she was very proud of her side’s performance. “We had a good campaign in Leinster. Against Monaghan we had a bit of luck. It was our worst performance of the year but we still pulled through. However, we had a very good game against Kerry. Then of course there was the final with Mayo. We were very upset at the time. It was dreadful to lose an All Ireland in Croke Park, especially the way in which we lost it. Last year’s awful weather turned the pitch into an ice rink, which made it difficult to play. We should have won, we had most of the possession but a cruel fluke goal cost us the game”.

However, Martina, a maths and computer teacher in Rosary College, Crumlin, who plays her football for Ballyboden St Endas, is very positive. “Football can be very cruel, you have to take the highs with the lows. The only way to get over it is to go back and give it another go. Croke Park is the ultimate place to play a game of football. It was a phenomenal feeling and one that I hope to repeat”.

An emotive button had been pressed which released the most tangible of feelings. The sort of bottled determination mixed with an unexplainable passion that pushes tired legs through the pain barriers. “When the jersey is pulled over your head and you look around you at the other players in the dressing room, it’s the most amazing feeling in the world. Those of use who get to wear that jersey are privileged. Last year, walking onto the pitch, the mass of blue flags and the roar as we paraded past the Hill, a place where I had stood many many times…yes it was sad to see it go”. Martina spoke as only a Dub could.

The true blue was born a natural and had the pick of any sport. “I was always into sport, my whole family love sport and their support has been just brilliant. I have one sister who plays basketball, another who is hooked on hockey and everybody in the house enjoys gold. I think when I finally hang up the boots, I’ll switch from the fields to the fairways”.

It wasn’t always football; Martina could so easily have excelled in another code. “I was an athlete and a basketball player before I started playing football. I used to compete at the Community Games”, a regular face at the annual Mosney event. “I probably played every sport at one time or another but basketball was my main sport throughout my schooling. I began playing football in secondary school. I played National League basketball from September to March and football during the summer months.

Martina is one of those players who will always get a few extra years from the top flight of the game because of her exercise regime, which she is equally passionate about.

When the lady’s not fielding for club and county she heads for her favourite gym. “I am a member of Crunch Fitness which has a fabulous set up. I love the gym and I love to swim when I get the time. I have also been trying to take up golf on a more regular basis so when the football’s finished that will be the sport for me”.

At 31 the affable Dubliner reckons she is playing her best football since selection for the Dublin panel in 1998, moving from a former midfield role to control proceedings from the half back line. “I loved the freedom of playing as a midfielder which meant I could run as much as I wanted to. Now I play most of my game at centre back which I feel is my best position”.

Martina has been retained as captain for 2004 and thinks the appointment of John O’Leary will be good for the team. “John is still getting the feel for the game, he is really enthusiastic and has a wealth of experience and you know you really can’t beat that”.

The management team have retained the same squad of players as last year. O’Leary and the selectors are working well together and Martina thinks that the team are a great bunch and their togetherness is one of the reasons that they went so far in 2003. “W were and are one big unit. There is definitely something special about our team, everyone is equal and everyone gives their all for each other”.

The efforts made by Dublin last year didn’t go unnoticed. Three players were selected for the All Star team. Martina and Maria Kavanagh were selected in defence, whilst Angie McNally was picked in midfield. Recently Central Council announced that the All Stars would be travelling to New York in May to play a game against the Rest of Ireland select. Sorcha Farrelly and Mary Nevin have made the Rest of Ireland team.

Looking forward to the coming season and Martina would dearly love a trip back to Croke Park. “In the short term we want to do as well as possible in the league but long term I would love to win the All Ireland. But I know how difficult that is. There are so many good teams out there and we are taking nothing for granted”. Now playing at her peak, Martina has been troubled with a few niggling injuries and will take it a season at a time. “I can’t really say how long Il will keep playing. As long as my body stays intact and I am good enough to be picked for the tam, I will probably continue to play”.

And when the curtain call finally beckons the Dublin dynamo is determined to put something back into a sport which she freely admits has given her so much. “I will definitely train teams at some level whether its coaching or management. The game is getting more competitive and faster. Its popularity has soared and the recognition it is beginning to receive is no more than it deserves. More and more people are beginning to realise that we are not girls trying to play football but real footballers playing a very skilful game. I want to play a part in all that”.

