Ladies Football in Kerry

Football was played un-officially in Kerry during the years 1970 to 1973 with clubs taking part in carnival tournaments etc, just for fun. Towards the end of the 1973 during a carnival week in Banteer, Co Cork, Kerry and Cork were invited to play for a set of trophies. Mick Fitzgerald who was involved with the Kerry camogie team at the time and a Scotsman by the name of Alex Rintoul selected the Kerry Ladies football team to play Cork. The game attracted a large attendance due to the fact that it was the first Ladies Football inter-county game in Munster. Cork football star, Denny Long refereed the game that Kerry won by 5-10 to 4-11. Even at that time there was some very talented players around. Cork had a real star in Bridie Brosnan who scored a goal and ten points while Kerry had their star in Mary Geaney who contributed two goals and six points.

On Thursday the 8th August 1974, a Kerry Ladies County Board was formed at a meeting held in the Austin Stacks GAA Pavillion in Tralee.

The following Officers were elected:

Chairman: Richard Williams, Fossa Killarney

Secretary: Joan Kelliher, Killarney

Treasurer: Pat Lawlor, Ardfert

Selectors: Mick Fitzgerald

Alex Rintoul

Richard Wiliams

Pat Lawlor

A few club teams were formed around that time and a County League held. Kerry played Cork in the first round of the Munster championship and won with a few points to spare. Kerry played Waterford in the next round and won. The Munster championship was payed in a league system at that time. Kerry played Tipperary in the Munster final at Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary on the 15th September and after a ding dong struggle, Tipperary held on to win on the score, Tipperary 2-6 Kerry 2-5. Tipperary went on to win their first All Ireland and of course the first All Ireland ever played.

Kerry Team:

Sue Moloney Josephine Dillon Marion Quill Eileen O’Shea

Mary O’Connor Sheila Donnelly Bernie Donoghue Marie Murphy

Esther Murphy Mai Lombard Mary Geaney Margaret Lawlor Jenny Mason Margaret Doherty Helen Slattery

1975

The Annual General Meeting of the County Board was held on the 10th March. All the outgoing officer sand selectors were returned unopposed. The Munster championship was once more played in a league system with each of the counties playing each other. Kerry played Cork in the first round on the 6th July in Castleisland and won comfortably on the score of Kerry 2-9 Cork 0-3.

In the second round Kerry played Waterford at Dungarvan on the 20th July and again had a comfortable victory on the score, Kerry 4-8 Waterford 2-2.

Kerry prepared hard for the Munster final against All Ireland champions Tipperary and had high hope of victory. The game was played at Fitzgerald stadium, Killarney on the 17th August and very early in the game, hopes that Kerry had of victory were well and truly buried as a rampant Tipperary team with their half forward line in particular too good for the Kerry defence. Tipperary ran out the easiest of winners on the score Tipperary 7-3, Kerry 1-5.

The Kerry part were very depressed and disappointed after the game, not at the fact of been beaten but the huge gap between the teams in standard. Tipperary went on to win their second All Ireland.

Kerry team:

Teresa Murphy Eileen O’Shea Marion Quill Ann O’Connell

Mary O’Connor Bernie Donoghue Jenny Mason Marie Murphy

Esther Murphy Kathleen Brosnan Mary Geaney Mai Lombard

Margaret Lawlor Margaret Doherty Helen Slattery

In 1975 also the Kerry County Board introduced a county league and championship. Fossa and Castleisland met in the final of the county league on the 20th September and Fossa won by two clear goals, Fossa 3-1 Castleisland 1-1. The final of the county championship between the same two teams was postponed until early in 1976. When it was played, Castleisland turned the tables on Fossa this time and won Kerry’s first county championship in ladies football on the score of Castleisland 2-3, Fosssa 2-0. In the last few minutes of that game, Castleisland and Kerry mid-fielder broke her leg and was never to play football again. Esther was promising to be a really great player. She was a native of Mallow, Co Cork and was a bank official in Castleieland.

1976

In 1976, a number of new players and clubs arrived on the scene. In 1976 also, Central Council introduced an Inter-provincial Championship. Ulster did not take part. Munster and Leinster met in the final which was played in Littleton, Co Tipperary on the 9th May. The final score was Munster 1-12 Leinster 0-2. A feature of the game was the performance of Castleisland girl Mary Geany who scored a goal and eight points. The girl I mentioned, Esther Murphy, gave a brilliant display this time at centre half back. This game was played just a week before she broke her leg. For the record the following was the Munster team:

Mary Prendergast (Waterford) Ann McCarthy (Waterford)

Sally Clohessy (Tipperary) Ann O’Riordan (Cork)

Esther Murphy (Kerry) Ann Looby (Tipperary)

Marie Murphy (Kerry) Josephine Stapleton (Tipperary)

Noelle McCarthy (Cork) Mary Geaney (Kerry)

Cait Dwyer (Tipperary) Bride Brosnan (Cork)

Carmel Ryan (Waterford) Kathleen (Kerry)

Kerry had their first game of 1976 when they played Cork in a tournament game at Inchigeely on Monday the 7th June. Kerry won by 5-6 and 2-5 and there were a lot of new faces on the Kerry team. Football continues to improve in the county and after a number of hard training sessions under the guidance of the late Paul O’Sullivan RIP and Alex Rintoul, Kerry were in a confident mood when they met Cork for the first round of the Munster Championship at Banteer on the 10th July. After a very promising performance from the entire team, Kerry ran out easy winners on the score of 5-10 to 2-1.

Kerry team:

Sue Curtain Annette O’Connor Bernie Donoghue Sue Moloney

Margaret Lawlor Ann O’Connell Kathleen Brosnan Marie Murphy

Dell McLoughlin Mai Lombard Nora Donoghue Helen Slattery

Eileen Donoghue Mary Geaney Margaret Doherty

Mary Geaney was once more the star scoring a goal and six points. Readers should note two other names, Margaret Lawlor, now Margaret Lawlor-Slattery and Dell McLoughlin, now Dell Whyte, who went on to win all the honours in the game. Kerry played Waterford in the second round of the Munster Championship at Fossa outside Killarney on the 23rd July. The scoreline of 6-12 to 0-2 in Kerry’s favour tells its own story. A small report in the “Kerryman newspaper on the following week stated as follows:

“This was a great game of football with some lovely passing and great skill and it was a pity that more people didn’t see it”

Kerry were through to meet Tipperary once again and even though they had had comfortable victories over Cork and Waterford, knew that Tipperary would be very hard to beat. The game was fixed for Golden County, Tipperary on the 31st August. We had arranged to meet in Castleisland and travel by cars. When we came together in Castleisland we learned that full back Bernie Donoghue had been removed to hospital earlier in the day and that centre half forward Nora Donoghue was not available either because of a broken finger. That was not the end of our troubles as near Newcastlewest, when one of our trainers stopped his car while approaching the main road, the second trainer who has been travelling immediately behind him rang into the back of his car. We thought it was not going to be our day, however we still arrived in plenty of time but perhaps a little disorganised but still willing to have a right go. Kerry had the assistance of the strong wind in the first half and led by 2-1 to nil at half time. We wondered if the lead was enough. In the first ten minutes of the second half, Tipperary kept coming forward and scored three points to leave just four points between the sides with still twenty minutes to go. I think Tipperary in retrospect made a mistake in trying for goals as the Kerry keeper made a few wonderful saves. The goal did eventually did come but thankfully from a Kerry point of view, it was at the other end. Centre half forward Mary Geaney who had been back helping the defence collected the ball about fifty yards from her own goal and went on one of her great solo runs before crashing the ball to the Tipperary net for a very important goal and her third of the game. Tipperary still tried to pull the game out of the fire but Kerry survived and so won their first Munster Senior Championship.

Kerry team:

Sue Curtain Helen Slattery Noreen Thompson Sue Moloney

Margaret Lawlor Annette O’Connor Ann O’Connell Marie Murphy

Dell McLoughlin Kathleen Brosnan Mary Geaney Jackie Moriarty

Margaret Doherty Mai Lombard

Sub: Sheila Power for Jackie Moriarty

Othere subs were: Amelia Collins and Eileen O’Connor.

Kerry had now qualified to meet the Ulster representative Cavan in the All Ireland semi final.

On Saturday the 11th September the Kerry party travelled by cars to Cavan to play the home county in the All Ireland semi final. The Cavan Officials Tom Dowd, John Joe Brady and others met us at the outskirts of the town and brought up for tea and sandwiches. We then went to Breffini Park where we were surprised to see such a large crowd. It was a dry breezy evening and Kerry having the advantage of the breeze in the first half led by 11 points at half time. There was a young lady playing at centre field by the name of Kathleen Leddy, sister of Ollie Leddy who starred with Cavan men. This young lady caused Kerry a lot of problems with her fine fielding and long kicking. This young lady is a lot better know now as singer Kathy Durcan. After a very entertaining game, Kerry emerged victorious by 3-9 to 3-3.

Kerry team:

Sue Curtin Noreen Thompson Bernie Donohgue Sue Moloney

Helen Slattery Marie Murphy Sheila Power Dell McLoughlin

Ann O’Connell Kathleen Brosnan Mary Geaney Nora Donoghue Eileen Donoghue Margaret Doherty Mai Lombard

Scorers for Kerry: Mary Geaney 1-4

Mai Lombard 2-1

Kathleen Brosnan 0-2

Dell McLoughlin and Eileen Donoghue 0-1 each

After the game we were treated to a sit own dinner by the Cavan County Board and were guests at a dance in Cavan afterwards and were given accommodation for the night. On Sunday the Kerry team travelled home happy and contented, one of many stops was in Castleisland where the girls played a Castleisland over 40 mens selection in a carnival tournament. This was annual event for a number of years.

Nobody ever knew who won but nobody cared as the crack was mighty. 1976 was also the year when the Under 16 Championship was inaugurated.

Under 16

On the 3rd October 1976, Kerry played Cork in the Munster final in Fossa, Killarney. Kerry won by 5-0 to 4-2. Nola Foley now Nora Hallissey played in goal for Kerry. Eileen Lawlor (Dardis) was at right full forward and a young lady who came on a s a sub was Mary Jo Curran.

Kerry seniors continue their preparation for the All Ireland final against Offaly. The game was played at Littleton, Co Tipperary on Sunday the 10th October 1976. Offaly very sportingly agreed to change jerseys when they learned that Kerry got new socks, shorts, jerseys and track suits sponsored. Just a handful of supporters travelled from Kerry for the game. In the early stagers of the game Offaly were dominating play in most positions and put a lot of pressure on the Kerry defence. Noreen Thompson at right full back for Kerry gave a wonderful exhibition of fielding and must have broken the hearts of Offaly with her performance. Once more the leading scorer for Kerry was centre half forward Mary Geaney who scored 3-2. The other scorers for Kerry were Nora Donoghue 1-1, Kathleen Brosnan 0-2 and Eileen Donoghue 0-1. Kerry went on to win their first All Ireland by beating Offaly 4-6 to 1-5.

Kerry team:

Sue Curtin Noreen Thompson Bernie Donoghue Sue Moloney

Margaret Lawlor Marie Murphy Annette O’Connor Dell McLoughlin Noa Donoghue Kathleen Brosnan Mary Geaney (capt) Mai Lombard

Eileen Donohgue Margaret Doherty Helen Slattery

Subs: Jackie Moriarty for Margaret Lawlor (injured)

Other subs: Ann O’Connell, Amelia Collins, Mary Ferris, Eileen O’Connor, Matilda McDonagh

As far as Kerry were concerned it was a great victory and a wonderful feeling to win

an All Ireland in Ladies football.

What happened after that? Did the players get a hero’s welcome? Not on your life.

The team and officials together with the few supporters adjourned to the local public

where they bought sandwiches for themselves and had a few drinks. We remained there until closing time. That didn’t matter we all knew that no matter what time we arrived home there wouldn’t be any bonfires, interviews or celebrations. The result of the game wasn’t even in the National newspapers. That is one thing I always regret. Girls put just as much work and preparation into their game as their male counterparts. They take as much pride in wearing their county jersey and no doubt at far greater cost to themselves, but who appreciates them, well at least there are a few of us who do.

Later that month the Kerry Under 16 team played Mayo in the All-Ireland final in Athlone but were beaten by a very strong and skilful Mayo team.

On the 28th November Fossa beat Killorglin in the county championship final and to complete the year the County Board held a very successful victory social at the Earl of Desmond Hotel, attended by over 300 patrons.

1977

Munster beat Ulster by 8-11 to 0-6 in the Inter-provincial semi final at Kilcormack, Co Offaly on the 24th April. Connaught beat Leinster in the other semi final. The interprovincial final was played in Athlone on the 23rd July with Munster beating Connaught by 3-5 to 1-2.

The Munster team was:

Eithney Henessy (Waterford) Ann Croke (Tipperary)

Bernie Donoghue (Kerry) Sally Clohessy (Tipperary)

Helen Slattery (Kerry) Aggie O‘Leary (Waterford)

Margaret Leahy (Tipperary) Margaret Lawlor (Kerry)

Josie Stapleton (Tipperary) Eileen Walsh (Waterford)

Mai Lombard (Kerry) Dell McLoughlin (Kerry)

Eileen Donoghue (Kerry) Mary Geaney (Kerry)

Mary Power (Waterfod)

In the first round of the Munster Championship, Kerry played Tipperary in Castleisland and with Dell McLoughlin and Margaret Lawlor lording it at centre field. Kerry had a comfortable victory on the score Kerry 4-8 Tipperary 2-3. Missing from the 1976 team were brilliant goalkeeper Sue Curtin who had got married and gone to live in Cork, Sue Maloney, Annette O’Connor and Nora Donoghue who didn’t have the interest to continue and brilliant young star Marie Murphy of Aughacurreen, Killarney who got seriously ill and never played football again. Thankfully fifteen year on Marie is now in the best of health. In the next round of the Munster championship, Kerry travelled to Ballymacarby where they beat Waterford by 3-10 to 2-3. The same team beat Cork in the Munster final at Castleisland.

The All Ireland semi final between Kerry and Roscommon was fixed for Castleisland on Sunday evening the 18th September at 5.00 pm. There were two men’s county championship games on in Austin Stack Park, Tralee and a lot of the crowd came along to see the ladies game. Unfortunately from a Kerry point of view three of the Kerry players, namely Margaret and Eileen Lawlor and Helen Slattery got caught up in the traffic and didn’t arrive until midway through the first half. By that time Roscommon who had travelled the previous day for the game were in front by 2-2 to no score. Roscommon eventually won by 2-3 to 1-3. Kerry midfielder, Mai Lombard missed two penalties.

I have often wondered what would have happened if Kerry would have started with a full team. The Kerry line up was:

Mary Ferris Noreen Thompson Bernie Donoghue Eileen O’Connor

Ann O‘Callaghan Ann Connell Amelia Collins Dell McLoughlin

Mai Lombard Kay O’Leary Mary Geaney Joan Barry

Eileen Donoghue Margaret Doherty Sarah Laide

At local level, Castleisland and Austin Stacks qualified for the county championship and county league finals. On the 23rd October, Castleisland defeated Austin Stacks by 2-7 to 2-3 in the league final. Just one week later, the same two teams met in the championship final. Austin Stacke gained sweet revenge when they beat Castleisland by 2-10 to 3-2 in extra time.

1978

This was a very lean year for Kerry on the inter-county scene. They won just a couple of games in the newly inaugurated national league. They did qualify to meet Tipperary in the final of the Munster senior championship but after giving a very poor display were well beaten by Tipperary on a score of 4-5 to 1-3.

There was no minor championship in the Munster Under 16 final and after a very close low scoring game, Tipperary won by 1-1 to 0-2. The Kerry Under 16 lined out as follows:

Hilda O’Leary Jackie McGillicuddy Martina Walsh Catherine Doyle

Marion Doherty Margaret Flaherty Sheila Twomey Eileen Lawlor

Sarah Laide Joan Barry Ogie Sullivan Marina Barry

Mary Jo Curran Nora Foley Geraldine Greensmith

1979

Kerry made their exit from the national league when they were defeated by Roscommon in the quarter final at Hyde Park on the 18th February 1989. On the 11th March at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Connaught easily beat Munster in the inter-provincial semi final on a score of Connaught 6-8 Munster 1-5. On the club scene Castleisland as Kerry county champions defeated Tipperary champions Loughmore by 4-2 to 2-4 in the Munster club semi final. On the 8th April, Castleisland were defeated by Newtownshandrum of Cork in the Munster club final by 4-2 to 2-5.

Kerry seniors qualified for the Munster final but once more were well beaten by Tipperary on the score, Tipperary 2-5 Kerry 0-4. Kerry also suffered defeats at the hands of Tipperary in the Under 16 championship.

In the 1979/80 national league, Kerry went on to win their first of six national leagues in a row. In the first round Kerry defeated Cork by 4-3 to 2-3 in Killarney on the 4th November. Kerry defeated Galway in the second round by 1-9 to 0-1 in Galway on the 11th November. The third round was played on the 10th March 1980 when Kerry defeated Tipperary by 2-5 to 0-5 at Holycross. In the semi final on the 10th May Kerry defeated Cavan in Killarney by 8-12 to 0-1. The national league was played at Litteton Co Tipperary on the 10th June 1980 when Kerry won a great game of football by 4-8 to 3-3.

The Kerry team on the occasion was:

Hilda O’Leary Mary Geaney Eileen O’Connor Amelia Collins

Marion Doherty Lil Horgan Ann Naughton Mary Twomey

Margaret Lawlor Eileen Lawlor Dell McLoughlin Mary Jo Curran

Nora Foley Ann Callaghan Mai Lombard

1980

In the inter-provincial championship, Munster defeated Ulster at Cloghan, Co Offaly by 5-9 to 2-1 and in the final defeated Leinster by 5-6 to 3-9. Once more the Munster senior final was contested between Kerry and Tipperary and in a very close encounter Tipperary came out on top, this time by the narrowest of margins on the score, Tipperary 2-5 Kerry 3-1.

This was the year also in which the minor championship was inaugurated. In the Munster championship, Kerry defeated Tipperary by 2-4 to 1-4 and defeated Cork in the final by 6-9 to 1-0. In the All Ireland semi final, Kerry defeated Roscommon by 8-9 to 1-2 and in the fin al which was played at Tullamore on the 12th September, Kerry beat Cavan by 10-7 to 2-1.

The Kerry team was:

Hilda O’Leary Phil Curran Martina Walsh Rose Moriarty

Marion Doherty Jackie McGillicuddy Annette Walsh Mary Twomey

Cathy Fitzgerald Marina Barry Eileen Lawlor Mary Jo Curran

Colette Treacy Nora Foley Margaret Flaherty

In the Munster Under 16 championship, Kerry got a walk over from Cork and qualified to meet Tipperary in the Munster final. The final was played on the 27th September and Tipperary won by 4-2 to 3-1. 198 was also the first year of the All-Stars section. The first All Star selection was:

Martina McGuire (Cavan) Ann Maher (Tipperary)

Eileen O’Connor Kerry) Nuala Egan (Roscommon)

Bernadette Stankard (Galway) Rose Donegan (Offaly)

Mary Troy (Laois) Josie Stapleton (Tipperary)

Ann Mulloy (Offaly) Elizabeth O’Brien (Roscommon)

Eileen Lawlor (Kerry) Mary Jo Curran (Kerry)

Lilian Gorey (Tipperary) Anges O’Gorman (Offaly)

Rose Curley (Meath)

In the first round of the National League, Tipperary defeated Kerry by 1-2 to 1-1.

1981

On the 8th March, Munster defeated Leinster in the inter-provincial semi final by 2-8 to 0-7. In the final played on the 29th March at Tullamore, Munster defeated Ulster by 6-7 to 1-1.

On the 19th April Kerry defeated Offaly in National League at Tralee by 8-14 to 1-2. In National League semi final, Kerry beat Galway by 6-13 to 0-4 and in the final, Kerry defeated Tipperary by 5-4 to 1-8.

In the All Ireland club semi final, Castleisland who had won the Munster club championship defeated Mullahoran of Cavan by 12-8 to 0-2 and in the All Ireland club final played on the 26th July at Dolla, Co Tipperary, Castleisland defeated Rochfordbridge of Westmeath by 2-7 to 3-1. In the Munster senior c hampionship Kerry regained the title after many years of disappointments when they defeated Tipperary in the semi final by 3-8 to 1-5 beating Cork by 2-13 to 1-5 in the Munster final. Kerry also retained the Munster minor championship by defeating Tipperary in the Munster final by 2-2 to 1-4. In the Under 16 final, Kerry lost to Tipperary b y 3-5 to 2-1.

In the All Ireland minor semi final, Kerry had an easy victory over Cavan on the score, Kerry 13-11 Cavan 0-1. The All Ireland minor final was played on the 7th November at Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary between Kerry and Wexford and after a great game Kerry won by 3-8 to 2-5.

The Kerry minor team was

Hilda O’Leary Cationa Buckley Bridget Leen Josie Leen

Ann Kennelly Marion Doherty Siobhan Leen Marina Barry

Annette Walsh Fionnuala Moriarty Mary Jo Curran Sheila Twomey

Brid McElligott Margaret Flaherty Aine Doherty

The All Ireland senior semi final was played at Roscrea on the 13th September between Kerry and Offaly. Kerry had defeated Offaly easily in the National League but on this occasion Offaly gained sweet revenge when defeating Kerry on the score, Offaly 4-8 Kerry 4-5. In the Kerry county championship final, Castleisland defeated Austin Stacks by 0-6 to 1-1.

1982

The first game of 1982 was the inter-provincial semi final between Munster and Connaught at Claregalway on the 14th February. The final score was Munster 3-8 Connaught 1-4. The final was played at Roscrea on the 21st March where Leinster won their first title by defeating Munster by 1-8 to 1-6. Kerry qualified for the National League semi final by beating Cavan by 5-3 to 1-8 and they retained their title by beating Tipperary in the final at Kilcormac, Co Offaly on the 30th May. Final score Kerry 5-7 Tipperary 2-4.

In the first round of Munster senior championship Kerry beat Waterford by

6-11 to 0-0. Kerry beat Tipperary in the final by 2-11 to 0-2.

Kerry lost the minor final to Tipperary on the score, Tipperary 3-5 Ker4ry 3-2. Kerry won the Under 16 championship beating Tipperary in the final by 3-2 to 1-4. In the All Ireland semi final Wexford beat Kerry by 2-9 to 4-0. In the All Ireland senior semi final played at Tullamore on the 12th September, Kerry defeated Cavan by 4-6 to 1-4.

The All Ireland final was played at Nenagh on the 3rd October in what was one of the worse days of the year. There was a continuous downpour during the game with strong winds. Kerry defeated Offaly by 1-8 to 1-2. This was Kerry’s second senior title and the first of their nine in a row.

The Kerry team was:

Hilda ‘Leary Tess Horgan Eileen O’Connor Nora Foley

Marion Doherty Lil Horgan Margaret Lawlor Mary Twomey

Annette Walsh Marina Barry Eileen Lawlor Sheila Twomey

Margaret Flaherty Dell Whyte Kathleen McElligott

Subs: Mary Jo Curran for K McElligott

Kay Carr for Sheila Twomey

Other subs: Bridget Leen Phil Curran Siobhan Leen

Castleisland were defeated by Watergrasshill of Cork in the Munster club final.

1982

Ninth All-Ireland Ladies Gaelic Football Final

At

McDonagh Park (Nenagh, Co Tipperary)

Ui-Faile

V

Ciarrai

(commencing at 3.00 pm, October 3rd)

Moltoir: John Joe Brady (Cabhain)

Luach 30p

9th Ladies All Ireland Football Final

Today the ninth All Ireland ladies football final takes place between Offaly (the holders) and Kerry. This is the second occasion that those sides meet in the final. Their previous meeting was in 1976. Kerry were victorious.

Offaly

Comes into today’s final with a great record. They have never been defeated in the Leinster Championship. In their march through Leinster they defeated Westmeath, Laois and Longford to take their ninth title in a row. Leitrim were their victims in the semi final by the narrowest of margins. This is their fifth final, having defeated Tipperary after a replay in 1979, and Cavan in the 1981 decider.

Their other final appearances were in 1976 when they lost to Kerry and 1974 when they lost to Tipperary.

Kerry

Make their second final appearance today. They have been champions of Munster on four occasions in all, 1976, 1977, 1981 and 1982. On their way to today’s final, they defeated Waterford, Tipperary and Cavan. They are the current holders of the National League title. In the 1982 final, they defeated Tipperary to take their third title in a row.

The trophy for today’s game is The Martin Cup. It was presented first in 1974 by Mr Brendan Martin, an Offaly man living in Dublin. Mr Martin is a member of the Offaly Men’s Association in Dublin. The referee for todays game is Mr John Joe Brady, of Mullahorn, Co Cavan. John Joe is a well know referee in Cavan Gaelic circles. He is also a staunch supporter of ladies football and has officiated at numerous games throughout the county. We wish him the best of luck in today’s decider.

Previous final appearances – Offaly:

1974: Lost to Tipperary

1976: Lost to Kerry

1979: Beat Tipperary (replay)

1982: Beat Cavan

Three of today’s panel seek their second All Ireland, Ciara Lee, Martina Colville and Rose Cuskelly, all the rest seek their third with the exception of Mary Scanlon. For Mary this is her first year on the panel.

Previous final appearances – Kerry:

1976: Beat Offaly

Four members of the 1976 side remain today. Margaret Lawlor who retains her number 5 spot, Del White played at centre field in 1976, Eileen O’Connor who plays at full-back today, was a sub in 1976, while Mary Lombard whom is sub today played at left half forward then.

Uibh Faile Datlanna Glas, Ban’s Oir

Offaly Green, white and gold

Ciara Lee (Tullamore)

Mary Daly Ann Molloy Bernie Kinnarney

(Roscommon) (Tullamore) (Ballycommon)

Jackie Dunne Rose Dunican Theresa Crinnigan

(Ballinamere) (Ballinamere) (Edenderry)

Joan Dunne Bernie Dunne

(Tullamore) (Ballycommon)

Bridget Reynolds Catherine Hanlon Martina McColville

(Tullamore) (Ballycommon) (Tullamore)

Helen Carroll Agnes Gorman Rose Cuskelly

(Edenderry) (Ballycommon) (Tullamore)

Subs: Ella Lowbridge Mary Carroll Rita Lowbridge (all Tullamore)

Mary Duffy (Ballinamere) Mary Scanlon (Clara)

Captain: Jean Dunne

County Board Officials: Chairman: Mick Talbot

Secretary: Catherine Hanlon

Joint Treasurers: John Conroy and Agnes Gorman

Selectors: Austin Brennan

Joe Feery

Mick Talbot

Paddy Dunne

John Conroy

Team Trainer: John Conroy

Ciarrai Dathana Glas is Oir

(Kerry) Green and Gold

Hilda O’Leary

(Austin Stacks)

Tess Horgan Eileen O’Connor Nora Foley

(Austin Stacks) (Austin Stacks) (Ballydonoghue)

Margaret Lawlor Lil Horgan Martin Doherty

(Ballydonoghue) (Austin Stacks) (Castleisland)

Mary Twomey Annette Walsh

(Castleisland) (Castleisland)

Marina Barry Eileen Lawlor Sheila Twomey

(Austin Stacks) (Ballydonoghue) (Castleisland)

Margaret Flaherty Del White Cathleen McElliott

(Castleisland) (Austin Stacks) (Ballydonoghue)

or Mary Jo Curran

Subs: Kay Carr Siobhan Leen Bridget Leen

Mary Lombard Phil Curran Martina Walsh

Captain: Marian Doherty

County Board Officials: Chairman: Tony Riordan

Secretary: Helen Dowling

Selectors: Helen Dowling

Tommy Carr

Mick Fitzgerald

Team Trainer: Mick Fitzgerald

Finals to date:

Year Winners Runners Up

1974 Tipperary Offaly

1975 Tipperary Galway

1976 Kerry Offaly

1977 Cavan Roscommon

1978 Roscommon Tipperary

1979 Offaly Tipperary (replay)

1980 Tipperary Cavan

1981 Offaly Cavan

Did you know?

1. That Wexford won two All Ireland titles in 1982, Under 16 and minor

2. That Ladies football is played in the following counties:

Offaly, Laois, Meath, Dublin, Wexford, Westmeath, Kerry, Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Cavan

3. That there are 16 affiliated clubs in Longford

4. That Leitrim won Division 2 of the National League defeating Laois in the final.

5. That Leinster won their first inter-provincial title in 1982.

6. That Helen Carroll who played for the victorious Offaly team two weeks ago.

7. That the past President of ladies football were Ton Dowd, Cavan, Tom Kenny Offaly and Jim Kennedy, Tipperary.

8. That there are four sets of sisters on today’s Kerry team:

Mary and Sheila Twomey

Tess and Lil Horgan

Siobhan and Bridget Leen

Phil and Mary Jo Curran

9. That Agnes Gorman, Anne Molloy, Catherine Hanlon and Tona McDonald hold nine Leinster medals.

10. That nine of the Kerry panel won All Ireland club medals with Castleisland in 1980.

Central Council Officers:

President: Mick Fitzgerald, Kerry

Secretary: Agnes Gorman, Offaly

Joint Treasurers: Mary Wheatley, Laois

Joe Feery, Offaly

PRO: Deirdre Quinn, Leitrim

Path to the final:

Offaly: Leinster: beat Westmeath

beat Laois

beat Longford

Semi final: beat Leitrim (Connaught)

Kerry: Munster: beat Waterford

beat Tipperary

Semi final: beat Cavan (Ulster)

Reception: After the game, there will be a reception for both teams in the Ormonde Hotel, Nenagh.

Programme: Today’s programme was prepared by Rochfortbridge Ladies Football Club from Co Westmeath.

The Kerryman 8th October 1982

Ladies Football final

“Great display wins for Kerry girls”

Kerry 1-8, Offaly 1-2. Kerry ladies footballers did the county proud at Nenagh on Sunday when they avenged the men’s defeat at the hands of Offaly by decisively beating the ladies from the Faithful county in a very entertaining All Ireland final.

Not only did Kerry beat the All Ireland champions but they showed great skill and tremendous determination in absolutely appalling weather conditions. Seldom have I experienced such heavy rain and full credit to the ladies for the entertainment they provided. I have often seen men’s games being postponed in conditions not nearly as bad.

Amazed

This was my first time seeing a ladies GAA game and frankly, I was amazed at the level of skill, especially from the Kerry girls. Despite the dreadful weather we saw some superb solo runs and excellent combination play from Kerry who fully deserved their victory. And the girls weren’t afraid to get stuck in either. There were quite a few unladylike comments after the tackles.

Offaly, in particular employed a few hatchet-men (or hatchet-women to be more correct) and a couple of Kerry girls came in for rough treatment, especially centre half forward Eileen Lawlor (Balydonoghue) and midfielder Mary Twomey.

Despite several crude tackles, it was Mary Twomey who played to be the real match-winner for Kerry. She had a tremendous game in the middle of the field and fully deserved her Player of the match award. She won almost everything in the air, showed tremendous skill, excellent distribution and most important of all, she kicked three vital goals.

But the top scoring honours went to Del White of Austin Stacks, one of only two married girls on the Kerry team. (Margaret Lawlor is the other). The powerful Mrs White was also very good in the air and had she been a little more accurate and a bit luckier, she could have run up a much higher total.

She was well supported in the full forward ling by Margaret Flaherty and Kathleen McElligott and by last year’s All Star Mary Jo Curran in the second half. In the half forward line, Eileen Lawlor was always in the thick of things, while Marina Barry and Sheila Twomey used their speed to good effect on the wings, winning a lot of possession. At midfield the Castleisland paring of Mary Twomey and hard working Annette Walsh was always on top.

Lil Horgan was like a rock in defence, ably assisted by wing-backs Margaret Lawlor and Marian Doherty, the team captain. The full back line was under quite a lot of pressure for long spells, but Tess Horgan, Eileen O’Connor and Nora Foley did well to keep the Offaly forwards at bay, as did goalkeeper Hilda O’Leary who made some fine saves in very difficult conditions.

Kerry deserve all the more credit because they had to come back into the game that Offaly had got off to a dream start with a goal and a point. The goal was a bit setback. It came in the third minute when a shot from Jean Dunne skidded away from Hilda O’Leary and Ella Lowbridge stuck it in the net. Shortly afterwards Dunne added a point herself.

But Kerry succeeded in getting their game together and with Horgan, Mary Twomey and Del White starting to win possession, they came back into the game. Mary Twomey got the first point when she played a short line ball to Margaret Flaherty who played a good one-two and Twomey pointed.

Second point

In the 18th minute, another short passing movement involving Eileen Lawlor and Mary Twomey saw the Castleisland girls kick her second point. Kerry still had the lion’s share of possession but they just could prove costly. But they kept plugging away and in the 21st minute, Flaherty set up Del White to leave just one point between the teams and straight from the kick out, Del White pointed again to leave the teams level at the interval (1-1 to 0-4).

Del White gave Kerry the lead for the first time early in the second half with a good point, but Offaly equalised when Twomey fouled Bridget Reynolds and Catherine Hanlon kicked over the 14 yard free.

Up at the other end, Del White gave another demonstration of her scoring power with a point from the right corner that would have been a credit to Mikey Sheehy., Kerry nearly added a goal after Marina Barry had done some great work to set up Margaret Flaherty, but Flaherty’s shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Even though Margaret Flaherty added another Kerry point, the game was still wide open with five minutes to go, with Kerry ahead by three points (0-3 to 1-2). There was a desperate cry from an Offaly supporter behind me, “bring in Seamus Darby’s sister”.

But this time it was Kerry who got the late goal. Mary Jo Curran had a shot well saved by the Offaly keeper, but her clearance only went as far as Lil Horgan who sent the ball straight back and it went in over the goalkeeper’s head.

Scorers for Kerry: D White 0-4, M Twomey 0-3, L Horgan 1-0, M Flaherty 0-1.

Kerry team:

H O’Leary (Austin Stacks) T Horgan (Stacks E O’Connor (Stacks)

N Foley (Ballydonoghue) M Lawlor (Ballydonoghue) L Horgan (Stacks)

M Doherty (Castleisland) M Barry (Stacks) E Lawlor (Ballydonoghue

S Twomey (Castleisland) D White (Stacks)

K McElligott (Ballydonoghue)

Subs: J J Curran (Ballydonoghue) for K McElligott

K Carr for S Twomey

The following Kerry players were selected on the All Star team, Hilda O’Leary, Margaret Lawlor, Mary Twomey, Dell Whyte. The All Stars v Kerry game was played at Abbeydorney, Co Kerry on the 31st October. The result was a win for the All Stars on the score, All Stars 4-7, Kerry 3-6.

1983

Kerry won all their games in the National league and qualified for the final against Leitrim. This game was played at Pearse Stadium, Galway on the 26th June. After a great game of football, while nearly every person at the game including the Kerry players had Leitrim in front, the referee said the game ended in a draw. The replay took place at the same venue on the 25t September. This time the final score was Kerry 1-4 Leitrim 0-4.

Kerry had already won the 1983 All Ireland at this time by defeating Wexford in the final at Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary on the score Kerry 4-6 Wexford 1-7. This was a great game of football. Wexford had led at half time but four points and with seven minutes left the teams were level.

The following was the Kerry team:

Kathleen McElligott Bridget Leen Nora Foley Tess Horgan

Marion Doherty Eileen O’Connor Siobhan Leen Annette Walsh

Lil Horgan Marina Barry Mary Jo Curran Margaret Lawlor Margaret Flaherty Mary Twomey Eileen Lawlor

Sub: Phil Curran, Margaret Sheehan, Sheila Twomey, Noreen Daly,

Teresa Murphy, Pat Joyce.

All-Stars

Five Kerry players were selected on the All Star team, Nora Foley, Annette Walsh, Mary Jo Curran, Mary Twomey and Eileen Lawlor.

The Kerry v All Stars game was played at Castleisland on the 9th October with Kerry winning by 5-9 to 0-3.

1984

The first games played in 1984 were the inter-provincials. Munster defeated Leinster by 2-6 to 1-7 in the semi final at Newcastlewest and defeated Connaught easily in the final at Shanagolden, Co Limierck.

Kerry again on all their games in the national league and qualified to meet Laois in the final which was played at Newport, Co Tipperary on the 17th June with Kerry winners on the score Kerry 2-10 Laois 1-7.

Kerry had another successful run in the Munster championship, beating Limerick in the first round by 4-12 to 1-1. Cork in the semi final by 2-8 to 1-4 and Waterford in the final by 5-9 to 0-3. On the 27th August, Kerry travelled to Wexford to take on the home county in the All Ireland semi final. Kerry after a hard game were lucky to hold out for a four point victory on the score Kerry 2-7 Wexford 2-3.

The All Ireland final was played at Timahoe, Co Laois on the 9th September between Kerry and Leitrim and in the lowest scoring final in the history of ladies football, Kerry won by five points to three.

All Stars

Kerry had five players on the All Star team, namely Bridget Leen, Marion Doherty, Mary Jo Curran, Eileen Lawlor, Margaret Lawlor.

The Kerry v All Stars game was played at Finuge, Co Kerry on the 30th September. The game was very exciting with some great football despite terrible conditions with Kerry winning by 1-5 to 0-6.

1985

As in 1984, the year started with the inter-provincial championship. On the 17th February at Ardrahan, Co Galway, Munster beat Connaught by 6-4 to 0-4. In the final which was played on St Patrick’s Day in New Ross, Munster beat Leinster by 1-6 to 0-6.

On the 24th February, Kerry and Wexford were invited to play an exhibition game in Stillorglin. This game was televised by RTE. Both teams served up brilliant football on the occasion.

Once more Kerry won all their games in the national league. They qualified to meet Leitrim in the final and won on the score of Kerry 5-11 Leitrim 0-1.

Kerry defeated Cork in the Munster semi final by three goals. Kerry and Laois played in the All Ireland final which was played at Pairc Ui Caoimh on the 8th September before approximately 5000 people. It was played before the Cork senior hurling championship semi final. The spectators were very impressed with the high standard of football displayed by both counties. Mary Jo Curran gave a brilliant exhibition of high fielding at centre field. Final score Kerry 2-9 Laois 0-5.

Kerry team:

Kathleen Curran Bridget Leen Nora Foley Tess Horgan

Marion Doherty Phil Curran Siobhan Leen (capt) Mary Jo Curran

Lil O’Sullivan Marina Barry Annette Walsh Eileen Lawlor

Mary Buckley Del Whyte Margaret Flaherty

Margaret Lawlor was unable to play due to injury

Subs: Mary Lane for Marion Doherty

Brid Lawlor, Mary Stack, Margaret Sheehan, Ann Costello, Barbara Whyte

All Stars

Six Kerry players were selected on the All Starts, namely Kathleen Curran, Marion Doherty, Lil O’Sullivan, Mary Jo Curran, Margaret Lawlor, Dell Whyte.

The All Star game was played in Beaufort, Co Kerry on Sunday the 29th September with the All Stars winning on the score, All Stars 0-7 Kerry 0-1.

1986

Kerry for the seventh year in a row qualified for the national league semi finals having won the previous six titles. They travelled to Wexford for the semi final where a fine Wexford team brought an end to their unbeaten run. The final score was Wexford 2-6 Kerry 1-0.

The next outing for the Kerry players was on the 15th June when eleven of them lined out with Munster who defeated Leinster in the inter-provincial final at Austin Stack Park, Tralee. Final score Munster 3-7 Leinster 1-5.

Munster Senior Championship

Only two teams competed in the Munster senior championship. On the 10th August at Ballineen, Cork, Kerry defeated Cork by 2-11 to 1-5. On the 31st August, Kerry travelled to Caherlestraine, Co Galway to take on the home county. While the match was very even in the first half with Kerry just head by one point at half time, Kerry ran out easy winners in the end, winning by 3-11 to 1-4.

Croke Park

Kerry made the first of their five visits to Croke Park for the All Ireland final against Wexford on the 12th October. It was a wonderful occasion and fitting that both teams played wonderful football. There is no doubt that the skills displayed helped in a very big way to influence the GAA in allowing the ladies All Irelands to be played there for the future. Final score Kerry 1-11 Wexford 0-8.

Kerry team:

Kathleen Curran Marion Doherty Nora Hallissey Tess Horgan

Margaret Flaherty Phil Curran Lil O’Sullivan Mary Jo Curran

Mary Lane Marina Barry Eileen Lawlor Margaret Lawlor Mary Buckley Dell Whyte Annette Walsh (capt)

Bridget Leen was unable to play due to injury.

Subs: Ann Costello, Jackie McGillicuddy, Helena O’Connor, Rose Moriarty, Patricia Murphy

Five Kerry players received All Star awards. They were Nora Hallissey, Kathleen

Curran, Mary Jo Curran, Marina Barry, Dell White.

The All Star game was played at Austin Stack’s Park, Tralee on the 2nd November

with Kerry winning by 3-7 to 3-5.

1987

Kerry had their first outing of 1987 when they played Westmeath in the first round of the national league at Abbeydorney, Co Kerry on the 1st March. Final score Kerry 1-8 Westmeath 0-2. They defeated Wexford in the second round by 2-12 to 1-2 but lost to Waterford at Ballymacarbry in the third round by 2-6 to 1-6. This was only a minor set back as they qualified to meet Waterford again in the semi final and on this occasion Kerry won by 1-11 to 1-4. Kerry played Laois in the league final at Claughan, Limerick on the 28th June where Kerry won a very one sided game by 6-12 to 1-2.

Munster won the inter-provincial beating Leinster in the final by 2-10 to 0-8.

Kerry and Waterford qualified for the Munster Senior championship final. The game was played at Castleisland on the 29th August with Kerry winning by 1-9 to 0-4 on a score line, which does not do justice to a gallant Waterford team. This was Kerry’s seventh Munster Championships in a row.

All Ireland Senior final

Kerry made their second visit to Croke Park a successful one when they defeated Leinster champions, Westmeath in the All Ireland final by 2-10 to 2-2.

The Kerry team:

Kathleen Curran Bridget Leen Dell Whyte Tess O’Carroll

Marion Doherty Mary Lane Phil Curran Annette Walsh

Ann Costello Marina Barry Mary Jo Curran Eileen Lawlor

Margaret Lawlor Jackie McGillicuddy Margaret Flaherty

Subs: Mary Buckley for Ann Costello

Ann Callaghan for Eileen Lawlor

Mary Ellen Cronin for Marina Barry

Siobhan, Sullivan, Patricia Meade, Helena O’Connor, Patricia Murphy, Barbara Whyte, Alice McCarthy

All Stars

The following Kerry players won All Star awards, Kathleen Curran, Dell Whyte, Mary Lane, Annette Walsh, Marina Barry, Mary Jo Curran.

The Kerry v All Stars game was played in Tralee on the 8th November with Kerry winning by 5-10 to 1-5.

1988

1988 started as it had finished in 1987 as far as Kerry were concerned with a win over Westmeath in the first round the national league on the score Kerry 3-9, Westmeath 0-2.

Kerry defeated Laois in the second round by 3-11 to 0-4 but suffered a set back in the third round again Wexford when they lost by 2-4 to 0-4. They won all remaining games to qualify for the final once again. The final was played in Thurles on the 26th June with Kerry beating Waterford by 2-8 to 0-6.

Munster also won the inter-provincial championship, defeating Leinster in the final by 2-10 to 0-4.

Munster Senior championship

Kerry defeated Cork by 1-18 to 1-3 in the semi final of the Munster Championship.

The Munster final was once more between great rivals Kerry and Waterford. The game was played at Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford on the 17th September. At one stage in this game, Kerry were behind by 1-4 to 0-1 but made a great fight back to clinch victory on the score Kerry 3-5 Waterford 1-8. This was Kerry’s eighth Munster final victory in a row.

Kerry had a bye into the All Ireland final. The final between Kerry and Laois was played at Croke Park on the 16th October. The game started at a blistering pace with Laois taking the lead with a great goal from Sue Ramsbotton but eventually Kerry settled down to give what was probably one of their greatest displays ever and won in the end by 2-12 to 3-3.

The Kerry team:

Kathleen Curran Bridget Leen Nora Hallissey Tess Carroll

Marion Doherty Mary Lane (capt) Phil Curran Mary Jo Curran

Annette Walsh Marina Barry Lil O’Sullivan Margaret Flaherty

Eileen Lawlor Margaret Slattery Jackie McGillicuddy

Subs: Patricia Murphy, Sheila Looney, Michelle Walsh for Phil Curran, Margaret Slattery and Eileen Lawlor in the last three minutes.