County Board Officers: 2006

Chairperson: John Hilliery

Vice-Chairperson: Michael Walsh

Secretary: Kathleen Colreavy

Assistant Secretary: Fionnuala Sexton

Treasurer: Pat Ring

Assistant Treasurer/Registrar: Siobhan Walsh

Development Officer:

Fixtures Secretary: Phillip Brady

PRO: Patricia Monahan

Irish Language Officer: Eugene Egan

Children’s Officer: Seamus McKenna

Minor Board:

Chairperson: Amalgamated

Secretary:

Assistant Secretary:

Development Officer:

PRO:

Fixtures Secretary:

Dublin Ladies Roll of Honour

Junior Championship:

Winners Runners Up

1996 Noamh Barrog Na Fianna

1997 Ballyboden St Endas St Marks

1998 Round Towers C Na Fianna

1999 Na Fianna Portabello B

2000 Parnells Clontarf

2001 Nh Mearnog Clontarf

2002 Lucan Sarsfields St Sylvesters

2003 Fingallians Ballyboden St Endas B

2004 St Sylvesters Raheny

Junior B Championships:

Winners Runners Up

2003 St Brigids St Margarets

2004 Clontarf Thomas Davis

Junior C Championships:

Winners Runners Up

2004 Garda Na Fianna

Junior D Championships:

Winners Runners Up

2004 Cuala Nh Barrog

Intermediate Championship:

Winners Runners Up

2000 Kilmacud Crokes Lucan Sarsfields

2001 St Marks Ballinteer St Johns

2002 Nh Mearnog Ballinteer St Johns

2003 Na Fianna Man O War

2004 Fingallians Man O War

Senior Championship:

Winners Runners Up

1985 Rathcoole UCD

1986 UCD Marino

1987 Marino Robert Emmets

1988 Marino Robert Emmets

1989 St Monicas Robert Emmets

1990 Marino Robert Emmets

1991 Robert Emmets Park Rangers

1992 Portabello Marino

1993 Marino Portabello

1994 Robert Emmets Portabello

1995 Portabello St Olafs

1996 Portabello St Olafs

1997 Portabello St Brigids

1998 Portabello St Olafs

1999 Portabello Ballyboden St Endas

2000 Ballyboden St Endas Na Fianna

2001 Ballyboden St Endas Garda

2002 Ballyboden St Endas Garda

2003 Ballyboden St Endas Garda

2004 Ballyboden St Endas Nh Mearnog

Dublin Clubs 2005

Club Name Venue Venue

1 Ballinteer St Johns Marley Park Broadford

2 Ballyboden St Endas Pairc Ui Murchu Colaiste Eanna

3 Ballyboughal Ballyboughal

4 Ballymun Kickhams Pairc Ciceam

5 Cabinteely/Foxrock Granville Road Cornelscourt

6 Castleknock Porterstown

7 Clann Mhuire Naul

8 Clan Na Gael Fontenoy Sean Moore Park

9 Clontarf St Annes Park # 34 St Annes Park #30

10 Croi Ro Naofa Killinarden

11 Cuala Hyde Park Meadowvale

12 Fingal Ravens Rolestown

13 Fingallians Lawless Park Balheary

14 Garda Westmanstown

15 Garristown Garristown

16 Kilmacud Crokes Pairc de Burca Silver Park

17 Lucan Sarsfields 12th Lock Griffith Park

18 Man-O-War Man-O-War

19 Na Fianna Mobhi Road

20 Naomh Barrog Paric Barrog St Annes Park #14

21 Naomh Jude Tymon North

22 Naomh Fionnbarra John Paul Park

23 Naomh Mearnog Portmarnock

24 Naomh Olaf Pairc Ui Bhriain

25 O’Dwyers Balbriggan

26 O’Tooles Pairc Ui Tuathaill

27 Parnells Channel College

28 Portabello Leinster Road

29 Raheny St Annes Park # 9

30 Round Towers C Clondalkin

31 Round Towers L Lusk

32 Scoil Ui Chonaill Clontarf Road

33 Skerries Harps Skerries

34 St Annes Bohernabreena

35 St Brigids Russell Park Beech Park

36 St Finians Rivervalley

37 St Finians Newcastle

38 St Joseph’s OCB Fairview Park

39 St Margarets St Margarets

40 St Marks McGee Park

41 St Marys Saggart

42 St Mauras Rush

43 St Monicas Edenmore School

44 St Oliver Plunketts ER Martin Savage Park

45 St Peregrines Blakestown Hartstown

46 St Sylvesters Bridgefield

47 Templeogue SS Bushy Park

48 Thomas Davis Kiltipper Road

49 Whitehall Colmcille Cloghan

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