Ann Callaghan, Ann Costello, Mary Ellen Cronin, Mary Buckley.

A feature of this game was a 45 sent over the bar by Kerry captain Mary Lane.

All Stars

Kerry had six players on the All Star team, namely Kathleen Curran, Phil Curran

Mary Jo Curran, Annette Walsh, Eileen Lawlor, Margaret Slattery.

The All Star game was played at Tralee on the 27th November with Kerry winning by

3-7 to 0-7.

Profile on Kerry Senior Captain

Name: Dell Whyte

Club: Austin Stacks

Occupation: Housewife

Favourite Lady Footballer: Aine Wall (Waterford)

Favourite Camogie Player: Angela Downey (Kilkenny)

Favourite Gaelic Footballer: Mickey Sheehy (Kerry)

Favourite Hurler: Nicholas English (Tipperary)

Most Difficult Opponent: Bernie Ryan (Waterford)

Most memorable Sporting Moment: Playing for the first time in Croke Park

Biggest Influence on Playing Career: My father and Moss O’Carroll (RIP)

Hobbies: Basket, Walking, Swimming, Soccer

Advice to Young Players Enjoy what you are playing, be dedicated, and everything else will follow

Kerry Pen Pictures

Kathleen Curran – No 1 goalie, Dingle. Kathleen is a former Dublin goalie who

joined Kerry in 1985. She plays her club football with Beaufort and was last years

winning captain. Her favourite sports outside of football are horses and racquet ball at

which she represented Ireland at International level in Venezuala this year. She played in goals against Laois in the 1988 final. Honours won: 5 Senior All Irelands, 5 National Leagues, 6 Munster Championships, 6 All Star Awards (4 with Kerry and two with Dublin), 4 Inter-provincial Championships.

Bridgid Leen – No 2, Ballymacelligott. Bridgid is one of the best markers in the game and rarely allows her opponents to score. She plays her club football with Castleisland and captained Kerry to All Ireland victory in 1984. A member of the panel for the last nine years, she has played in 15 of the championship games. She missed the All Ireland final of 1986 after breaking a bone in her hand but is playing better than ever since. Honours won: 8 Senior All Irelands, 1 Minor All-Ireland, 2 Club All Irelands, 10 Munster Championships, 5 Inter-provincial Champions, 8 National Leagues.

Dell Whyte – No 3, Dell was a member of the 1976 team that won Kerry’s first All Ireland title. She is Kerry’s leading scorer in championship football since 1982 with 8-30 despite being full back for 1987 final against Westmeath. Today she plays in the full back position once again, and also has the privilege of captaining the team. Honours won: 6 Senior All Irelands, 7 National Leagues, 8 Munster Championships, 4 All Star Awards.

Patricia Murphy – No 4, Abbeydorney. Patricia has been a regular on the panel since 1986 but has only attained a permanent place this year – a position she is not prepared to relinquish very easily. Honours won: 3 Senior All Irelands, 4 National Leagues, 3 Munster Championships.

Marion O’Doherty – No 5, Ballymacelligott. Marion first played with the Kerry Seniors against Cork in the National League of 1979, while still a minor. She is the only member of the team to have played in all 26 championship games since 1982. She plays her club football with Castleisland and captained Kerry to All Ireland victory in 1982. As a young handballer, she won 15 All Ireland titles in both doubles and singles. Honours won: 8 Senior All Irelands, 2 Minor All Irelands, 2 Club All Irelands, 10 National Leagues, 10 Munster Championships, 6 Inter-provincial Championships, 3 All Star Awards.

Phil Curran – No 6, Beaufort. Phil was a member of the All-Ireland winning Minor team of 1980/81 and is a vital member of the Kerry defence, playing nearly every position. She played at left half back in the 1988 final against Laois. She plays her club football with Beaufort, working in Dublin she rarely misses a game with her club or county. She is a sister of Mary Jo. Honours won: 7 Senior All Irelands, 10 Munster Championships, 2 Minor All Irelands, 1 Club All Ireland, 10 National Leagues, 9 Munster Championships, 1 Inter-provincial Championship.

Margaret Flaherty – No 7, The Spa. Margaret is one of the most versatile players on the team, filling many different positions, both in defence and attack for her county. She played left half forward in the 1988 All Ireland against Laois. Margaret is a hard working player having come up through the minor teams of 1980/81. She has scored 9-10 in Kerry’s great run, playing in 19 of their 20 games. She plays her club football with Castleisland and captained the All Ireland team of 1987. Honours won: 8 Senior All Irelands, 2 Minor All Irelands, 1 Club All Ireland, 10 National Leagues, 9 Munster Championships, 1 Inter-provincial Championship.

Siobhan Sullivan – No 15, Glencar. Siobhan is a young player and has played some very good games for Kerry in the National League this year. She also counted in the score line in the Munster Championship this year against Waterford. Siobhan plays her club football with Beaufort. Honours won: 3 National Leagues, 3 Munster Championships.

Ann Costello – No 8, Abbeydorney. Ann is a regular member of the Kerry panel since 1984 when she played in all the championship games of that year. She was a substitute in the All Ireland of 1988 against Laois and hi hoping to impress today at centre field where she played in last year’s final against Wexford. She plays her club football with Abbeydorney. Honours won: 6 Senior All Irelands, 6 National Leagues, 7 Munster Championships.

Mary Jo Curran – No 9, Beaufort, Mary Jo is the most stylish player on the team. Equally at home in the forwards or centrefield, she is the only player to be named as an All Star every year since its inception in 1983 final against Wexford and centrefield in 1988 against Laois. She got “Player of the Match award” in the 1984 and 1985 finals. Mary plays her club football with Beaufort. Honours won: 8 Senior All Irelands, 2 Minor All Irelands, 10 National Leagues, 7 Inter-provincial Championships, 9 All Star Awards.

Marina Barry – No 10, Tralee. Marina, right half forward for the last eight All Irelands. She captained the winning team against Wexford in 1983. Con Houlihan said of her 1988 display against Laois – “None was more subtle than Marina Barry; the little right half forward did not get a score but had a hand and a foot in many”. Marina has played in 18 out of the 19 championship games Kerry played in their great run, missing the Munster final of 1987. She plays her club with Austin Stacks. Honours won: 8 Senior All Irelands, 2 Minor All Irelands, 10 National League, 10 Munster Championships, 2 Inter-provincials, 3 All Star Awards.

Eileen Lawlor – No 11, Ardfert. Eileen is a sister of Margarets and has played in nearly every forward position for Kerry. She was right corner forward in the 1988 All Ireland final against Laois in which she scored two points. Eileen was a member of the 1980 minor team. She is a top class scorer and carrier of the ball, she can break down any defence. Eileen works in Dublin and was National PRO for Central Council for three years. She plays her club football with Abbeydorney. Honours won: 8 Senior All Irelands, 1 Minor All Ireland, 10 National Leagues, 10 Munster Championships, 6 Inter-provincial Championships, 4 All Star Awards.

Sheila Looney – No 12, Rathmore. Sheila is a relatively newcomer to the side and his hoping to make an impressionable impact on the game today. Even though she only scored a point in the Munster final against Waterford, she created many scoring opportunities for her team-mates in the forward line. She has a good work rate on the field and is also a very skilful player on the ball. Sheila plays her club football with Beaufort. Honours won: 2 Munster championships, 2 All Ireland Championships, 2 National League Titles.

Margaret Lawlor – No 13, Balyduff. Margaret, who will be seeking her 10th All Ireland medal this year, is the most experienced player on the team having made her debut in championship football in 1974, the first year the ladies championship was played. In the 1988 All Ireland final she scored an impressive 5 points when she played in the full forward position. She is sister of Eileen and she plays her club football with Abbeydorney. Honours won: 9 Senior All Irelands, 10 National Leagues, 12 Munster Championships, 8 Inter-provincial Championships, 4 All Star Awards.

Catherine Liston – No 14, Tarbert. Catherine is the youngest member of the team, this being her second year with the Seniors. She demoralised Waterford with her display in the Munster final this year, a game in which she finished with a personal tally of 1-6 to her credit. Catherine plays her club football with Abberdorney and has a bright future in the game. Honours won: 1 All Ireland Senior Championship, 2 National League titles, 2 Munster Championships titles.

1989

Kerry had their first outing of 1989 when they played Cork in the first round of the National league on the 12th march at Castleisland. Final score Kerry 0-6 Cork 0-5.

Round 2:

On the 2nd April at Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford, Kerry and Waterford drew on the score. Kerry 1-6 Waterford 2-3.

Round 3:

On the 16th April at Beaufort, Co Kerry. Kerry 6-17 Wexford 2-4.

Round 4:

On the 30th April at Abbeydorney, Co Kerry. Kerry 6-9 Leitrim 0-4.

Round 5:

On the 14th May at Athy, Co Kildare. Kerry 4-4 Laois 0-8.

National League semi-final:

On the 17th June at Glantane, Co Cork, Kerry beat Cork in the National League semi final on the score Kerry 2-14, Cork 0-1.

National League final:

It was great rivals Kerry and Waterford in the final again on the 2nd July at Bishopstown Cork. Kerry beat Waterford on the score Kerry 4-9 Waterford 2-7 to win their 9th National league title in a row.

Munster Senior championship final:

On the 26th August Kerry and Waterford met again, this time in the Munster final at Connolly Park Tralee. Kerry once more came out on top on the score Kerry 1-8 Waterford 0-7.

All Ireland senior final:

On the 8th October Kerry and Wexford met in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park and after a great game of football, Kerry won on the score Kerry 1-14, Wexford 1-5.

All Stars v Kerry:

This game took place at Tralee on the 26th November with the All Stars winning on the score All Stars 2-6, Kerry 0-7.

Kerry’s All Ireland winning team was:

Kathleen Curran Bridget Leen Phil Curran Tess O’Carroll

Marion Doherty Mary Lane Margaret Flaherty Annette Walsh

Mary Jo Curran Marina Barry Kate Liston Eileen Lawlor

Margaret Slattery Dell Whyte Ann Costello

Subs: Jackie McGillicuddy, Elaine McGillicuddy, Siobhan Sullivan,

Michelle Walsh, Ann O’Callaghan, Patricia Murphy, Mary Ellen Cronin, Fionnuala Ruane

1990

In the 1st round of National League, Kerry beat Cork by 6-18 to 0-2. This game was played at Currow, Co Kerry on the 8th April. On the 16th April at Tralee, Kerry beat Laois in the second round by 2-8 to 1-4.

Round 2:

On the 29th April at Abbeydorney, Co Kerry, Kerry beat Waterford by 4-1 to 1-5.

Round 3:

On the 20th May 1990 at New Ross, Kerry 1-9 Wexford 1-6.

Round 4:

On the 3rd June at Ballylongford, Co Kerry, Kerry beat Westmeath by 3-11 to 0-4.

National League semi final:

On Sunday the 19th August at Portlaoise, Kerry beat Laois by 1-10 to 2-6.

National League final:

Kerry 2-11 Waterford 4-3. This game was played at Askeaton, Co Limerick on the 9th September.

Munster Senior Championship:

Kerry and Waterford had already met in the Munster senior final. This game was played at Cappoquin, Waterford on the 25th August with Kerry winning a great game by 1-11 to 0-8. A feature of this game was the brilliant display by 18 year old Kate Liston for Kerry who scored a goal and 6 points.

All Ireland final:

The All Ireland final was played at Croke Park on the 11th November between Kerry and Laois. The final score was Kerry 1-9 Laois 0-6. This was Kerry’s 9th All Ireland win in a row and Margaret Lawlor Slattery’s 10th All Ireland senior medal.

Kerry team:

Kathleen Curran Bridget Leen Dell Whyte (capt) Patricia Murphy

Marion Doherty Phil Curran Margaret Flaherty Katie Liston

Mary Jo Curran Marina Barry Ann Costello Sheila Looney

Margaret Slattery Eileen Dardis Helena McElligott

Subs: Siobhan Sullivan for Helena McElligott

Ann Callaghan, Eileen Mulivihill, Fionuala Ruane, Kay Fitzgerald,

Aileen McLoughlin, Elaine McGillicuddy, Lily Maloney, Michelle Walsh

All Stars

Six Kerry players were selected on the All Star team, namely Bridget Leen, Marion Doherty, Mary Jo Curran, Katie Liston, Margaret Slattery, Eileen Dardis.

The Kerry v All Stars game was played at Tralee on the 25th November with Kerry winning by 2-10 to 1-6.

The Neutral View

Mary Quinn (Leitrim)

“Having seen Laois in the semi final, I have to go for Kerry. Their all round experience will prove decisive”.

Bridget Healy (Westmeath)

“I take Laois. They beat us in the Leinster final, they have a well balanced team, they are very fit and their forwards are accurate”.

Peter Rice (Wexford)

“Its going to be very close but I think Kerry’s experience of Croke Park will swing it for them”.

Brendan Dardis (Dublin)

“Kerry will be very hard to stop with nine years of experience behind them. I have seen both Junior finalists and if Wicklow get enough ball in the full forward line, they will win it”.

Breda Murphy (Wexford)

“Who would back against Kerry? I would like to see Laois win it, but I go for Kerry”

Liam Forde (Galway)

“Its Laois for me. I think that Kerry have gone off the boil. Its London’s second junior appearance and that will stand to them. No doubt Laois and London”.

Pat Quill (Wexford)

“Its Kerry’s experience against Laois’s hunger. If Laois mark tightly, they have a chance but I think Kerry will get there”.

Johnny Hayes (Clare)

“”London were in the final in 1988 and the semi final last year, and this experience will be vital”

Caroline Moloney (Dublin)

“Its London’s second time and I cannot seem then being beaten”.

1991

On the 17th April Kerry travelled to Ballymacarbry to play Waterford in the first round of the National League and suffered defeat at the hands of the home county on the score Waterford 4-6 Kerry 2-6.

Round 2:

In the second round, Kerry defeated Cork by 7-11 to 0-7. This game was played on the 21st April at Castlemagner

Round 3:

Kerry 3-14 Laois 1-4. This games was played at Johnstown, Co Kilkenny on the 19th May.

Round 4:

Played at Ballyduff, Co Kerry on the 26th May. Kerry 4-12 Wicklow 2-5.

On Saturday the 8th June, Kerry travelled to London for the weekend and played London in two challenge games. In the first game, Kerry won by 5-9 to 2-7 and in the second game Kerry won by 4-14 to 3-6.

Round 5 National League:

On the 23rd June at Tallaght, Kerry beat Dublin by 4-6 to 0-5.

Round 6:

On the 14th July Kerry beat Westmeath by 6-11 to 3-8 at Tyrrellspass

National League Semi final:

Kerry 0-14 Laois 1-5.

This game was played at Knockagoshel, Co Kerry on the 18th August.

Munster Senior championship final:

On the 11th August 1991, Kerry suffered their first defeat in the championship since they were defeated by Offaly in the All Ireland final of 1981 when losing to Waterford at Listowel on the score Waterford 2-11 Kerry 2-6. This was another great game of football and while it was heart breaking from a Kerry point of view as it was the end of such an outstanding run by a great bunch of young ladies, nobody in Kerry begrudged Waterford their success as they had stuck in there when other teams would have given up.

On the 8th September these teams met again in the National league final at O’Connor Park, Tullamore and after another close encounter the teams finished level at 2-12 each.

The replay took place at Dungarvan, Co Waterford on the 29th September. Kerry won after extra time on the score Kerry 3-8 Waterford 2-10. This game was watched by a crowd of three to four thousand people who had come earlier for men’s football games, and stayed to the very end.

All Stars:

Four Kerry players were selected on the All Star team, namely Bridget Leen, Phil Curran, Marina Barry and Katie Liston.

All Stars defeated Waterford by 4-17 to 1-9.

The Kerry Under 14 team won the All Ireland Under 14 championship and Beaufort of Kerry won the All Ireland sevens.

1992

After the defeat by Waterford in the 1991 Munster final in Listowel, it was envisaged that many of the 9 in a row team would retire but when the National League started in 1992 most of them made themselves available for selection again. Margaret Lawlor Slattery had decided to call it a day and Mary Jo Curran was concentrating in basketball for the earlier part of the year at least.

Kerry got off to a bad start in the league when they lost to Clare by four points 1-7 to 1-3. At Lissycasey, Kerry improved considerably for the second round when they surprisingly defeated All Ireland champions Waterford by 5-4 to 0-8 in Tralee. In the third round Kerry defeated Dublin by 3-14 to 4-6 at Churchill, outside Tralee. In round 4 Kerry lost to Laois on the score Laois 3-11 Kerry 0-8. In round 5 Kerry trounced Wexford at Piercestown by 5-14 to 0-1. In round 6 Kerry beat Westmeath by 6-4 to 2-9.

In Dublin for the quarter final of the National League, Kerry under age teams, Under 14, Under 16 and minors all reached the Munster final but all three were defeated by Waterford.

Kerry Under 14 team gained some consolation when they won the All Ireland Under 14 Blitz in Tullamore, beating Kildare, Wicklow, Roscommon, Wexford and Meath.

Kerry seniors prepared well for the Munster Championship and on the 16th August gave an outstanding display in beating Clare by 2-17 to 2-2 in the semi final at Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Two weeks later Kerry travelled to Dungarvan to take on Waterford in the Munster final with high hopes of regaining the Munster title. The game was played in a continuous downpour with a strong wind blowing across the pitch. It was probably one of the poorest games played involving these two great teams. Waterford won by 0-8 to 1-1 and certainly deserved the victory on the day. A day on which the once star Kerry forward line flopped.

The National League resumed in September. Kerry defeated May 1-15 to 1-5 in the quarter final in Castlebar. Kerry lost to Waterford in the semi final by three points 0-11 to 2-2, which was a barren year for Kerry football.

1992 was a lean year as far as the Kerry senior team were concerned as it was the first time since 1980 that they failed to win either League or Championship.

Round 1:

On the 12th April at Lissycasey, Co Clare, Clare defeated Kerry by 1-7 to 1-3.

Round 2:

On the 20th April at Tralee, Kerry 5-4 Waterford 0-8.

Round 3:

On the 3rd May at Churchill, Co Kerry. Kerry 3-14 Dublin 4-6.

Round 4:

On the 17th May at Churchill, Co Kerry, Laois 3-11 Kerry 0-8.

Round 5:

On the 7th June at Wexford, Kerry 5-14 Wexford 0-1

Round 6:

On the 28th June at Tralee, Westmeath 6-4 Kerry 2-9

National league Play off:

On he 18th July at Tyrrellspass Kerry 3-7 Westmeath 1-4

Quarter final of National League:

On the 5th September at Castlebar, Kerry 1-15 Mayo 1-5

National League semi final:

On the 10th October at Tralee, Waterford 0-11 Kerry 2-2

Munster Championship:

In the semi final of the Munster senior championship Kerry defeated Clare by 2-17 to 2-2. This game was played at Newmarket-n-Fergus on the 16th August.

In the Munster final, Waterford confirmed their 1991 form when they defeated Kerry in Dungarvan by 0-8 to 1-1. This game was played on the 29th August in a continuous downpour.

Under 14 Championship:

Kerry retained the All Ireland Under 14 championship at Tullamore on the 28th July when they beat Meath in the final by 2-7 to 1-5

All-Ireland sevens:

Beaufort of Kerry retained the All Ireland sevens championship when they beat Abbeydorney of Kerry in a great final.

Castleisland Desmonds were runners-up in the final of the plate.

Since football started, Kerry have won 12 Munster Senior Championships, 1- Senior All Irelands, 2 Minor All Irelands, 2 Under 14 All Irelands, 11 National League titles, 2 All Ireland Club titles and 2 All Ireland sevens titles.

1993

1993 started very badly for Kerry with defeats in national league.

Round 1: Clare 1-8 Kerry 1-7

Round 2: Mayo 3-11 Kerry 2-5

Round 3: Beaten by Laois (don’t know score)

Round 4: Beaten by Waterford (don’t know score)

Round 5: Got a walk over from Westmeath. This was the first time ever that Kerry failed to qualify for knock out stages of league. After a rest of a few weeks, Kerry played a number of challenge games beating:

Clare by 4-14 to 1-8

Mayo by 2-20 to 3-2

On the 1st August at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, Kerry and Waterford, as they have done in the past, provided a great hours football before Kerry emerged victorious on the score of Kerry 3-9 Waterford 2-11.

Kerry went on to easily defeat a very young Monaghan side in the All Ireland semi final by 8-11 to 0-7, and accounted for Laois in the final by 4-8 to 2-6 to win their 11th title.

The Kerry Under 14 team also won the All Ireland final defeating Roscommon 7-11 to 4-3. Kerry Under 16 team also reached the All Ireland final but lost to an excellent Wicklow team on the score Wicklow 4-11 Kerry 2-10.

1994

1994 started for Kerry with nearly all of the old names missing. They lost the National League.

Round 1: To Clare, score unavailable

Round 2: To Laois, 1-9 to 1-6

Round 3: To Waterford 6-12 to 1-5

In the Munster Senior Championship semi final, Kerry defeated Clare 3-13 to 1-3 to qualify for another Munster final against Waterford. The final was played at Dungarvan on the 31st August. Waterford proved too good for a very young Kerry team and ran out easy winners on a score, Waterford 1-16 Kerry 2-2.

Kerry reached the Under 14 All Ireland final but lost to Mayo 5-7 to 3-4 in the final. Kerry were allowed to take part in the “B” Championship. They reached the final where they drew with Clare, Kerry 1-8 Clare 2-5.

Kerry lost the replay by 1-8 to 0-6.

1995

As Kerry are team building at the present time they tried out a large number of players.

They lost out to Monaghan, Mayo, Waterford and Cork in the National League (no scores available). They beat Clare and Waterford and got a walk over from Laois. They lost narrowly to Wexford after extra time in play off to get into the quarter finals.

Kerry Under 14 lost to Tipperary 2-8 to 2-7 in the first round of the Munster Championship. Kerry Under 16 team beat Cork in the first round of the Munster Championship, score 5-15 to 0-4. Kerry lost to Waterford in Munster Under 16 semi final.

Kerry minors won All Ireland Championship.

Path to final:

Quarter final: beat Tipperary 11-23 to 1-4

Semi final: beat Cork 5-10 to 1-6

Munster final: beat Clare 3-7 to 1-10

All Ireland semi final: Kerry 9-15 Mayo 1-12

All Ireland final: Kerry 4-8 Wexford 4-3

In the senior Munster final, Kerry and Waterford clashed again at Fitzgerald Stadium Killarney on the 30th July. Most people expected Waterford to have an easy victory. Once more, we were treated to an exhibition of all that is good in football with Waterford holding on to win after a titanic struggle.

Final score Waterford 2-12 Kerry 3-7.

1996

1996 was a bad year all round for Kerry. The Chairman of the County Board, Jerry O’Mahony resigned. The trainer of the senior team, Ann Egar also resigned.

Kerry also fulfilled all their fixtures in national league but only won a couple of games and failed to reach the knock out stage.

The Under 14, Under 16 and Minor teams all lost out in Munster. However, there was some good news for under age football as Beaufort won Feile competition in Mayo and Intermediate School, Killorglin won the All Ireland post-primary schools junior title.

1997

More Trauma in the kingdom as the trainer, John Kelliher resigned his position. Murty Delaney, Ballyduff, took over in his place.

The Under 14 team which was considered one of the best ever to represent Kerry reached the All Ireland final but lost to Monaghan in a great final.

The Under 16 minor teams were beaten by Waterford in the Munster Championship.

The senior team failed to win a game in the National League and were relegated to Division 2 for the first time. The senior team were allowed to enter the Intermediate Championship. They defeated Cork in the quarter final. They defeated Clare (second team) in the semi final. They defeated Dublin in Ballinasloe in the final on the 27th September. Kerry 6-15 Dublin 1-7.

Killorglin Intermediate School won the All Ireland Junior Schools Championship for the second year in a row.

Post Primary:

Junior All Ireland semi final

I.S.K. 6-11 Heywood Laois 0-5 Kildimo, Limerick.

Under 14 All Ireland semi final

Kerry 4-9 Meath 3-10 Nenagh

Under 14 All Ireland Final

Kerry 1-9 Monaghan 4-4 Ballinasloe

Junior Club All Ireland semi final

Beaufort 4-17 Emerald Gaels 0-1 Blackrock, Co Cork

(Manchester)

1998

1998 was not a great year on the playing fields from a Kerry point of view. But still some success came the way.

Post Primary School:

Intermediate School, Killorglin won the All Ireland Post Primary Schools double, beating Coolmine (Dublin) in the junior final by 2-11 to 0-2 and beating Eureka of Meath in the senior final by 4-10 to 0-6.

Third Level:

In the third level colleges final (O’Connor Cup), Tralee IT defeated Sligo RTC by 2-16 to 2-13.

Under 14 Blitz:

Kerry won the All Ireland Under 14 Blitz in Mullingar with the following score:

Kerry 3-10 Waterford 1-0

Kerry 5-6 Dublin 2-1

Kerry 2-10 Monaghan 0-1

Kerry 2-5 Wexford 0-0

Kerry 1-6 Galway 1-3 s/f

Kerry 2-4 Meath 1-1 final

Munster Under 14 Championship:

Kerry defeated Limerick (no score)

Kerry 6-10 Clare 3-1 Glinflisk

Kerry 2-8 Waterford 1-11 Buttevant – draw

Waterford 4-11 Kerry 4-7 Buttevant – replay

Munster Under 16 Championship:

Kerry 6-16 Clare 0-4 Clare venue

Waterford 7-8 Kerry 5-6 Buttevant – final

Minor Championship:

Final at Macroom

Cork 1-9 Kerry 0-8

Senior Championship semi-final:

Clare 1-12 Kerry 0-9 Clare venue

National League Division 2:

Meath 1-13 Kerry 3-5 Dingle

Leitrim 1-10 Kerry 2-3 Birr

Tyrone 3-10 Kerry 2-6 Birr

Kerry got W.O. from Roscommon

Kerry got W.O. from Carlow

Post Primary

All Ireland semi final

I.S.K 7-18 Lisnaskea, Fermanagh 0-1 O’Toole Park, Dublin

Final

I.S.K. 2-11 Coolmine, Dublin 0-2 Dungarvan

1999

1999 was a very important year in the history of ladies football in Kerry as it was the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the association in the kingdom.

A very successful banquet was held at Ballygarry House Hotel and players travelled from London, Holland, New York and many parts of Kerry to join with their former team mates in celebrating the event which was sponsored by Kerry Group. Every player who played senior football with the county over the 25 years were invited.

Post Primary Schools:

St John Bosco Chaircivern now Colaiste na Sceilge won the All Ireland Post Primary Schools double. The senior team beat St Leo’s Carlow by 2-11 to 1-8 at Cappamore, while the junior team easily beat Bridgetown of Wexford but lost the final on an objection.

Third Level Colleges:

Tralee IT won the O’Connor Cup. They beat UCD by 0-17 to 2-8 in Tralee.

Under 14 Championship:

Kerry won the All Ireland Under 14 Championship beating Monaghan in the All Ireland semi final and Meath in the All Ireland final in Nenagh on the 17th July.

Under 16 Championship:

Kerry won the All Ireland Under 16 Championship for the first time. They defeated Limerick in the Munster final by 5-10 to 2-10. In the All Ireland semi final, they beat Monaghan by 3-14 to 3-4. In the All Ireland final, they defeated Meath in Nenagh.

Minor Championship:

Kerry lost to Waterford on the 14th July in Ballyhooley.

Munster Senior Championship semi final:

Cork 0-11 Kerry 1-7

2000

Post Primary School:

Junior :

Colaiste na Sceilge defeated St Louis Monaghan by 7-17 to 1-3 in the All Ireland final at Nenagh on the 18th April.

Senior:

Intermediate School, Killorglin were defeated by St Louis Monaghan 3-5 to 2-7 in the All Ireland senior school final at Portlaoise on the 12th April.

Under 14 Championship:

Kerry beat Limerick in first round

Kerry beat Waterford 3-16 to 3-6 in second round

Kerry lost to Cork in Munster final

2001

Kerry’s only success in 2001 was once again at Post Primary Schools level where Colaiste na Sceilge of Cahircivern won both the junior and senior titles.

Junior:

Colaiste na Sceilge 6-19 Cahir Community School 3-1 in Askeaton

They were due to play a team from Tyrone in the All Ireland semi final but got a walk over because of foot and mount.

All Ireland final:

Colaiste na Sceilge 3-12 Loretto Navan 0-11

Open Draw in Munster

Seniors:

Colaiste na Sceilge 11-24 Tramore 2-2 in Ballyclough

Colaiste na Sceilge 3-16 Inter school Killorglin 0-3 in Tralee

All Ireland semi final:

Colaiste na Sceilge 3-16 St Louis Monaghan 0-2 in Ballinasloe

Final:

Colaiste na Sceige 4-15 Tourmakeady Mayo 0-7 in Gaelic ground Limerick

Munster Under 14 Championship:

Kerry 6-7 Tipperary 2-5

Cork 6-9 Kerry 0-4

Kerry 4-8 Limerick 0-3

Kerry 2-9 Waterford 2-5

Kerry 3-10 Clare 1-2

Final:

Cork beat Kerry – no score available

Munster Under 16 Championship:

Cork 5-13 Kerry 2-9

Kerry 5-17 Clare 1-4

Kerry 6-14 Tipperary 2-4

Semi final:

Kerry 3-15 Limerick 3-13 a.e.t

Final:

Cork 2-8 Kerry 1-5

Munster Minor Championship:

Kerry 3-12 Limerick 1-11

Kerry 4-14 Cork 3-9 – semi-final

Kerry 2-10 Waterford 2-10 – final

Munster Junior Championship:

Waterford 4-8 Kerry 3-8

Cork 6-7 Kerry 1-18

Senior Championship semi final:

Clare 5-15 Kerry 2-9

National League Division 2:

Kerry gave W.O. to London

Kerry 1-12 Galway 2-7

Kerry 0-18 Cork 2-9

Kerry 3-8 Wexford 2-5

Laois 5-10 Kerry 3-6

Kerry 2-9 Leitrim 1-10

Semi-final:

Kerry 2-14 Wexford 0-3

Final:

Laois 2-19 Kerry 3-12

Kerry promoted to Division 1

Sarah O’Connor was honoured with an All star award. Geraldine O’Shea received replacement All Star.

At the Kelly Sports awards function at Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney on the 25th January, Sarah O’Connor received the Kerry Sports youth award for 2001.

2002

Under 14 Championship:

23rd March Cork 4-6 Kerry 0-2 Dunmanway

30th March Kerry 6-14 Limerick 0-2 Crokes, Killarney

18th May Kerry 3-10 Waterford 1-8 Bruff

25th May Cork 4-8 Kerry 1-2 Munster final in Fermoy

Under 16 Championship:

6th April Kerry 4-17 Limerick 2-2 Killorglin

4th May Kerry beat Waterford

12th May Cork 2-14 Kerry 4-5 Final in Tralee

Minor Championship:

1st April Kerry 4-14 Clare 3-11 Cooraclare

3rd July Clare 1-13 Kerry 2-8 Semi final Ballyduff a.e.t.

Junior Championship:

23rd June Cork 4-3 Kerry 1-10 Donoghamore

14th July Kerry 4-11 Limerick 3-14 Feenagh

Even though the match ended in a draw, Limerick went through as per the league system.

National League:

10th March Mayo 1-11 Kerry 0-9 Carrow, Co Clare

17th March Kerry 5-10 Longford 0-5 Ballyline, Clare

7th April Kerry 2-9 Roscommon 1-10 Crosheen

21st April Kerry 4-8 Clare 2-4 Cooraclare

28th April Kerry 0-13 Monaghan 1-7 Losmagn, Offaly

Quarter final:

19th May Kerry 1-11 Dublin 1-9 Fitzgerald Stadium

Semi final:

2nd June Mayo 3-15 Kerry 4-9 Milltown Malbay, Clare

Munster Senior Championship:

28th July Waterford 3-13 Kerry 1-16 Fitzgerald Stadium

Kerry County Senior Championship final:

Corcha Dhuibhne 0-12 Southern Gaels 1-8

Post Primary Schools:

All Ireland Senior final:

17th April Colaiste na Sceilge 2-13 Loretto Navan 0-10 Nenagh

All Ireland Junior final:

24th April Colaiste na Sceilge 4-19 St Louise Monaghan 1-7 Nenagh

2003

Under 14 Championship:

3rd May Kerry 13-23 Tipperary 0-2 Newcastlewest

7th May Kerry 4-9 Limerick 2-3 Abbeyfeale

Semi final:

17th May Kerry 3-10 Waterford 1-8 Bruff

Munster final:

24th May Cork 4-8 Kerry 1-2 Fermoy

Under 16 Championship:

19th April Kerry 3-10 Waterford 1-6 Fermoy

26th April Cork 3-7 Kerry 0-6 Macroom – final

Senior Championship:

5th July Waterford 2-17 Kerry 2-8 Walsh Park, Waterford

12th July Kerry 5-10 Clare 1-10 Doonbeg, Clare

19th July Kerry 2-14 Cork 3-10 Carrigaline

Munster final:

4th August Kerry 2-12 Waterford 2-10 Pairc ui Rinn

All Ireland quarter final:

30th August Kerry 3-8 Laois 2-8 Ennis

All Ireland semi final:

13th Sept Dublin 0-13 Kerry 0-8 Portlaoise

Senior National League:

16th February Kerry 1-13 Mayo 2-7 Hollymodat Mayo

23rd February Kerry 2-6 Galway 1-7 Pearse Stadium

1st March Kerry 5-19 Monaghan 3-7 Fossa Killarney

8th March Kerry 1-13 Longford 2-9 Dr Croke Killarney

National League quarter final:

30th March Kerry 3-12 Dublin 0-11 Parnell Park, Dublin

Semi final:

6th April Kerry 1-12 Galway 2-5 Austin Stack Park

Final:

27th April Laois 2-10 Kerry 2-9 Ennis

Minor Championship:

20th June Kerry 5-20 Clare 2-3 Cooraclare

Semi final:

7th August Kerry Tipperary Dromina

Munster final:

24th August Cork 4-16 Kerry 3-7 Annascaul

Junior Championship:

5th July Kerry 1-6 Waterford 0-8 Walsh Park

12th July Tipperary 3-12 Kerry 2-9 Doonbeg

19th July Cork 4-7 Kerry 0-4 Carrigaline

16th July Limerick 6-13 Kerry 0-3 Beaufort

Senior Club Championship:

Southern Gaels 3-11 Corcha Dhunbhine 3-10

Post Primary School:

Colaiste na Sceilge Surrindeo – both teams All Ireland titles.

Inter-Provincial

1983: Munster received bye in semi final. Leinster beat Connaught in other semi final. Final was played at the Heath, Portlaoise on 13th March.

Result: Leinster 1-9 Munster 0-3

1987: No details of semi finals. Final played at O’Toole Park, Dublin on the

21st June.

Result: Munster 2-10 Leinster 0-8

1988: No details of semi finals. Final played at Cappoquin, Co Waterford on the

29th May.

Result: Munster 2-10 Leinster 0-4

1989: Munster beaten by Leinster in semi final. Leinster beat Connaught in final. No other details.

1974: No details on the Kerry v cork game other than Kerry won. The venue was Banteer. Kerry were defeated by Tipperary in the Munster final.

1979/ National League final.

1980: Kerry 4-8 Offaly 3-3. Game played at Littleton, Co Tipperary on the 29th June 1980.

1980/ National League Final

1981: Kerry 5-4 Tipperary 1-8, played at Ballyhea, Co Cork on the 29th November 1981

1985: National League final

Kerry 5-11 Leitrim 0-1, played at Ardrahan, Co Galway on the 23rd June 1985

1987: National League final

Kerry 6-12 Laois 1-2, played at Claughan, Limerick on the 28th June 1987.

1993: Laois beat Cork in final. No other details.

1994: Monaghan beat Mayo in final. No other details

1996: Monaghan beat Mayo at Pearse Park, Longford on the 8th December. Have not got correct score.

1991: On 11th August 1991, Clare beat Kerry by 4-6 to nil in Junior League but I think it was a semi final. No other details on Junior League.

1977: Munster Senior Championship

Kerry 4-11 Cork 1-3, played at Castleisland on 6th August 1977.

1978: Munster Senior Championship:

Kerry 1-3 Tipperary 4-5, played at Ballyclough, Mallow on the 5th September

1979: Munster Senior Championship

Tipperary 2-5 Kerry 0-4, played at Kildorrery on the 19th August

1980: Munster Senior Championship

Tipperary 2-5 Kerry 3-1, played at Kildorrery on the 3rd August

1980: Munster Minor final

Kerry 6-9 Cork 1-0, played at Doneraile, Co Cork on the 13th September.

1980: Munster Under 16 Championship

Tipperary 4-2 Kerry 3-1, played at Doneraile on the 27th September.

1981 Munster Senior Championship

Kerry 2-13 Cork 1-5, played at Galntane, Mallow on the 30th August.

1981: Munster Minor Championship

Kerry 2-2 Tipperary 1-4, played at Mallow on the 1st August.

1981: Munster Under 16 Championship

Tipperary 3-5 Kerry 2-1, played at Mallow on the 17th July.

1982: Munster Senior Championship

Kerry 2-11 Tipperary 0-2, played at Glantane, Mallow on the 29th August.

1982: Minor Championship

Tipperary 3-5 Kerry 3-2, played at Glantane, Mallow on the 24th July.

1982: Under 16 Championship

Kerry 3-2 Tipperary 1-4, played at Glantane, Mallow on the 31st July

1983: Munster Senior Championship

Kerry 4-15 Cork 0-1, played at Ballymacelligott on the 30th July

1983: Munster Minor Championship

Kerry 2-5 Waterford 0-8, played at Ballyclough, Mallow on the 9th July

1983: Munster Under 16 Championship

Limerick beat Kerry by 2-5 to 0-5 in semi final at Ballybunion on the

23rd June. Tipperary beat Limerick in final. No further details.

1984: Munster Senior Championship

Kerry 5-9 Waterford 0-3, played at Bishopstown, Co Cork on the 11th August. No details of Minor Championship except that Cork beat Waterford.

1985: Munster Senior Championship

Kerry 3-4 Cork 0-4, played in Killorglin on the 11th August

1987: Munster Junior Championship

Cork 2-15 Kerry 0-2, played at Farranfore, Co Kerry on the 30th August

1988: Munster Junior Championship

Kerry beat Cork by 1-6 to 0-2 in semi final at Donoughmore, Co Cork on the 24th July. Clare beat Kerry in final on the 21st August at Clare venue.

Clare 1-5 Kerry 1-4

1989: Munster Minor Championship final

Clare 4-17 Kerry 0-4, played at Askeaton, Co Limerick on the 29th July.

1989: Munster Under 16 final

Waterford 2-4 Kerry 0-4, played at Doneraile, Co Cork on the 22nd July

1990: Munster Junior Championship final

Clare 2-13 Kerry 0-9, played at Listowel on the 11th August

1990: Munster Minor Championship

Waterford and Kerry drew in semi final 3-4 each on the 1st July at Doneraile. Waterford won replay easily on the 14th July at Doneraile. No details of score. Clare beat Waterford in final.

1990: Munster Under 16 Championship

Clare 2-7 Kerry 0-2, played on the 23rd June at Listowel. Not sure if it was a semi final or final?

1991: Munster Under 16 Championship

Waterford 6-13 Kerry 2-2, played at Glanworth, co Cork on the 17th July

1991: Munster Minor Championship

Waterford 4-20 Kerry 1-1, played at Glanworth on the 10th July, think this was a semi final

1991: Munster Under 14 Championship

Kerry 6-9 Cork 1-2, played at Farranfore, Co Kerry on the 20th July

1992: Munster Under 14 Championship

Waterford 5-12 Kerry 2-6, played at Mallow on the 26th June

1992: Munster Under 16 Championship

Waterford 8-12 Kerry 2-6, played at Mallow on the 29th July

1992: Munster Minor Championship

Waterford 5-12 Kerry 4-4, played at Mallow on the 26th June

1992: Munster Senior Championship

Waterford 0-8 Kerry 1-1, played at Dungarvan on the 29th August

I have very little details of club championship.

1979: Newtownshandrum beat Castleisland in Munster club final by 4-2 to 2-5. Game was played on the 5th April

1980: Castleisland beat Carbury in Munster club final by 3-4 to 0-3. This game was played on the 10th May 1981 at a Cork venue. May be Ballymackera?

1993: Castleisland won the Munster club championship again, I think it was St Endas they beat.

I have no record of Post Primary finals.

Inauguration of Under 16 Championship:

I can assure you that 1976 was the first official Under 16 championship. Anything played before that was not an official competition.

In Munster Kerry played Cork in the final at Fossa, Killarney on the 3rd October, final score Kerry 5-0 Cork 4-2.

Kerry played Mayo in the All Ireland final at Athlone on the 31st October. Final score Mayo 4-13 Kerry 0-1.

Senior:

1980: Score and venue Kerry v Cork. Senior championship semi final, played at Austin Stack Park, Tralee. Kerry 6-5 Cork 3-4.

1976: Mayo 4-13 Kerry 0-1, played in Athlone on the 31st October

1982: Wexford beat Kerry by 2-9 to 4-00 at New Ross on the 21st August

All Ireland Club Semi Final:

1983: Castleisland 3-3 Mullahoran 1-4, played at Tullamore

1988: Laois 3-8 Kerry 3-2. Under 16 final played at Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare on the 3rd September

Munster Junior Championship:

21st August 1988 – Clare 1-5 Kerry 1-4. Some Clare venue

Junior semi-final:

1988: Glantane Cork 1-9 Kerry 0-4

1990: Kerry 6-8 Wicklow 2-5

1991: Clare 4-6 Kerry 0-0

Junior National League final:

1990: Venue – Askeaton Limerick

Post Primary:

1989: Castlerea Roscommon 4-2 Tarbirt 1-5, played at Kiltormer, Co Galway on the 7th May

Post Primary:

1989: St Annes 4-2 Tarbirt 1-5, played at Killtormer, Co Galway

1990: Venue The Health Portaloise

Under 14:

1991: No record of Clare v Kerry

On 10th July, 1st round Kerry 6-7 Waterford 5-5

20th July final, Kerry 6-9 Cork 1-2

1992: Score at end of normal time 1-5 each

1993: Venue – Cusack Park, Ennis

Under 14:

1993: Venue – Monaghan at Tullamore

1994: Venue – Wexford at Ardfinnan

Under 16 final:

1993: Wicklow 4-11 Kerry 2-10, played at Ardfinnan on the 4th September

All Ireland “B” final:

1994: Clare 2-5 Kerry 1-8, played at Cusack Park Ennis on the 22nd October.

Replay – Clare 1-8 Kerry 0-6, played at Kerins O’Rahilly’s Park, Tralee on the 13th November

1997: No records

Intermediate:

Kerry played Clare in semi final. Score and venue unknown.

Final – Kery beat Dublin on the 27th September 1997 at Dullan Park, Ballinasloe

Score 6-14 to 1-8

We formed the County Board in Kerry in 1974 and as fair as I can recall we did not field an Under 16 team until 1978.

All Stars v Tipperary was played on the 24th May 1981 (1980) game at Littleton. Score was, as you have it, 1-11 to 0-2.

The 1981 All Star game v Offaly was played on the 6th December 1981 at Tullamore. Score All Stars 6-6 Offaly 0-7.

I don’t have venue for 1989 Provincial final.

With reference to Kerry v Cork referred to. If that was their championship meeting of 1994, the score is wrong. I don’t have the actual score but I know Kerry beat Cork and qualified to meet Tipperary in Munster final.

Inter-Provincial Information

1974/75:

I cannot say for sure that there was an Inter-Provincial Council in 1974 and 1975. I know I regarded and always assumed that Jim Kennedy was President of Munster during those two years.

1976:

The following Officers were elected at the AGM held in Clomel on the 14th February:

President: Jim Kennedy Tipperary

Vice-President: Tommy Tucker Cork

Secretary: Carmel Ryan Waterford

Treasurer: Ann McCarthy Waterford

Council Members: Paul O’Sullivan and Mick Fitzgerald (Kerry)

Eugene O’Sullivan and Dan O’Connor (Cork)

John O’Donovan (Tipperary)

1977:

I have not got the date or venue for AGM. The following members were elected:

President: Jim Kennedy

Vice-President: Mick Fitzgerald

Secretary: Carmel Ryan

Treasurer: Ann McCarthy

Jim Kennedy resigned as President during the year and I took over from him.

1978:

The AGM was held on the 4th March. The following Officer elected:

President: Mick Fitzgerald

Secretary Carmel Ryan

Treasurer: Ann McCarthy

1979

The AGM was held at Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on the 23rd February.

President: Neallie Walsh, Cork

Vice-President: Derry Shanahan, Tipperary

Secretary: Amelia Collins, Kerry

Treasurer: Sally Clohessy, Tipperary

1980

Nothing on record

1981

The AGM was held at Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on the 23rd January.

President: Mick Fitzgerald, Kerry

Vice-President: Derry Shanahan, Tipperary

Secretary: Amelia Collins, Kerry

Treasurer: Patrick O’Gorman, Cork

PRO: Nealie O’Sullivan, Cork

1982

The AGM was held at Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on the 30th January.

President: Tony Riordan, Kerry

Vice-President: Marian O’Shea, Tipperary

Secretary:

Treasurer: Marian O’Shea, Tipperary

PRO: Nealie Walsh, Cork

1983

The AGM was held at Hibernian Hotel Mallow on the 20th January.

President: Tony Riordan, Kerry

Secretary: Diane Fenton, Cork

Treasurer: Marian O’Shea, Tipperary

By: Mick Fitzgerald

Riverside Drive

Castleisland

My first involvement in Ladies Football (officially) was in 1974. I telephoned John Barry of the “Kerryman” newspaper and asked him to advertise that a meeting would be held in the Austin Stack Park pavilion, Tralee for the purpose of forming a ladies football county board.

A couple of dozen attended which I suppose was a pleasant surprise. A County Board was appointed. Richard Williams of Killarney was appointed Chairman. I was one of the selectors on the county team. We formed a club in Castleisland a couple of weeks later. I was appointed Chairman of the club.

As regards the state or position of Ladies Gaelic Football at that time, there was only a small number of clubs and counties playing it. The game was competitive and there were some good individual skilful players, however, it was not very attractive to watch. Players were allowed to dive on the ball and as a result, more often than not, play developed into a scrum.

You had six or seven girls on the team who could play football and the others making up the team. The others referred to may not have kicked a football before, but fair play to them who were prepared to join in and have a go.

Positions Held:

I was Chairman of the Castleisland Club for about 15 years. I was Chairman of the Kerry County Board when Kerry won their first All Ireland in 1976. I have been Chairman of the County Board on at least six different occasions.

I have been Treasurer of Kerry County Board, President of Munster Council, President of Central Council from 1982 – 1985, National Registrar and Development Officer and Treasurer of Central Council since 1987 or 1988.

Outstanding Memory:

It is very hard to single out one particular outstanding memory as I have been lucky to have so many but I suppose when Castleisland won the All Ireland senior club championship in 1980, it was very special as I was Chairman of the club at the time, and also the team trainer.

My low point is easier to recall. It was the defeat of Kerry by Waterford in the Munster final at Listowel on the 11th August 1991. It is not that I am a bad loser, indeed on the contrary, I was delighted for Waterford and Michael Ryan, but I knew that it was the end of a really wonderful team who had been together since 1980 when they won the Minor All Ireland. To me they were more like a family than a football team.

Interesting Stories:

There are quite a few, some you could not print.

I remember on one occasion when Munster were playing Leinster in the Inter-provincial final. At some stage during the second half, Munster were leading well and the selectors decided to give a couple of subs a run. One selector from Kerry wanted to put on a Kerry player and a selector from Tipperary was insisting that a Tipperary player should get a run. An argument developed and within seconds a bout of ‘fistycuffs’, which the couple of dozen spectators thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately as a result of the dispute, none of the subs got a run.

On another occasion, I was refereeing a game up the country. As one forward was going on a solo run and heading for goal, her opponent who had been chasing her, caught her by the pony tail and dragged back. One of my umpires didn’t like what he saw, picked up a piece of broken hurley and chased the offending player around the field. The outcome – she was much faster than he was, and was able to get away.

Then there was an occasion where a chairman of a Provincial Council during the Annual General Meeting suspended two members for something or other for three months. This was done as a report of his own referee’s report. Things went well until it came to the election of officers. The ongoing secretary did not wish to go forward. He asked for nominations from the floor. There were a few proposals, but no takers. Then a stroke of genius from the chairman. He asked the lady he was after suspending for three months, if she would be willing to take the job of secretary. She said she would take it if she was not suspended. The chairman re-instated her immediately and she went and sat beside him. Was it the shortest suspension of all time?

My Opinion of other Counties:

I have great admiration for all counties and it is great to have all 32 counties as well as overseas. I always feel very sorry for the losing team and more especially at under age level. The only consolation is that they are able to forget their disappointment very quickly.

Starting in Munster, I have great admiration for Waterford, Kerry beat them year after year in the eighties, sometimes narrowly and luckily, but they stayed in there, gained in experience and became a really great team.

I thought Clare or Cork would make the break through, and while they both won the Munster Championship, they have not got that one step further. In the earlier years, Tipperary had a very good team and some wonderful players.

In Leinster, Offaly ruled the game in the early years. Wexford had some very strong teams and deserved an All Ireland but it was not to be. Laois appeared and were beaten in so many All Irelands that I thought they would never win but eventually they did and I was delighted for them.

Monaghan, Mayo and more recently my native county Galway have all added their name to the Brendan Martin Cup.

People I admire:

As to the people I admire, I think it would be unfair to single out any individuals as we have now, and have had so many great people involved in our association, at club, county, inter-provincial and national level. The proof of the work that has bee done is the success of the game at all levels at the present time.

Enjoyment:

I love sport and sport is so important for young people but there is no doubt my favourite is ladies football. It is a wonderful skilful game. It is fast and very attractive to watch. Showing the games live is great for the sport and I wish to thank and compliment TG4 in particular who have advertised our game all over the world.

Hopes for the future:

That the playing members will continue to increase. That all county boards read the recently finished strategic plan and try at least to implement some of the recommendations in it and in particular, with regard to providing plenty of club games for all players.

That all players and clubs treat our All Ireland final with the importance it deserves by travelling to Croke Park and supporting the game of ladies football, no matter what counties are involved.

National Hall of Fame

Mick Fitzgerarld – Kerry 2004

Mick Fitzgerald is a Galway man living in Kerry, origi8nally from Killmor, Co Galway. He moved to Kerry in 1959. He came into Ladies Football in 1973, a year before the Ladies Football Association was founded. Mick was involved with the Castleisland Camogie team in Kerry for a number of years previous and indeed football was part of the addenda within the Camogie clubs in Kerry basically to add a bit of fun.. In 1974 Castleisland set up a ladies football team to take part in a local league with Mick Fitzgerald at the helm. Mick served as Chairman and trainer, winning a number of titles, cumulating with the club winning the National Senior Club All Ireland titles in 1980 and again in 1983 and to add a national seven a side title in 1992.

Mick was instrumental in setting up the first ever Kerry ladies county board in 1974 where he served as Chairman and additional officerships that included the Munster Council until 1982 when he was elected national President. Mick was appointed Kerry County Minor Manager in 1980 where he trained his charges to win the inaugural title and again he defended that title with success in 1981.

He was appointed Kerry Senior Manager in 1982, the very year he took office as national President and with the nucleus of his magnificent minor squad Kerry won the senior double of League and championship. Mick went on to guide Kerry to win seven titles in a row until 1991 when an up surging Waterford took their scalps in the Munster final. Mick also achieved seven league titles during his reign as manager and include to that a number of provincial titles under his manager-ship.

Mick took time out in 1985, the last year of his National Presidency and this reduced by one his haul of national titles won in football that stands today at 20. Mick Fitzgerald’s record must stand as the most prolific manager in the history of Gaelic games and he achieved a record that may stand the test of time in an era of high profile in all sport, where high achievements is the bench mark and the fun factor a non-identity.

Mick Fitzgerald as stated took National Office in 1982 serving in that high office with as equal esteem as he was achieving on the football field. After his term came to a close in 1985, he was appointed to serve three officerships simultaneous. Development, Registration and National Treasurer. Mick has seen the association grow from humble beginnings to an administration of five provincial councils and thirty five county boards, to which he has contributed hugely to its development, where he has travelled extensively giving Rules Seminars and advice to the grass roots of the association.

Mick is married to Margaret and has two children, Siobhan and Michael. He also has four grandchildren, Aoife, Edel, Orla and Mark.

Mick is without doubt the father of An Culmann Peil Gael na mBan. He was always available to propogate common sense in the difficult developing years of the association and indeed as a respected active officer. He still continues to do so.

It is a privilege for me as one of the history officers compiling this national history to provide this citation on this great Gael which is only a very brief outline of his total input of 32 years service to the association.

Pat Chapman

“Mary will Soldier on”

When anybody with an interest in sport hears a mention of Castleisland, Co Kerry, the name Geaney immediately comes to mind, for that particular family has produced more than its share of notable personalities.

Mary Geaney, for instance, is one of the country’s most distinguished sportswomen and she recently announced her retirement from the international hockey scene, having won 61 caps as Ireland’s goalkeeper.

Mary is aged 32 and will continue to play hockey, camogie, ladies football and badminton at club and county level and cannot ever see herself getting away completely from all codes.

Her father, Con, now a hearty 77, won three All Ireland medals with Kerry in the 1930s. He was a national teacher at Currans, a few miles outside Castlieland where his children also attended school. Games like camogie, hurling and football were played at the school and Mary became involved in the Castleisland Camogie Club at an early age.

She received her secondary education at the Ursuline Convent, Blackrock in 1965 when Mrs Joan Dorgan was responsible for the hockey tuition and quickly established her potential as a goalkeeper – even if it took some time to become accustomed to wearing the heavy leg pads.

“If you have an eye for a ball, I think its easy to adjust to any game. Anyway, I have enjoyed hockey tremendously for the past 20 years”, she says.

Mary won three Munster Championships with the Ursulines at school level and was picked for the senior team in her first year. She later joined the Old Ursulines and hopes to continue playing with them for several years to come.

Her camogie allegiance is with the Cork club, Eire Og, and her best position is full-forward. She has won four county championships and one Munster title with the club. Again she has no plans to quit club camogie.

At times she has found it difficult to fit in both hockey and camogie. On one occasion she gave preference to an inter-national hockey fixture and lost an All Ireland camogie medal as a result.

The fact that she had to frequently travel long distances influenced her retirement. It was a case of having to go to Dublin almost every weekend and she had to reach high levels of fitness while training alone. The 64 miles each way journey to Cork over the heights of Nadd is now very much second nature to her. She makes it most weekends but at least has been relieved of the real pressure of inter-national competition.

Looking back over a career which involved playing on a Triple Crown team, one memory stands out. It is of a famous day in Wembley Stadium in 1984 when Ireland defeated England 1-0 in a home countries tie.

Apart from keeping her goal intact, she had to face an English penalty shot which it the post. “I’ll never forget the excitement and the tension of that day”, she remarks. “We were on the defensive for most of the time and it was a marvellous victory”.

She’s reasonably happy with progress around the country in the promotion of camogie and sees prospects for ladies football, which she maintains it not getting the support is deserves from the GAA.

A member of the Kerry ladies football side which last year won its fourth successive All Ireland crown, she feels important games should be played at top venues and as curtain raisers to major hurling and football matches.

“Up to now they’ve been sending us to out of the way placed, even for All Ireland semi finals”, she complains. “If this is to be the approach, nobody will get a chance to see our football and it will never be really accepted. Many girls are very skilful but don’t get the audience they ought to get”

Her brother Dave, Chairman of the Kerry GAA Board’s Fixtures committee, might take note. A doctor practising in Castleisland, he won an All Ireland medal in 1959 and is one the main architects of Castleisland Desmonds’ success in recent years. Dave is also a member of the Munster GAA Council.

Mary is second youngest in a family of six. Sheila is married in Listowel, Dick (a former Kerry minor) is in Chicago. Fr Niall is a missionary priest in the Sudan and Eileen is a teacher in Dublin.

On the issue of sponsorship, Mary is opposed to paying players, but feels that adequate expenses should be paid.

Working in the family fancy good store at Main Street, Castleisland, she trains every day. She finds walking to be of benefit and does seven or eight mils almost every night.

Last week, she won her fifth consecutive Kerry badminton title – her tenth in all – and she has also taken up golf in Killarney, where her handicap currently stands at an improving 25.

Mary Geaney’s advice to young sportspeople, is “If you want to make it, you must put in the time”.

The Intermediate School Kilorglin Ladies Football Team

By

Grainne O’Malley (Leaving Cert student)

Ladies Football began in the Intermediate School Killorglin (ISK) in 1995 under the guidance of Owen Moynihan and Dave Staunton. The surrounding clubs in mid and east Kerry such as Firis, Laune Rangers and significantly Beaufort, which contributed the majority of the members, fuelled the team. Talented players such as Deirdre Dennehy, Virginia Doona, Marlene O’Sullivan and Vera O’Reilly, all from Beaufort made outstanding contributions to the success of the team. Sarah-Jane O’Sullivan, Kerry O’Connor and Theresa Hoare from Killorglin also played key roles within the team.

Thought the ISK ladies team was still in the first year of formation, the team soon was Kerry League and Championship winners at both senior and junior level. Both teams had to see of the challenge of SJB Cahersiveen to claim the title. The junior team Kilkee of Clare in the Munster Championship, first round. It was a tough exciting game that in the end saw Killorglin barely scraping through after extra time. After seeing off the challenge of Kanturk in the semi final, the Killorglin girls were into their first Munster final, against the Tipperary champions, Mervy Convent Chair. The final was held on a windy February day and Killorglin played the first half with the aid of the strong breeze that enabled them to build up a lead of 11 points. Cahir fought back in the second half but brave defending from the Killorglin backs, particularly Jenny Johnston, who was deemed Woman of the Match, saw Killorglin captain, Deirdre Dennehy receive the Munster Shield. Unfortunately, the seniors lost out against the very strong Clare side from Spanish Point in the first round of the Munster Championship.

The junior team’s progression to the All-Ireland semi final threw up the challenge of the Connuaght champions from Westport, Mayo. Another intensive match finally ended with a Killorglin victory after a great team performance. The ISK ladies had reached the All Ireland final although this was their first year of competition. The defeat of Heywood, Co Laois ended a wonderful year for the ISK. Deirdre Dennehy lifted the All Ireland trophy on behalf of the team and also received Player of the Match reward.

The following year brought with it continuing success for the ISK ladies. The majority of the previous year’s team returned to the panel justifying the hopes for considerable success in the championship. The junior team lost a few important members such as Virginia Doona and Geraldine Doona, however, new talent in the form of Stephanie Corkery and Josie Sugrue and Kerry Lyons slipped into the spaces seamlessly. Both the junior and senior teams beat SJB of Cahersiveen again to grasp the Kerry title for the second year in a row. Disappointingly, Spanish Point yet again dashed the seniors’ hopes. However, the juniors made up somewhat for the loss by defeating the Spanish Point Junior team in the Munster semi final. In the Munster final, the Killorglin footballers thwarted the aspirations of Kilmacthomas to claim their second consecutive Munster title.

The ISK junior team defeated St Louis of Monaghan to win the All Ireland final of that year. All Ireland success was duplicated in the following year in considerable style by the junior team. A very strong team consisting mostly of 3rd years, the maximum age, stormed through the competition, disposing of teams quickly and easily. The senior competition was significantly more intense, however, they achieved their long awaited Senior All Ireland title. The 199 championship was a bleak year for the ISK ladies, whose name was by now synomonous with colleges football. A seriously depleted junior less 12 of the previous year’s team lost in the Kerry final. Unlike the juniors, the seniors were generally considered favourites going in to the Kerry final. However, Colaiste na Sceilige, the progeny of the amalgamation of Cahersiveen and its neighbouring schools, pulled off a well deserved victory that ended Killorglin’s campaign for the year.

Killorglin entered the 2000 competition with renewed hopes. The structure of the championship was altered to facilitate teams with more games, which meant that the initial stages of the competition was played on a league basis with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the knock-out stages. The first round defeat of the Killorglin seniors by Colaiste na Sceilige, spurred the team into action. On request, Messrs Stanton and Moynihan stepped up the team’s training in an attempt to regain form. The hard work paid off eventually when the ISK defeated Colaiste na Sceilige in the Munster final by a marginal 4 points. Killorglin went forward to the All Ireland stages with high hopes. After winning the semi final comfortably, the All Ireland was played on the 18th April against St Louis of Monaghan. The match was bravely fought by the ISK girls. During an enthralling second half, the lead switched hands several times. However, when the final whistle blew, the Ulster team emerged the victors by only one points after a goal in the dying moments of the match.

Throughout the last five years since the establishment of the ISK ladies team, the school achieved three junior All Irelands and onesenior All Ireland thanks to the dedication of the players and trainers as well as skill and luck. The success of the school can be attributed largely to Mr Moynihan and Mr Stanton, who prepared the teams thoroughly for competition. The trainers always claimed that the great advantage of the ISK side was not the strength of the team but the strength of its panel. Many of the players who came up through the ranks of the school now represent Kerry at senior level.

Brief history of Kerry Ladies Gaelic Football Association 1974 – 1998

Eleven All Ireland winning captains:

1976: Mary Geaney Castleisland

1982: Marion O’Doherty Ballymacelligott

1983: Marina Barry Austin Stacks

1984: Brigid Leen Ballymacelligott

1986: Annette Walsh Cordal

1987: Margaret Flaherty Churchill

1988: Mary Lane Abbeyfeale

1989: Kathleen Curran Dingle

1990 Dell McLoughlin Austin Stacks

1993: Eileen Lawlor Abbeydorney

While Ladies Gaelic Football was played in some areas in Kerry for a few years pre 1974, it was on Thursday night the 8th August that the Kerry Ladies Gael Football County Board was officially formed at a meeting held at the Austin Stack Park pavilion in Tralee.

The following officers and mentors were elected:

Chairman: Richard Williams Fossa

Secretary: Joan Kelliher Killarney

Treasurer: Pat Lawlor Ardfert

Selectors: Richard Williams

Pat Lawlor (all Castleisland)

Mick Fitzgerald

Trainers: Paul Sullivan RIP Killarney

Alex Rintoul Killarney

There were other County Boards formed around the country during that time also and Kerry was one of eight teams who participated in the All Ireland championship which was held for the very first time in 1974.

Kerry beat Waterford and Cork in the Munster Championship but lost to Tipperary in the Munster final by just two points. Tipperary went on to win the All Ireland Championship. In 1975 Kerry again beat Waterford and Cork in the Munster Championship but were well beaten by Tipperary in the Munster final which was played at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney.

In 1976, for the third year in a row, Kerry beat Waterford and Cork and qualified to meet Tipperary in the Munster final again. The game was played at Golden, Co Tipperary. It was third time lucky for Kerry as they won their first Munster Championship on the score Kerry 3-1 Tipperary 0-3. Kerry beat Cavan in the All Ireland semi final at Breffini Park, Cavan. One of Cavan’s stars at midfield was a young lady named Kathleen Leddy who went on to make a name for herself in the music business as Kathy Durcan.

Kerry played Offaly in the All-Ireland final at Littleton Co Tipperary on the 10th October and won their first All Ireland title on the score Kerry 4-6 Offaly 1-5.

Kerry retained the Munster Championship in 1977 but lost to Roscommon in the All Ireland semi final at Castleisland.

Some lean years were to follow. Kerry did not win their next Munster Championship until 1981. They lost to Offaly in the All Ireland semi final.

Kerry had a brilliant minor team in 1980 and with a lot of those players promoted to the senior panel we awaited the competitions to start in 1982. Kerry won the National League title early in 1982 and were well prepared when they met Waterford in the first round of the Munster Championship. Kerry won on the score Kerry 6-11 Waterford 0-0.

Kerry went on to beat Tipperary easily in the Munster final. They also had 11 points to spare in the All Ireland semi final against Cavan.

The All Ireland final was played at McDonagh Park, Nenagh on the 3rd October. It was one of the wettest days of the year but Kerry did not mind as they defeated Offaly by 1-8 to 1-2.

This Kerry team went on to win 9 All Ireland titles in a row and 11 National League titles in 12 years.

I suppose this team could not go on winning forever. They lost narrowly to Waterford in 1991 and 1992 but came back to win the All Ireland again in 1993.

Apart from the success of the senior team, Kerry have had a lost of success at other grades with the Under 14 team, the minor team and the Intermediate team winning a number of All Ireland titles.

Castleisland club have won two All Ireland club titles. Beaufort, Abbeydorney and Ballyduff have had success at the All Ireland sevens competitions.

Killorglin School have won All Ireland titles at both junior and senior level.

There is a large number of clubs affiliated to the Kerry County Board at present and some wonderful talented players around and hopefully it won’t be long until Kerry are back at the top once again.

Looking back over the past 25 years, one would have to be proud of all the wonderful achievements of those Kerry ladies, but a little sad that they did not receive more recognition for what they achieved.

After winning their very first All Ireland title in 1976, the team and officials adjourned to a local bar for a few sandwiches and a drink. When they got back to Kerry there was no welcome. There may have been a few words on the local papers.

Unfortunately even after winning nine in a row Al Ireland titles, the reception was very small and the players were hurt and disappointed. However, they continue to make sacrifices just like their male counterparts and I know they will continue to do with pride, passion and dignity.

Players who have played with Kerry during the 25 years 1974 – 1998

Siobhan Ahern Beaufort Norma Allen Abbeydorney

Marina Barry Austin Stacks Joan Barry Austin Stacks

Mary Buckley Rathmore Catriona Buckey Abbeydorney

Sinead Bunyan Ballyduff Bernie Breen Beaufort

Kathleen Brosnan Cordal Patricia Broderick Castleisland

Geraldine Bartlett Killarney Aileen Brosnan Kenmare

Ann Costello Abbeydorney Kay Carr Ballydonoghue

Mary Ellen Cronin Belnnerville

Clair Connolly Austin Stacks Mary Jo Curran Beaufort

Phil Curran Beaufort Kathleen Curran Dingle

Nora Crowley Rathmore Carmel Coffey Beaufort

Geraldine Cahillane Keel Nora Ann Courtney Castleisland

Amelia Collins Fossa Aisling Clifford South Kerry

Sue Curtin Castlegregory Caroline Condon Ballyduff

Susan Condon Ballyduff Sheila Condon Ballyduff

Bridget Dowling Abbeydorney Shari Delaney Ballyduff

Martina Dowling Ballyduff Noelle Donovan Listowel

Noreen Daly Castlemaine Deirdre Dennehy Beaufort

Virginia Doona Beaufort Dolores Doyle Killorglin

Catherine Doyle Killorglin Una Dennehy Currow

Josephine Dillon Castleisland Sheila Donnelly Cahirciveen

Geraldine Doona Beaufort Helen Enright Abbeydorney

Honor Fitzgerald Kenmare Joanne Fitzgerald Glin

Marie Fitzgerald Cahirciveen Michelle Fitzgerald Cahirciveen

Olivia Fitzgerald South Kerry Kay Fitzgerald Currow

Pat Farrell Ballybunion Lisa Fogarty Ballybunion

Margaret Flaherty Churchill Helena Falvey Firies

Nora Foley Beaufort Mary Ferris Ardfert

Mary Geaney Castleisland Kathleen Griffin Castleisland

Jenny Geary Abbeydorney Geraldine Greensmith Austin Stacks

Elaine Granfield Beaufort Lil Horgan Lixnaw

Tess Horgan Lixnaw Mary Horgan Killorglin

Teresa Hoare Killorglin Joan Healy Killorglin

Breda Healy Killorglin Sandra Hartnett Castleisland

Jackie Hartnett Castleisland Jennifer Healy Blennerville

Jenny Johnston Beaufort Ruth Keane Austin Stacks

Liz Keane Austin Stacks Ann Kerins Scartaglin

Ann Kissane Ballydonoghue Pauline Kearney Abbeydorney

Catherine Kiely Killarney Mai Lombard Castleisland

Margaret Lawlor Ardfert Eileen Lawlor Ardfert

Brid Lawlor Ardfert Katie Liston Loughill

Sarah Laide Austin Stacks Bridget Leen Ballymacelligott

Josephine Leen Ballymacelligott Mary Lane Abbeyfeale

Sheila Looney Gneeveguilla Annn Looney Killarney

Kathleen McElligott Lixnaw Helena McElligott Ballylongford

Dell McLoughlin Austin Stacks Aileen McLoughlin Austin Stacks

Helena McMahon Austin Stacks Helen mcKenna Abbeydorney

Alice McCarthy Abbeydorney Jackie McGillicuddy Killorglin

Elaine McGillicuddy Killorglin Marie McCrohan Cahirciveen

Maltida McDonagh Listowel Ann Maunsell Abbeydorney

Helen Maunsell Abbeydorney Patricia Murphy Abbeydorney

Josie Murphy Abbeydorney Marie Muphy Fossa

Esther Murphy Mallow Teresa Murphy Ballyheigue

Jackie Murname Ballyduff Liz Meehan Ballyduff

Patricia Moriarty Ballyduff Jackie Moriarty Austin Stacks

Rose Moriarty Austin Stacks Lily Moloney Austin Stacks

Bernie Moriarty Fossa Eileen Mulvihill Ballylongford

Sue Moloney Killarney Laura Moynihan Killarney

Jenny Mason Tralee Patricia Meade Milltown Malbay

Ann Naughton Austin Stacks Hilda O’Leary Austin Stacks

Ann O’Callaghan Austin Stacks Pat O’Mahony Austin Stacks

Eileen O’Connor Austin Stacks Teresa Ann O’Mahony Cordal

Marion O’Doherty Ballymacelligott Aine O’Doherty Ballymacelligott

Helena O’connor Ballymacelligott Margaret O’Doherty Fossa

Bernie O’Donoghue Fossa Eileen O’Donoghue Fossa

Joan O’Donoghue Fossa Mary O’Connor Fossa

Nora O’Donoghue Listowel Annette O’Connor Listowel

Helen O’Donoghue Castleisland Catriona O’Donoghue Castleisland

Ann O’Halloran Ballyheigue Bridget O’Connell Abbeydorney

Edel O’Connell Abbeydorney Eilish O’Connell Abbeydorney

Ann O’Connell Cordal Natalie O’Connor Ballyduff

Kerry O’Connor Beaufort Siobhan O’Sullivan Beaufort

Siobhan O’Connor Blennerville Grace O’Shea Blennerville

Natalie O’Shea Blennerville Andrea O’Donoghue Blennerville

Kay O’Leary Killarney Paula O’Leary Killarney

Celine O’Donoghue Glenflesk Fiona O’Donoghue Glenflesk

Geraldine O’Shea Annascaul Eileen O’Shea Kenmare

Julie O’Sullivan South Kerry Jackie O’Sullivan South Kerry

Margaret O’Sullivan South Kerry Adrienne O’Sullivan Fossa

Colette O’Regan Ballyduff Betty Ann O’Carroll Austin Stacks

Sheila Power Austin Stacks Maura Prenderville Castleisland

Suzanne Purcell Kenmare Marion Quill Fossa

Siobhan Quill Fossa Breda Quaid Fossa

Fionnuala Ruane Castlebar Patsy Reilly Castleisland

Margaret Sheehan Abbeydorney Josephine Slattery Abbeydorney

Marian Stack Abbeydorney Mary Stack Abbeydorney

Norma Shanahan Abbeydorney Denise Shanahan Abbeydorney

Helen Sexton Abbeydorney Julie Stack Banemore

Mary Sheehan South Kerry Breda Slattery Ballyheigue

Helen Slattery Ardfert Alison Slattery Austin Stacks

Marie Slattery Austin Stacks Barbara Scanlon Listowel

Eileen Scully Beaufort Eileen Sayers Blennerville

Bridget Sayers Blennerville Dara Sugrue Blennerville

Mary Twomey Ballymacelligott Sheila Twomey Ballymacelligott

Noreen Thompson Knocknagoshel Emily Turner South Kerry

Marie Tiernan Austin Stacks Collette Treacy Austin Stacks

Barbara White Austin Stacks Dyanne Wallace Austin Stacks

Annette Walsh Cordal Martina Walsh RIP Cordal

Noreen Wamsley Castleisland Joanne Wamsley Castleisland

Michelle Walsh Currow Siobhan Walsh Currow

Emily Woods Brosna

List of Kerry Players 1999 – 2005

1999

Andrea O’Donoghue Helen Enright Noreen Walmsley Fiona O’Donoghue

Natalie O’Connor Norma Shanahan Siobhan O’Connor Edel O’Connell

Mary Kelly Virgtinia Doona Emily Turner Ke3rry O’Connor

Patrice Dennehy Emily Woods Shari Delaney Denise Shanahan

Bernie Breen Jennifer Johnston Ruth keane Grace O’Shea

Helena Falvey Jackie Murnane Anna Sheehan Julie Moran

Ann Marie O’Shea

2000

Andrea O’Donoghue Siobhan O’Connor Dara Sugrue Ann Marie O’Shea

Edel O’Connell Deirdre Dennehy Katie Gleeson Mary Kelly

Kerry O’Connor Catherine Kiely Sinead Bunyan Fiona O’Donoghue

Shari Delaney Aoife O’Neill Grainne Flaherty Lorraine Casey

Sarah O’Connor Fiona Fenton Jennifer Johnston Margaret O’Donoghue

Julie Moran Michelle Cronin Emily turner Natalie O’Connor

Susan Joy

2001

Andrea O’Donoghue Grainne O’Malley Grainne Flaherty Aoife O’Neill

Deirdre Donnehy Edel O’Connell Ann Marie O’Shea

Margaret O’Donoghue Mary Kelly Lorraine Casey Geraldine O’Shea

Patrice Dennehy Sinead Bunyan Sarah O’Connor Shari Delaney

Siobhan O’Connor Anne Marie O’Donoghue Susan Joy Eileen Sayers

Grace O’Shea Jennifer Johnston Natalie O’Connor Mary Jo Bowler

Alisonh Slattery Rena O’connor Laura Flannery Emily Woods

Aideen ni Ciobhain

2002

Andrea O’Donoghue Grainne O’Malley Grainne Flaherty Jackie Murnane

Dara Sugrue Katie Gleeson Riona Kennedy Catherine Sexton

Evelyn O’Connell Kacey O’Driscoll Katie Kennelly Patrice Dennehy

Sarah O’Connor Geraldine O’Shea Shari Delaney Margaret O’Donoghue

Noreen Fealy Kerry O’Connor Siobhan O’Connor Ann Marie O’Shea

Aoife O’Neill Sinead Bunyan Jennifer Johnston

2003

Andrea O’Donoghue Laura Ross Grainne Ni Flahearta Jackie Murnane

Katie Gleeson Caroline Kelly Sarah O’Connor Mairead Finnegan

Edel O’Connell Katie Kennelly Kacey O’Driscoll Noreen Fealy

Patrice Dennehy Geraldine O’Shea Deirdre Corridan Riona Ni Chinneide

Evelyn O’Connell Shari Delaney Deirdre O’Sullivan Denise Shanahan

Neasa Ni Shuilleabhain Jennifer Johnston Ann Marie O’Shea Deirdre Fenton

Catherine Sexton Deirdre Dennehy Grainne O’Malley Fleur Wynn Morgan

Louise McCarthy

2004

Andrea O’Donoghue Jennifer Johnston Grainne Ni Fhlatharta Jackie Murnane

Siobhan O’Connor Katie Gleeson Neasa Ni Shulleabhain Caroline Kelly

Edel O’Connell Shari Delaney Geraldine O’Shea Katie Kennelly

Patrice Dennehy Sarah O’connor Kacey O’Driscoll Ciara O’Connor

Catherine Sexton Noreen Fealy Deirdre Corridon Riona Ni Chinmeide

Mary Kelly Jacinta Murphy Mairead Finnegan Grainne Malley

Jennifer Healy Bernie Cronin Amanda Brosnan Debra Murphy

Emer Knightly Sarah Jane Joy

2005

Martha O’Connor Grainne O’Malley Grainne Ni Fhatharta Katie Gleeson

Edel O’Connell Deirdre O’Sullivan Natalie O’Connor Caroline Kelly

Mary kelly Sarah O’Connor Deirdre Corridan Jackie Murnane

Noreen Fealy Geraldine O’Shea Patrice Dennehy Ciara O’Connor

Catherine Sexton Shari Delaney Mairead Finnegan Siobhan Fleming

Margaret O’Donoghue Sinead Bunyan Katie Kennelly Jennifer Johnston

Riona Ni Chinneide Jacinta Murphy Neasa Ni Shulleabhain Amanda Brosnan

Laura Mahony Niamh Sheehan

During the 25 years 1974 – 1998 Kerry Ladies have contested 11 All Ireland Senior Championships finals and 11 National League finals and have won them all

All Ireland Final Results:

Date Venue Score

10th October 1976 Littleton, Co Tipperary Kerry 4-6 Offaly 1-5

3rd October 1982 Nenagh, Co Tipperary Kerry 1-8 Offaly 1-2

11th September 1983 Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary Kerry 4-6 Wexford 1-7

9th September 1984 Timahoe, Co Laois Kerry 0-5 Leitrim 0-3

8th September 1985 Pairc Ui Chaoimh Kerry 2-9 Laois 0-5 12th October 1986 Croke Park Kerry 1-11 Wexford 0-8 4th October 1987 Croke Park Kerry 2-10 Westmeath 2-2 16th October 1988 Croke Park Kerry 2-12 Laois 3-3 8th October 1989 Croke Park Kerry 1-14 Wexford 1-5 11th November 1990 Croke Park Kerry 1-9 Laois 0-6 10th October 1993 Croke Park Kerry 4-8 Laois 2-6

National League Finals:

29th June 1980 Littleton, Co Tipperary Kerry 4-8 Offaly 3-3 29th November 1981 Buttevant, Co Cork Kerry 5-4 Tipperary 1-5 30th May 1982 Kilcormac, Co Offaly Kerry 5-7 Tipperary 2-4 26th June 1983 Pearse Stadium, Galway Kerry 1-9 Leitrim 2-6

25th September 1983 Do (replay) Kerry 1-14 Leitrim 0-4

17th October 1984 Newport, Co Tipperary Kerry 2-10 Laois 1-7

23rd June 1985 Ardrahan, Co Galway Kerry 5-11 Leitrim 0-1

28th June 1987 Claughan, Co Limerick Kerry 6-12 Laois 1-2

26th June 1988 Semple Stadium, Thurles Kerry 2-8 Waterford 0-6

2nd July 1989 Bishopstown, Cork Kerry 4-9 Waterford 2-7

8th September 1990 Askeaton, Co Limerick Kerry 2-11 Waterford 4-3

8th September 1991 O’Connor Park, Tullamore Kerry 2-12 Waterford 2-12

29th September 1991 Dungarvan (replay) Kerry 3-8 Waterford 2-10

(after extra time)

25th Anniversary Committee:

Chairman: Mick Fitzgerald

Secretary: Noreen Power

Treasurer: Anne O’Donoghue

Joint PRO: Amelia Hurley

Ann Egan

Sarah McNamara Helen Dowling Ann Slattery Bernie McCarthy

Marion Bowler Bridget Leen Margaret Slattery Kathleen Curran

Gerry O’Mahony Donal Sheehan Pat Lawlor

Senior County Championship Winners since 1975 (Kerry)

1975 Castleisland

1976 Fossa

1977 Austin Stacks

1978 Castleisland

1979 Austin Stacks

1980 Castleisland

1981 Castleisland

1982 Austin Stacks

1983 Castleisland

1984 Castleisland

1985 Castleisland

1986 Castleisland

1987 Castleisland

1988 Beaufort

1989 Austin Stacks

1990 Abbeydorney

1991 Beaufort

1992 Abbeydorney

1993 Abbeydorney

1994 Abbeydorney

1995 Abbeydorney

1996 Abbeydorney

1997 Abbeydorney

1998 Beaufort

1999 South Kerry

2000 Abbeydorney/Ballyduff

2001 Corca Dhuibhne

2002 Corca Dhuibhne

2003 South Gaels

2004 St Pats

2005 St Pats

Junior County Championship Winners

1997 Beaufort

1998 Dr Crokes

1999 South Kerry

2000 Scartaglin

2001 Corca Dhuibhne

2002 Dr Crokes

2003 Austin Stacks

2004 Abbeydorney

2005 Laune Rangers

Intermediate County Champions

2004 Dr Crokes

2005 Abbeydorney

Officers of Kerry County Board

1974

Chairman Richard Williams

Vice-Chairman Paul Sullivan

Secretary Joan Kelliher

Assistant Secretary

Treasurer Pat Lawlor

Registrar None

PRO None

Cultural & Language Officer None

1975

Chairman Richard Williams

Vice-Chairman Paul sullivan

Secretary Joan Kelliher

Assistant Secretary None

Treasurer Pat Lawlor

Registrar None

PRO None

Cultural & Language Officer None

1976

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman None

Secretary Joan healy

Assistant Secretary None

Treasurer Pat lawlor

Registrar None

PRO Josephine Dillon

Cultural & Language Officer None

1977

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman Mick Collins

Secretary Joan Healy

Assistant Secretary None

Treasurer Pat Lawlor

Registrar None

PRO Josephine Dillon

Cultural & Language Officer None

1978

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman Mick Collins

Secretary Noreen Power

Assistant Secretary Pauline Barrett

Treasurer Pat Lawlor

Registrar None

PRO Josephine Dillon

Cultural & Language Officer None

1979

Chairman Maurice Collins

Vice-Chairman Mick Collins

Secretary Noreen Power

Assistant Secretary Pauline Barrett

Treasurer Pat Lawlor

Registrar Mick Fitzgerald

PRO Josephine Dillon

Cultural & Language Officer None

1980

Chairman Maurice Collins

Vice-Chairman Mick Collins

Secretary Helen Dowling

Assistant Secretary Noreen Power

Treasurer Mick Fitzgerald

Registrar Mick Fitzgerald

PRO Maureen Carr

Cultural & Language Officer Noreen Power

1981

Chairman Tony Riordan

Vice-Chairman Mick Collins

Secretary Helen Dowling

Assistant Secretary Margaret Lawlor

Treasurer Mick Fitzgerald

Registrar Mick Fitzgerald

PRO Maureen Carr

Cultural & Language Officer Noreen Power

1982

Chairman Tony Riordan

Vice-Chairman Timmy Carr

Secretary Helen Dowling

Assistant Secretary Margaret Lawlor

Treasurer Mick Fitzgerald

Registrar Mick Fitzgerald

PRO Mick Fitzgerald

Cultural & Language Officer Noreen Power

1983

Chairman Tony Riordan

Vice-Chairman Donal sheehan

Secretary Margaret Lawlor

Assistant Secretary Marian Doherty

Treasurer Mick Fitzgerald

Registrar Mick Fitzgerald

PRO Mick Fitzgerald

Cultural & Language Officer Helen Dowling

1984

Chairman Tony Riordan

Vice-Chairman Donal sheehan

Secretary Margaret Lawlor

Assistant Secretary Marian Doherty

Treasurer Mick Fitzgerald

Registrar Mick Fitzgerald

PRO Mick Fitzgerald

Cultural & Language Officer Helen Dowling

1985

Chairman Tony Riordan

Vice-Chairman Donal sheehan

Secretary Margaret Lawlor

Assistant Secretary Marian Doherty

Treasurer Mick Fitzgerald

Registrar Mick Fitzgerald

PRO John E Bennett

Cultural & Language Officer Helen Dowling

1986

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman Donal sheehan

Secretary Kathleen Curran

Assistant Secretary Marian Doherty

Treasurer Margaret Lawlor

Registrar Brid Lawlor

PRO John E Barrett

Cultural & Language Officer Helen Dowling

1987

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman Donal sheehan

Secretary Kathleen Curran

Assistant Secretary Marian Doherty

Treasurer Margaret Lawlor

Registrar Brid Lawlor

PRO John E Barrett

Cultural & Language Officer Helen Dowling

1988

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman Margaret Lawlor

Secretary Marian Doherty

Assistant Secretary Kathleen Curran

Treasurer Margaret Lawlor

Registrar Brid Lawlor

PRO John E Bennett

Cultural & Language Officer Mary Buckley

1989

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman Margaret Lawlor

Secretary Marian Doherty

Assistant Secretary Siobhan Walsh

Treasurer Margaret Lawlor

Registrar Brid Lawlor

PRO John E Barrett

Cultural & Language Officer Helen Dowling

1990

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman Donal sheehan

Secretary Marian Doherty

Assistant Secretary Brigid Leen

Treasurer John E Barrett

Registrar Noreen Power

PRO Helen Dowling

Pauline Barrett

Cultural & Language Officer Mary Buckley

1991

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman Donal Sheehan

Secretary Marian Doherty

Assistant Secretary Patricia Murphy

Treasurer Anne O’Donoghue

Sara McNamara

Registrar Noreen Power

PRO Mick Fitzgerald

Cultural & Language Officer Fionnuala Ruane

1992

Chairman Dave Donoghue

Vice-Chairman Flor. Sullivan

Secretary Sarah McNamara

Assistant Secretary Helen Dowling

Treasurer Anne O’Donoghue

Registrar Noreen Power

PRO Mick Fitzgerald

Cultural & Language Officer Fionnuala Ruane

1993

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman John Bunyan

Secretary Helen Dowling

Assistant Secretary Sarah McNamara

Treasurer Anne O’Donoghue

Registrar Noreen Power

PRO Ann Spillane

Cultural & Language Officer

Fionnuala Ruane

1994

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman Margaret O’Shea

Secretary Sarah McNamara

Assistant Secretary Ann Egar

Treasurer Anne O’Donoghue

Registrar Noreen Power

PRO Kevin Finn

Cultural & Language Officer Fionnuala Ruane

1995

Chairman Gerry O’Mahony

Vice-Chairman Margaret O’Shea

Secretary Noreen Power

Assistant Secretary Kerry Keane

Treasurer Helen Sugrue

Mike Mahony

Registrar Helen Sugrue

PRO Ann Egar

Cultural & Language Officer Noreen Power

1996

Chairman Paul Turner

Vice-Chairman Murty Delaney

Secretary Noreen Power

Assistant Secretary Bridget Dowling

Treasurer Gabriel Browne

Registrar Helen Sugrue

PRO William O’Shea

Cultural & Language Officer Grainne Power

1997

Chairman Paul Turner

Vice-Chairman Murty Delaney

Secretary Helen Enright

Assistant Secretary Bridget Dowling

Treasurer Gabriel Browne

Registrar Helen Sugrue

PRO William O’Shea

Cultural & Language Officer Grainne Power

1998

Chairman Paul Turney

Vice-Chairman Murty Delaney

Secretary Yvonne McCarthy

Assistant Secretary Bridget Dowling

Treasurer Gabriel Browne

Registrar Helen Sugrue

PRO William O’Shea

Cultural & Language Officer Grainne Power

1999

Chairman Joe Condon

Vice-Chairman Murty Delaney

Secretary Yvonne McCarthy

Assistant Secretary Helen Enright

Treasurer Gabriel Browne

Registrar Helen Sugrue

PRO William O’Shea

Cultural & Language Officer Grainne Power

2000

Chairman Paul Turner

Vice-Chairman John sheehan

Secretary Yvonne McCarthy

Assistant Secretary Helen Enright

Treasurer Noreen Power

Gene Sullivan

Registrar Helen Sugrue

PRO Michael Horan

Cultural & Language Officer Noreen Power

2001

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman John Sheehan

Secretary Noreen Power

Assistant Secretary Sarah McNamara

Treasurer Anne O’Donoghue

Registrar Helen Sugrue

PRO Ann Egar

Cultural & Language Officer Aine de Londra

2002

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman John Sheehan

Secretary Noreen Power

Assistant Secretary Nora Hallissey

Margaret Dennehy

Treasurer Anne O’Donoghue

Registrar Helen Sugrue

PRO Alan O’Donoghue

Cultural & Language Officer Grainne Ni Laoithe

2003

Chairman Mick Fitzgerald

Vice-Chairman John O’Connor

Secretary Catherine Keogh

Assistant Secretary

Margaret Dennehy

Nora Hallissey

Treasurer Anne O’Donoghue

Registrar Noreen Power

PRO Alan O’Donoghue

Cultural & Language Officer Aine de Londra

2004

Chairman John O’Connor

Vice-Chairman Joe Condron

Secretary Catherine Keogh

Assistant Secretary Nora Hallissey

Margaret Dennehy

Treasurer Anne O’Connor

Registrar Kathleen healy

PRO None

Cultural & Language Officer Siobhan O’Mahony

2005

Chairman John O’Connor

Vice-Chairman Joe Condon

Secretary Catherine keogh

Assistant Secretary Nora Hallissey

Margaret Dennehy

Treasurer Anne O’Connor

Registrar Kathleen Healy

PRO Catherine Keogh

Cultural & Language Officer Siobhan O’Mahony

2006

Chairman John O’Connor

Vice-Chairman Joe Condon

Secretary Catherine Keogh

Assistant Secretary None

Treasurer Sean Brick

Registrar Christina Curtain

PRO Catherine Keogh

Cultural & Language Officer Siobhan O’Mahony

Kerry Roll of Honour at senior level

Munster Championship winners:

1976, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 2003

All Ireland Championship winners:

1976, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993

National League winners:

1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991

Intermediate Championship:

1987

Kerry Roll of Honour at under age and second level

Under 14:

All Ireland winners in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

All Ireland Blitz winners in 1993, 1997, 1998, 1999

Under 16:

All Ireland winners 1999

Minor:

All Ireland winners 1980, 1981, 1995.

All Ireland Post Primary Schools winners:

Intermediate School Killorglin: Senior A 1998

Junior A 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005

Junior B 2004

John Bosco Sec. Caherciveen Senior A 1999

Colaiste Na Sceilge Senior A 2001, 2002

Junior A 2000, 2001, 2002

Presentation Convent, Castleisland Junior B 2005

All Stars:

1980:

Eileen ‘O’Connor

Eileen Lawlor

Mary J Curran

1981:

Eileen O’Connor

Mary Twomey

Mary H Curran

1982:

Hilda O’Leary

Margaret lawlor

Mary Twomey

Del Whyte

1983:

Nora Foley

Annette Walsh

Mary J Curran

Mary Twomey

Eileen Lawlor

1984:

Kathleen Kennedy (same as Kathleen Curran)

Bridget Leen

Marion Doherty

Mary J Curran

Eileen Lawlor

Margaret Lawlor

1985:

Kathleen Curran

Marion Doherty

Lil O’Sullivan

Mary J Curran

Margaret lawlor

Del Whyte

1986:

Kathleen Curran

Nora Hallissey

Mary J Curran

Marina Barry

Del Whyte

1987:

Kathleen Curran

Del Whyte

Mary Lane

Annette Walsh

Marina Barry

Mary J Curran

1988:

Kathleen Curran

Phil Curran

Mary J Curran

Annette Walsh

Eileen Lawlor

Margaret Lawlor

1989:

Phil Curran

Marion Doherty

Mary J Curran

Annette Walsh

Marina Barry

1990:

Bridget Leen

Marion Doherty

Mary J Curran

Katie Liston

Margaret Lawlor

Eileen Lawlor

1991:

Bridget Leen

Phil Curran

Marina Barry

Katie Liston

1992:

Bridget Leen

Fionnuala Ruane

Marina Barry

1993:

Katie Liston

Fionuala Ruane

Marie Fitzgerald

Mary J Curran

Marina Barry

1994:

Kathleen Curran

Bridget Leen

1995:

Fionnuala Ruane

Marie Fitzgerald

Geraldine O’Shea

1996:

Geraldine O’Shea

2001:

Sarah O’Connor

2002:

Geraldine O’Shea

2003:

Andrea ‘Donoghue

Kacey O’Donnell * (Kacey is daughter of former Kerry star, Ger O’Driscoll

Geraldine O’Shea

2004:

Geraldine O’Shea

Scrap book

1993

Lady footballers topple All Ireland champions in a thriller at Killarney

Kerry 3-9 Waterford 2-11

The Kerry lady footballers are back as Munster champions in a thrilling Munster final at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Sunday, they edged out reigning All Ireland champions, Waterford, and did so in the most dramatic manner possible with Austin Stacks star Marina Barry sending over the winning point just before the final whistle.

This was Kerry’s best performance since they completed the All Ireland nine in a row in 1990 and they were a real credit to their trainer, Pat Harnett of Desmonds.

Kerry had failed to win a match in the national league and their chances weren’t viewed as being that great but as team captain Eileen Dardis said in her victory speech, people write off a Kerry team at their peril.

The Kerry players showed wonderful spirit, allied to a high degree of skill and with Waterford also playing great stuff it was an absorbing hour’s fare.

From a Kerry point of view it was particularly pleasing that the young players gelled so well with the more experienced players and a feature of the Kerry play was the manner in which they supported each other all over the field.

Kerry now play Monaghan in the All Ireland semi final at a Kerry venue on August 29.

Waterford had the advantage of a fairly lively breeze in the first half bit it was Kerry who attacked from the throw in and following a great run through the Waterford defence, Mary Jo Curran blasted wide.

Waterford, in their very first attack, and a point from their outstanding centre forward, Geraldine O’Ryan. A minute later, Mary Jo Curran went another blistering run but again shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

This however was her last five star performance for the remainder of the hour.

Waterford added points in the 7t and 10th minutes to lead by 3 points but Ann Costello opened Kerry’s account with a point from a free in the 11th minute.

4 minutes later Kerry full forward, Eileen Dardis scored a great goal and another goal was to follow from Mary Jo Curran.

Over the next 5 minutes, Waterford laid siege to the Kerry goal and were rewarded with a point and then a great goal by Geraldine O’Ryan.

Eileen Dardis replied with a Kerry point but in the remaining 8 minutes of the half, Waterford added 5 points to a single point by Kerry midfielder, Ann Costello and this left the Suir-siders ahead by 1-9 to 2-3 at half time.

Kerry made a number of switches for the second half. Fionuala ruane was moved to centre half back, Katie Liston to left half back and 17 year old Emily Woods came on instead of Siobhan Sullivan.

On the re-start, Woods sent over a point from the corner forward position and then Eileen Mulvihill booted the ball to the Waterford net to put Kerry back in front.

On the 37th minute, Marie Crotty pointed for Waterford to level again but Emily Wood restored Kerry’s lead with a beautiful point in the 38th minute.

Then in the 44th minutes, Waterford were awarded a penalty which was considered by Kerry to be a very harsh decision. However, Marie Crotty drove the penalty well wide.

Geraldine O’Shea from Annascaul at this stage made a valuable contribution to the victory. Upon entering the fray, she received a pass from Marie Fitzgerald and after a great solo run sent over the bar from 30 yards.

Ann Costello added two points to put Kerry 4 points clear with 9 minutes left, but Waterford proved that they were worthy all Ireland champions by fighting back for a point by Geraldine O’Ryan and a well-taken goal by Fiona Crotty. This left the teams level with 3 minutes remaining.

There was tremendous excitement in those closing 3 minutes as the teams strove heroically for the winning score and it fell to Marina Barry to become Kerry’s match-winner with a point from 30 yards on the call of time.

Kathleen Curran was very confident between the posts for Kerry. She made some great saves and had no chance with the 2 Waterford goals.

Bridget Leen was magnificent at right full back while full back Phil Curran who was coaxed out of retirement once again had the better of Aine Wall.

Patricia Murphy, after a troublesome first half had a great second half. Marion Doherty and Fionuala Ruane were at their best in the half back line where Siobhan Sullivan had a torrid time against the brilliant Geraldine O’Ryan. In fairness to Sullivan, it was her first time playing in the position.

Marie Fitzgerald was the outstanding midfielder but An Costello also worked hard and took her scores well.

In the Kerry attack, Mary Jo Curran, after her early misses had a brilliant game. All the other forwards played their part. Kate Liston was named at corner forward but played all over the field and finished at left half back. She had a great game as did substitutes Emily Woods and Geraldine O’Shea.

Scorers

Kerry:

Eileen Dardis 1-1.Ann Costello 0-4, Eileen Mulvihill 1-0. Mary Jo Curran 1-0, Emily Woods 0-2, Geraldine O’Shea 0-1, Marina Barry 0-1.

Kerry team:

Kathleen Curran, Bridget Leen, Phil Curran, Patricia Murphy, Marion O’Doherty, Siobhan Sullivan, Fionuala Ruane, Marie Fitzgerald, Anne Costello, Marina Barry, Marian Curran, Aileen McLoughlin, Eileen Mulvihill, Eileen Dardis (captain), Kate Liston,

Subs: Emily Woods for Siobhan Sullivan, Geraldine O’Shea for Eileen McLoughlin.

Kerry Under 14 team also qualified for the All Ireland semi final by scoring a very easy victory over Clare in the Munster final in Churchtown, Co Cork. This was another great team performance by the Kerry youngsters.

Scorers:

Denise Purcell 2-8. Tara Flynn 2-1, R Keane 1-2, Helen Enright 0-2, Helen Sexton 0-1.

Kerry team:

Andrea O’Donoghue, Denise Purcell, Noreen Shanahan, Tracy Bunyan, Geraldine O’Shea, Tara Flynn, Carmel Poff, Joanne Sullivan, Catherine Healy, Helen Enright, Denise Walsh, Maura Brosnan, R Keane, Helen Sexton, Ellen Mitchel,.

Subs:

Sharri Delaney, Sandra long, Helen McKiernan, Aisling Geaney.

Kingdom 13/8/91

Kerry’s glory reign ends

The Kerry Ladies football team’s amazing 9 year unbeaten run in the All Ireland championship is over.

They suffered a shock 5 points defeat by Waterford in Saturday’s Munster final – a result which scuttled their ambitions of pulling off a sensational 10 in a row All Ireland titles.

Over the past decade Kerry were simply unstoppable in ladies football and in the process they set a record of 9 consecutive titles which is never likely to be equalled.

But they didn’t go down without a brave fight. It was a brilliant game with some outstanding football but at the close, Waterford, Kerry’s main rivals over the years just clinched it at the end.

The Kerry team at the weekend featured 9 of the magnificent 9 in a row championship side but they couldn’t prevent tigerish Waterford from registering a 2-11 to 2-6 victory.

The Kerry team which lost to Waterford on Sunday:

Mary Jo Curran, Kathleen Curran, Katie Liston, Anne Costelloe, Phil Curran, Dell Whyte, Marina Barry, Margaret Flaherty, Helena McElligott, Nora Hallissey, Aileen McLoughlin, Bridget Leen, Margaret Slattery, Eileen Dardis, Lily Moloney, Marion Doherty, Dyanne Wallace, Julia Stack, Josephine Murphy, Pat Murphy.

Kingdom 9/4/91

Three year unbeaten run ended

The Kerry ladies footballers have been beaten at last.

An amazing 3 year unbeaten march of the 9 in a row all Ireland champs was stopped in its tracks by Waterford on Sunday.

The Kerry side missing 6 of last year’s all Ireland winning team – finally met its Waterloo in Ballymacarbry in Co Waterford when they were defeated by their old rivals.

The final score line of Waterford 4-6 Kerry 2-6 ended the kingdom’s 3 year unbeaten run, they were last defeated in the league by Laois at the same venue in April of 1988.

In an astonishing 10 year spell when Kerry won 9 successive All Ireland titles, they have only been defeated on one occasion. In 1988 to Wexford in the league semi final.

Kerry ladies reach the league final

Kerry ladies gained some compensation in their defeat by Waterford when they defeated Laois by 6 points in the National League semi final at Knocknagoshel on Sunday evening.

They now meet Waterford in the final. Even though the forwards squandered all chances, Kerry never looked like losing the game.

All of the Kerry backs played well. Patricia Murphy, who did not play against Waterford due to injury made a welcome return as full back in the second half and played well.

Katie Liston and Mary Jo Curran completely dominated midfield, while Sheila Looney was the other player who missed the game against Waterford, was the star of the forward line.

Irish Press, Monday November 12 1990

Nine in a row for Kingdom ladies

Kerry 1-9 Laois 0-6

The amazing Kerry senior team confirmed their undisputed mastery in the women’s game when taking their 9th All Ireland football title before a thousand spectators at a cold and grey Croke park yesterday.

The Kingdom ladies’ performance suggests that thee are certainly more titles left in this magnificent team. Their use of the ball throughout the field was a joy to watch. They set up abundant scoring movements in attack and the end result was inevitable long before the end, despite a late Laois rally.

Lively forward Margaret Lawlor pounced for the game’s only goal – at the Canal End – after 15 minutes. She hammered the loose ball to the net after excellent goalkeeper Lulu Carroll had saved well from Helena McElligott.

Catherine Liston made a powerful contribution at midfield for Kerry while Amanda Donoghue worked relentlessly for the losers.

Kerry:

K Curran, B Leen, A White, P Murphy, M O’Doherty, P Curran, M Flaherty, C Liston (0-3), M J Curran (0-1) M Barry, A Costello (0-1), S Looney, M Lawlor(1-3), E Lawlor (0-1), H McElligott.

Sub: S O’Sullivan for McElligott.

Referee: G Wrynn (Leitrim)

Irish Press Monday October 9 1989

Easy Title for Kerry

Kerry 1-13 Wexford 1-5

Kerry’s women’s team made winning All Ireland look so easy in this ladies football senior All Ireland final at Croke Park yesterday.

Had Kerry moved up a gear, Wexford would almost certainly have been beaten out of sight.

Instead they ambled among allowing their corner forward Margaret Lawlor-Slattery to polish off most of the scores.

She finished with a personal tally of 8 points, which matched the 8 titles the Kingdom girls have now clinched.

Wexford scored first with an early Catherine Murphy point from a free after 30 seconds but then they were swamped to trail by 0-6 to 0-1 before the end of the first quarter.

Mary Jo Curran, the big name in the Kerry team was their midfield schemer supreme. On this occasion she did not figure so high in the scoring, but set up her colleagues for scores instead.

Kerry:

K Curran, B Leen, P Curran, T O’Carroll, M O’Doherty, M Lane, M Flaherty, A Walshe, M J Curran (0-1), M Barry (1-1), C Liston (0-1), E Lawlor (0-1), M Lawlor-Slattery (0-8), D White 90-1), A Costelloe.

Referee: J Hayes (Clare)

The 80s in Kerry (1989)

Ladies make it 8 in a row

As the 1980s draw to a close and sports writers throughout the land reflect on the decade of sport, many is the word that will be written about the great Kerry football teams of the 1980s.

Journalists will doubtless exhaust their supply of adjectives in trying to describe with mere words the skill and sheer genius of the likes of Sheehy, Liston and Spillane, and rightly so too.

But while the men from the Kingdom were basking in the glow of the media and the admiration of the entire country, their female counterparts were quietly chalking up National league and All Ireland titles at junior and senior level and, until quite recently, many of us didn’t even know they were there.

Happily that all seems to have changed and when the Kerry senior team arrived back in the Kingdom with the All Ireland trophy for the 8th time in a row last October, a huge crowd turned out in Tralee to honour their magnificent achievements.

Many of the girls on the team will tell you they couldn’t have done it without Mick Fitzgerald and Mick Fitz is to the Kerry ladies what Mick O’Dwyer was to the Kerry men.

The adopted Kerry Garda who hails from Galway modestly says that he had little to do with it. “Anyone could have won those titles with that panel of players”, he told me after the 1989 all Ireland final in Croke Park.

While Mick was certainly underestimating his own role, there is an element of truth in the statement. He had at his disposal a panel of girls whose footballing skills were matched only by their commitment and determination to win. As the beaten Laois trainer was heard to remark after the 1988 final, “it must be the way ye breed them down in Kerry”.

It’s difficult to single out any of the player individually. You could mention Margaret Lawlor whose consistency in the forward line has earned her no less than 9 senior medals; Bridget Leen always steadfast in defence and holder of 7 medals, or perhaps Mary Jo Curran who, for this writer’s money, is the most skilful lady footballer in the country.

Someone once half jokingly suggested playing Mary Jo at midfield with Ambrose O’Donovan for the Munster final against Cork, and if you saw Mary Jo in action for her club, Beaufort, or for Kerry, you’d appreciate whey the suggestion was made.

Mick Fitzgerald decided to bow out gracefully after winning the 8th title but the good news is that the ladies look good for another title next year. Indeed, at this stage a ten in a row looks a very likely possibility.

Clubs are springing up throughout the county and thee seems to be no shortage of up and coming talent with Katie Liston as a prime example. All that’s need now is for the people of Kerry to make a new year’s resolution to lend their support to the ladies for a change and drop along to some of their matches. They won’t be disappointed.

Kerry’s Eye – October 13 – October 19 1988

Kerry’s brilliance dazzles brave young ladies in record seventh title win

In one of the best ladies football All Ireland finals ever played at Croke park, Kerry recorded their 7th title in a row by beating a fine young Laois team on the score 2-12 to 3-3. Played under ideal conditions, and in a most admirable sporting spirit, the game featured fine fielding by both sides, magnificent mid field play and a rewarding victory for Kerry’s better team work and experience. I doubt if my experienced colleague Tommy Conroy could pick out ‘Girl of the match’ after this most enjoyable encounter, for every girl on the pitch played with such an entertaining mixture of fire and fitness that the huge crowd gave them a standing ovation at the end of the game.

After a shaky start, the Kerry team played a brand of football, involving team work of the highest order, from the Dingle goalkeeper Kathleen Curran right through the field to full forward Margaret Slattery. It was a magnificent exhibition of team work and is indeed a credit not only to the intelligence of the girls but to the inspiration and dedication of the quietly spoken Michael Fitzgerald, Kerry’s trainer and Chairman of the Kerry ladies Football Board. All credit to the brave young Laois team who made this such an enthralling final. Sue Ramsbottom, who will not be 15 until December, gave them the confidence they needed to face such a star spangled team with a goal in the second minute.

And they played with great courage and not a little skill. I have no doubt that Laois will be back and they will be welcome. Where does this great Kerry team go from here? If they keep on producing the top class football of recent years, they must continue on their title winning trail for quite some time.

I think the real secret of success was the forwards in Kerry winning their 7th All Ireland title, after one of the finest – if not the finest – exhibition of ladies football ever seen at Croke Park. All credit to both teams for a memorable performance. The final score, Kerry 2-12 Laois 2.3.

Kathleen Curran’s weak kick-out was smartly grabbed by young Sue Ramsbottom and before you could say ‘Knocknagoshel’, the ball was in the back of the Kerry net after 2 minutes play. Annette Walsh’s powerful free from 40 yards was narrowly wide. Nora Hallissey cleverly cleared a promising Laois attack and a minute later, Kathleen Curran atoned for that short kick-out by bringing off a brilliant save from Sheila Conroy. Laois piled on the pressure and Bridget Leen, Nora Hallissey, and Tess O’Carroll had to work hard to contain the nippy Laois forwards. Sue Ramsbottom set up a Laois attack, took a pass from Amanda Donoghue, who crossed to Anne Maher whose powerful shot from 20 yards brought another great save from Kathleen Curran.

The champions were in some trouble now as Laois piled on the pressure and hereabouts their youth became a liability more than an asset. Girls under heavy pressure from the overworked Kerry defence, shot wide while an unmarked Annette Walsh pointed. Eileen Lawlor scored a good point before Margaret Slattery equalised in the 23rd minute, and Lil O’Sullivan put Kerry ahead to leave the half time score Kerry 0-, Laois 1-1.

The champions at their almighty best

From the throw in, young Sue Ramsbottom set up a promising attack which was cleared by Marion O’Doherty to Annette Walsh who beat Rita Dowling in a high jump for possession. Lil O’Sullivan ran on to Annette’s through ball to beat the Laois goalkeeper with a bullet-like drive in the third minute of the second half. It was the goal to ignite the bonfires on the Kerry hillside. From here on the champions played like a team inspired. Their forward play was the best I ever saw in this code. Teamwork was the name of the game as the Laois defence had to contend with baffling inter-passing movements and Marina Barry darted here and there like a young hare setting up attacks reminiscent of the great days of Kerry senior football at its best.

It was fascinating to watch and all credit to Breda Carroll, Connie Conway and Lulu Carroll – indeed the whole Laois back division for keeping the game at such a high level. At times they must have wondered which Kerry girl had the ball but they played their hearts out and thereby raised the standard of t6he Kerry attack to new found heights. Mary Lane scored a magnificent point to bring the game to a finish and Kerry’’ 7th title.

Views on the match

Let me say at the outset that the Kerry ladies football team, many of them laden with honours in a myriad of sports ranging from racquetball, basketball, handba,l and soccer are the most unassuming All Ireland champions I ever met. Their first love is Gaelic football and they have certainly adorned it.

I first spoke to Mary Lane, the captain of the winning team and she said, “This was the greatest display of team work I ever say and everyone in Kerry should be proud of this team. Although some people though so, we were not over confident going into the final. We were shocked by that early Laois goal, but the Kerry goal early in the second half lifted our hearts and lifted our game. From then on every single member of the team gave off her best. I would like to compliment a young Laois team on their great display. They never lost heart and they deserve great credit for making this a great All Ireland final”.

I asked the radiant Kerry captain if they would make it 8 in a row and she replied, “All our hearts are in the game and we’d like to go on winning for Michael Fitzgerald’s sake. He is a marvellous trainer. As for me forecasting, I think that’s your speciality”.

Mickael Fitzgerald told me that he was very proud of the standard of football which the Kerry team produced and their attitude to the big occasion.

“I would like to thank them for their dedication during training and their display against a young and courageous Laois team. We shall go for the 8 in a row”.

Tommy Garvan, an experienced footballer who played for Laois at all levels came into the Kerry dressing room to compliment Kerry “on their fantastic display of the basic skills of the game and their magnificent team work. We learned a lost from you today and I hope we meet again”.

Kerry:

K Curran, B Leen, N Hallissey, T O’Carroll, M O’Doherty, M Lane (capt, 0-1), P Curran, M Curran (1-2), A Walshe, M Barry, L O’Sullivan (1-2), M Flaherty, E Lawlor (0-2), M Slattery (0-5), J McGillycuddy.

Subs:

P Murphy for Slattery, S Looney for P Curran, M Walshe for M Flaherty.

Laois:

L Carroll, B Cahill, C Conway, E O’Neill, M Condron, B Kehoe, M Downey, K Murphy (1-0), R Dowling (0-1), S Conroy, S Ramsbottom (1-2), C Whelan, M Brennan, A Maher (1-0), A Donoghue.

Kingdom 6 October 1987

Kerry’s record six in a row

Kerry 2-10 Westmeath 2-2

The small crowd of Kerry supporters saw their team win an historic 6 in a row by defeating Westmeath in the All Ireland ladies senior football championship at Croke Park on Sunday.

Those who stayed away missed a game of football where Kerry’s height advantage proved too much for Westmeath who were making their first ever appearance in the final.

It was a tame enough start and at the end of the first quarter, Kerry led by 2-3 to 0-0.

Mary Jo Curran began the Kerry attack with two early points, before Eileen Lawlor linked up with Jackie McGillicuddy to drive the ball past the Westmeath goalie into the net. Another Kerry goal followed – McGillicuddy took advantage of a scramble in the Westmeath defence to score her second goal.

Kerry were now rampant and Annette Walsh pointed a free. But within a minute, Westmeath came to life. Maria Glennon brought her supporters on the Hogan Stand to their feet when she slotted in a curving ball from all of 30 yards under the crossbar for a sweet goal. They followed up with 2 points from Jackie O’Connor and Jacinta Keegan.

And so the break came with the score in Kerry’s favour 2-3 to 2-2.

The second half began with a Westmeath goal but then Kerry took command and kept popping over points through movements by Marina Barry, Marion O’Doherty, Phil Curran, Mary Jo Curran and Jackie McGillicuddy.

At this stage the midlanders were inclined to over play the ball and lost some great chances. Kerry were playing brilliantly now and a team with less fighting spirit than Westmeath would have give up the ghost.

Margaret Flaherty took the cup for the first time ever as captain and her 6th All Ireland medal.

1987

Lawlor shows Kerry the way

Kerry 5-10 All Stars 1-5

Kerry bringing their teamwork that they have built up over the last 6 years playing together proved to strong for an All Star selection in this ladies football match played at the John Mitchells pitch, last Sunday, running out easy winners by the score of 5-10 to 1-5.

Kerry who to play against the strong wind in the first half attacked from the throw in with Annette Walsh dominating midfield, and it was Annette who gave the ball to Marina Barry, who in turn placed Margaret Lawlor who soloed forward before sending a high ball in the All Star goalmouth, and when Aine Murphy the Wexford goalie let the ball break loose, Jackie McGillyciddy, the Beaufort full forward was in to boot the ball to the back of the net for a Kerry goal after only 4 minutes.

Soon afterwards Mary Jo Curran was pulled down when breaking through the All Star defence and Annette Walsh made no mistake with the free kick from 30 yards. While the All Stars were winning a lot of possession, they came up against a superb Kerry backline in which Bridget Leen, Del Shyte, Marion O’Doherty and Phil Curran were outstanding and they had no great problem in containing the All Star attack. In the 8th minute of the game, Kerry on a counter attack scored a goal by Margaret Lawlor following a movement started by Marion O’Doherty who placed Marina Barry and Marina then found Margaret unmarked and the Ardfert girl who first played for her county in 1974, shot her first gaol of the game, she went on to score a total of 3-2.

Margaret Lawlor again finished off another great Kerry attack after 15 minutes when she scored a goal following a movement that started with Mary Lane (who had a great game at centre half back) sent a first time ball out to Marina Barry and Marina sent a cross-field ball to Eileen Lawlor, and the blonde Ardfert girls beat 2 opponents before finding her sister Margaret cutting in from the right to again display her lethal scoring ability with a goal that left Kerry 3-1 to 0-0 ahead.

Siobhan Dunne from Wexford opened the scoring for the All Stars soon afterwards but Margaret Lawlor with her third goal and Marina Barry with a point extended the Kingdom lead to 4-2 to 0-1.

The All Stars then had their best spell of the game with Angie Hearne and Marie Crotty scoring two points before Katherine Murphy gave Kathleen Curran in the Kerry goals no chance when shooting home their only goal of the game, but Margaret Lawlor with a point had the last score of the half to leave the interval score 4-3 to 1-3.

Second Half

On the restart, Kerry playing with the aid of the wind, attacked the All Star goal and within 2 minutes Jackie McGillycuddy sent the ball past a helpless Aine Murphy for her side’s 5th goal. Margaret Lawlor again got inside the All Star defence to score another point top extend the Kerry lead to 5-4 to 1-3. Katherine Murphy pointed a free before Bernie Ryan had a point and from then to the end it was all Kerry and while they added 6 points through Annette Walshe (3), Eileen Lawlor, Ann Costelloe from over 50 yards out and Marina Barry one each, they also could afford to put on 8 of their substitutes and bring off players like Margaret Lawlor, Jackie McGillycuddy, Marina Barry and Mary Lane, All Stars of this great win.

While this was another great display of powerful team work by the Kerry girls who have set all kinds of records. Annette Walsh always ensured that her forwards got a plentiful supply of the ball from midfield and scored 3 great second half points.

The backline always contained the threat of the All Star attack with Del Whyte, Bridget Leen, Marion O’Doherty, Mary Lane and Phil Curran often came forward in support of their attack. Best for a well beaten All Star side were Jo Glennon, Rita Dowlingt, Ann Fitzpatrick and Nora Mullen. Referee – Denis Reid (Ballymacelligott).

After the game at a function at Doyle’s Tavern, both teams were honoured with the All Star side being presented with the awards and the Kerry team getting the trophies for winning.

The Kerry team who defeated the All Stars 5-10 to 1-5 in Tralee on Sunday:

Tess O’Carroll, Margaret Lawlor, Mary Jo Curran, Siobhan O’Sullivan, Mary Margaret Lawlor (capt), Annette Walsh, Pat Murphy, John Barrett, Del Whyte, Ann Costello, Ann O’Callaghan, Mary Lane, Marina Barry, Phil Curran, Jackie McGillycuddy, Kathleen Murray, Pat Meade, Mary E Cronin, Bridget Leen, Mick Fitzgerald, Marion O’Doherty.

Irish Press 13 October 1986

Kerry ladies 5 in a row

Ladies of Kerry football emulate their menfolk at Croke Park yesterday with an historic 5 in a row All Ireland senior football championship win at the expense of a reckless Wexford side.

Adding to the disappointment of the senior Wexford side was a resounding 4-13 to 0-0 defeat for the county’s juniors by neighbours Waterford.

Kerry took the senior title with a victory after an hour of exciting football which gave the Wexford senior and junior followers plenty to cheer about.

However, it was not to be Waterford’s day at either level and after the junior game, VEC teacher Don Aherne, whose sister Angie lined out for Wexford sadly commented, “They were only a second team”.

Angie need not be too disappointed though. She had her fans in the large Wexford contingent which travelled up to headquarters.

“Angie is an All Star and Dad Ollie who two All Ireland hurling medical in 1961 and 1962 volunteered Don’s companion John Furlong to give weight to the Wexford calibre, and he point6ed to his own two sisters, Aine at wing forward and Teresa in goal.

“Come on Shelmaliers” came a roar and John explained that 19 players of the two Wexford teams came from the club.

By half time in the senior game the score was 0-6 to 0-5 for the Kerry team and the Wexford supporters were quiet. “We are carrying a lot of injuries and we’ll be playing against the win in the second half. Whoever gets the first score then will hold on”, Don predicted.

Wearing a 5 in a row emblazoned tee-shirt, 10 year old Mairead O’Shea jumped up and down beside the parents, Helen and Brendan O’Shea, who had come for a Kerry victory. “This is the team to do it”, said Brendan formerly of Waterville.

“Kerry women play as skilfully as any man”, pronounced Tralee’s Jackie Moriarty, herself a former Kerry finalist.

“See that”, she said as Eileen Lawlor punched in the first goal bringing the score to 1-7 to 0-5. Another goal from Del Whyte was disallowed. Her husband Josh, an international soccer player, sat with his in-laws, Aileen and Tommy McLoughlin, and squashed his yell and green hat on his head.

Kerry Stars in Action

Margaret Flaherty (captain), Mary Jo Curran, Marian Doherty, Margaret Lawlor, Marina Barry, Dell Whyte.

Man who started it all

Mick Fitzgerald, the Kerry trainer for the last 3 years, is also the Chairman of the County Board and is the man most credited with being the founder of ladies football in Kerry, as he presided at the meeting at which the County Board was formed in August 1974.

He was elected a Kerry selector at that meeting and has been re-elected every year since. He has also been President of the County Board (1975), Chairman of the County Board (1976, 77, 787, 81), Vice President of the County Board (1979), Treasurer of the County Board (1981, 83) and President of the All Ireland Board (1981, 82, 83).

Evening Press, Monday October 5

The Con Houlihan column

It was like a continental Sunday in Dublin. At half past two, O’Connell Street had temporarily resumed its role as the centre of a capital city.

Crowds pressed against the barriers on both sides, there was a muted air of excitement,

Now and then multi-coloured groups of cyclists whirled down the street from the Garden of Remembrance and turned near the O’Connell monument and raced up past the GPO and disappeared around the Rotunda.

Charles Stewart Parnell, right arm extended, seemed to be directing the riders, James Larkin, arms in the air, seemed to be exulting in the spectacle. The Liberator had his back to all.

Except for a rare spatter of hand clapping, the watching thousand were almost silent as if unsure about who was doing well or otherwise.

The man who occasionally came over the tannoy exuded enthusiasm but seemed as unsure as the crowd about what was happening. The temptation to wait on and experience the logic of these finishing laps was almost overpowering but Croke Park beckoned.

I arrived in time to see the late stages of the junior final and the girls of Wexford wee staging a grand rally but time cut it short.

Mayo had prevailed by 4-10 to 4-7, it was a remarkable scoreline, the young lasses had played the full length and width of the pitch. Great was the excitement when Esther Kelly signalled that the battle was over.

Little girls and big girls – sporting various favours – green and red erupted out of the Hogan Stand and engulfed their heroines.

And when the presentation was over her team-mates carried their captain, Colette Connolly, more than shoulder high to the dressing room.

Mayo haven’t been too often in the winners’ enclosure in Gaelic football in recent year, this was a sweet triumph. And it completed a double, this year the county also won the girls All Ireland Under 18.

A beaming Ballina man said to me, “If the women can do it, so can the men”, we’ll see!!

Mighty Reception

Soon the girls of Westmeath exploded onto the green. It was the county’s first appearance in any kind of women’s All Ireland final. The maroon and white dominated in the Hogan Stand.

Jo Glennon and her 14 good girls and true, got a mighty reception.

Kerry came out to a few handclaps. They were about to attempt the 6 in a row, they would have to achieve it without the wind of applause in their sails. They succeeded, but after a disappointing game, it was only a poor relations to last year’s splendid final.,

Then Kerry and Wexford served up an hour that5 abounded in skills and thrills and sportswomanship.

Yesterday’s match began tamely enough at the end of the first quarter, the champions lked 2-3 to 0-0, a non-contest seemed in store.

In the 16th minute, a remarkable goal inspired Westmeath, suddenly the game as alive. Kerry were obviously upset by this sudden storm, their played became ragged. Westmeath had been playing from the throw in with great determination but little unity, now they gained confidence and attempted movements.

Zeal on both sides began to overflow its banks, the clashes began to get wild. And when Tess O’Carroll obstructed Ann Hynes, the Westmeath girl retaliated in a way that could have got her sent off. Things got no worse but much of the play was crude, we missed last year’s tidy texture.

Westmeath made a great start to the second half but minute by minute Kerry began to put their game together, they won going away. Mary Jo Curran, not for the first time, was their outstanding player. The tallest girl on the pitch was also the cool, clean heroine, she kept her head when some were forgetting most of what they hard learned.

16 September 1983

Kerry ladies keep their football crown

Kerry 4-6 Wexford 1-7

Kerry lady footballers retained the All Ireland football crown when they defeat ed a gallant Wexford 15 by 4-6 to 1-7 in a thrilling final at Kilsheelan, Co Tipperary on Sunday last.

The football skills displayed by both counties were of a very high standard and this game must be rated as the best All Ireland final in the 10 years that ladies football is in existence.

Kerry faced a fairly strong breeze in the first half and were under strong pressure from the very start. However, they opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a point from Eileen Lawlor.

Wexford equalised 2 minutes later but then Kerry’s Margaret Lawlor finished a lovely passing movement involving her sister with a point in the 9th minutes. This however, was Kerry’s last score of the first half.

Wexford scored points in the 10th, 12th, 20th and 25th minute, some of them great kicks from far out to lead at half time by 0-6 to 0-2 and they were not flattered by that lead.

Worried

Kerry were worried facing the second half. They were not playing to their potential and as well, the breeze seemed to have died down.

Just one minute into the second half, Margaret Lawlor reduced the arrears to 3 points. 4 minutes later, full forward Mary Twomey, playing a roving game, added another point.

Wexford surged up field again and when their left full forward was adjudged to have been fouled by a Kerry back, the referee point6ed to the penalty spot, to the consternation of the Kerry supporters. Kathleen McElligott however, brought off the save of the match and this was probably the turning point of the game.

9 minutes into the second half, Kerry’s Mary Jo Curran received a pass from Annette Walsh about 30 yards out from the Wexford goal. She made ground and from about 14 yard she crashed and the referee awarded a penalty when Mary Twomey was pulled down going through but Annette Walsh drove wide. Eileen Lawlor then had what appeared to be a perfect goal disallowed after the referee consulted with his umpires.

Wexford seemed to draw new life from these let-offs. 20 minutes into the second half they scored a goal after Kerry full back Nora Foley had lost sight of the ball. Now there was only one point separating the sides and 10 minutes left. Things looked bad for Kerry 2 minutes later when the Wexford full forward sent over the equaliser.

But it was when Kerry appeared to be in trouble that they showed their true worth. In the remaining 8 minutes, they took Wexford apart and got some brilliant scores. Mary Twomey scored a great goal from the right corner, the ball going in off the bottom of the upright and one minute later the same player added a point.

Eileen Lawlor added another point and Margaret Flaherty put the icing on the cake with a cracker of a goal 3 minutes from time.

Kathleen McElligott was very confident in the Kerry goal and her penalty save was one of the highlights of the game. Nora Foley had another outstanding game at full back with Bridget Leen and Tess Horgan completing a very sound full back line. The half back line of Marion Doherty, Eileen O’Connor and Siobhan Leen played very well after a slow start.

Outstanding

Annette Walsh was the outstanding midfielder on view with Lil Horgan having a very good second half. Mary Jo Curran and Mary Twomey were brilliant in a Kerry attack. Marina Barry, Margaret Flaherty and the Lawlor sisters all played well and contributed greatly to the victory.

The Kerry ladies football team who defeated Wexford by 4-6 to 1-7 to retain their All Ireland title at Kilsheelan last Sunday:

Tony Riordan, Chairman County Board, Phil Curran, Margaret Sheehan, Lil Horgan, Noreen Daly, Nora Foley, Mary Jo Curran, Eileen O’Connor, Annette Walsh, Siobhan Leen, Tess Horgan, Ann Halloran, Kathleen McElligott, Mick Fitzgerald, trainer, Therese Murphy, Tess Farrell, Sheila Twomey, Margaret lawlor, Bridget Leen, Marina Barry (capt), Marion Doherty, Eileen Lawlor, Mary Twomey, Margaret Flaherty, Helen Dowling, selector.

14 October 1989

Castleisland 3-3 Austin Stacks 1-3

Castleisland regained the Kerry ladies football championship when they defeated Austin Stacks by 2 goals in a very exciting and sporting game at the John Mitchels field, Tralee, last Saturday evening.

The winning margin gives no indication of the closeness of the game, as with only 10 minutes left, there was only a point between the teams.

Conditions were all against good football due to strong winds and heavy rain but both teams are to be complimented on serving up top class fare all through.

The game started at 6.15 pm and the last 10 minutes were played out with the assistance of floodlights.

When Castleisland scored 3 points early in the second half, the writing seemed to be on the wall as far as Stacks were concerned, but they did not give up easily. In fact they swept upfield and scored a goal to leave just one point between the teams.

Mary Geaney scored a goal direct from a free to again put Castleisland 4 points in front, but immediately Stacks replied with a point. Just 2 minutes from time, Bernie Donoghue clinched victory for Castleisland with a goal from play.

Jimmy Cronin, Duagh was a very fair and capable referee.

Kerryman 8 October 1982

Great Display wins for Kerry girls

Kerry 1-8 Offaly 1-2

Kerry’s lady footballers made the county proud at Nenagh on Sunday when they avenged the men’s defeat at the hands of Offaly by decisively beating the ladies from the Faithful county in a very entertaining All Ireland final.

Not only did Kerry beat the All Ireland champions but they showed great skill and tremendous determination in absolutely appalling weather conditions. Seldom have I experienced such heavy rain and full credit to the ladies for the entertainment they provided. I have often seen men’s games being postponed in conditions not nearly as bad.

Amazed

This was my first time seeing a ladies GAA game and frankly I was amazed at the level of skill, especially from the Kerry girls. Despite the dreadful weather we saw some superb solo runs and excellent combination play from Kerry who fully deserved their victory. And the girls weren’t afraid to get stuck in either. There were quite a few unladylike comments after the tackles!!

Offaly in particular employed a few hatchet men (or hatchet women to be more correct) and a couple of Kerry girls came in for rough treatment, especially centre half forward Eileen Lawlor (Ballydonoghue and Kerry). She had a tremendous game in the middle of the field and fully deserved her ‘player of the match’ award. She won almost everything in the air, showed tremendous skill, excellent distribution and most important of all, she kicked 3 vital points.

But the top scoring honours went to Del White of Austin Stacks, one of the only two married girls on the Kerry team (Margaret Lawlor is the other). The powerful Mrs White was also very good in the air and had she been a little more accurate and a bit luckier she could have run up a much higher total.

She was well supported in the full forward line by Margaret Flaherty and Kathleen McElligott and by last year’s All Star, Mary Jo Curran, in the second half.

In the half forward line, Eileen Lawlor was always in the thick of things, while Marina Barry and Sheila Twomey used their speed to good effect on the wings winning possession. At midfield, the Castleisland pairing of Mary Twomey and hard working Annette Walsh was always on top.

Lil Horgan was like a rock in defence, ably assisted by wing backs Margaret Lawlor and Marian Doherty, the team captain. The full back line was under quite a lot of pressure for long spells but Tess Horgan, Eileen O’Connor and Nora Foley did well to keep the Offaly forwards at bay as did goalkeeper Hilda O’Leary who made something of the game that Offaly had got off to a dream start with a goal and a point. The goal was a big setback. It came in the third minutes when a shot from Jean Dunne skidded away from Hilda O’Leary and Ella Lowbridge stuck it in the net. Shortly afterwards, Dunne added a point herself.

But Kerry succeeded in getting their game together and with Horgan, Mary Twomey and Del White starting to win possession, they came back into the game. Mary Twomey got the first point when she played a short line ball to Margaret Flaherty who played a good one-two and Twomey pointed.

Second Point

In the 18th minute, another short passing movement involving Eileen Lawlor and Mary Twomey saw the Castleisland girl kick her second point. Kerry still had the lion’s share of possession but they just could prove costly. But they kept plugging away and in the 21st minute, Flaherty set up Del White, to leave just one point between the teams and straight from the kick-out Del White pointed again to leave the teams level at the interval. Kerry nearly added a goal after Marina Barry had done some great work to set up Margaret Flaherty but Flaherty’s shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Even though Margaret Flaherty added another Kerry point, the game was still wide open with 5 minutes to go, with Kerry ahead by 3 points (0-8 to 1-2). There was a desperate cry from an Offaly supporter behind me; “bring in Seamus Darby’s sister”!

But this time it was Kerry who got the late goal. Mary Jo Curran had a shot well saved by the Offaly keeper but her clearance only went as far as Lil Horgan who sent the ball straight back and it went in over the goalkeeper’s head.

The victorious Kerry ladies football team:

Michael Fitzgerald (trainer), Mary Twomey, Nora Foley, Tess Horgan, Lil Horgan, Hilda O’Leary, Mary Jo Curran, Eileen O’Connor, Del Whyte, Eileen Lawlor, Mai Lombard, Bridget Leen, Martina Walsh, Margaret Flaherty, Margaret Lawlor, Annette Walsh, Marian Doherty (capt), Sheila Twomey, Kay Carr, marina Barry, Siobhan Leen, Tony Riordan (County Board Chairman).

Controversy mars ladies All Ireland League final

Leitrim 2-6 Kerry 1-8

On Sunday last Leitrim ladies took on the mighty Kerry ladies in a closely fought contest in Pearse Stadium Salthill.

Kerry were first to score with a goal in the 2nd minute from Margaret Lawlor. Kerry took control of the game for about 20 minutes when they scored 1-2 before Leitrim settled down.

Leitrim looked as if they might open their account when Ita Flatley picked up a loose ball which she shot towards goal but was unlucky to see it rebound off the crossbar.

Minutes later, Leitrim were awarded a 14 yard free, taken by Ita Flatley and this was their first point of the match.

In the 24th minute D Quinn got possession at centre field and she delivered to M Quinn who tipped it over the bar. This left Leitrim with 2 points. Kerry added another 2 points to their lead.

Due to excellent work by the Leitrim defence 5 minutes before the interval, Leitrim took possession and placed the ball in the forward line from which 2 points were scored by P Guckian and M Quinn. One minute from the interval, Leitrim broke the ball at centre field and it was collected by M McDermott who put it into the back of the net. This left the teams level at half time on 1-4 each.

After the resumption there was some splendid play by both teams. Kerry were unlucky not to have added a few more points to the score but for the closed marking of the Leitrim backs and some excellent scores by the Leitrim goalkeeper, M McGovern. Kerry were at a great loss when they lost their corner forward C Donoghue, due to an ankle injury.

In the 40th minute, D Quill let in a long ball to F Beirne which she boxed in off the end line to the incoming Ita Flatley. Ita got her boot to it and planted it in the back of the net. At this stage, Leitrim made a few switches, P Guckian moved to centre field for D Quinn and B Donnelly moved to the full back line for R McElgunn.

R McElgunn got possession from a kick out and she placed Noeleen McLoughlin. Noeleen broke down the ball to Ita Flatley which she pointed. Kerry replied with 2 points from M Twomey and M Lawlor. With 15 minutes to go, Leitrim got a 21 yard free which was taken by Ita Flatley. Had Leitrim scored at this vital stage, it would have put them 3 points up.

Within minutes, Leitrim were awarded another free, this one taken by N McLoughlin, which was tipped over the bar. It was Leitrim’s final score. For the remaining 10 minutes, Kerry stepped up the pressure but were only able to score two points by M Flaherty.

For Leitrim the final whistle heralded a sigh of relief as they had captured their second All Ireland in 2 years.

Kerryman 5 November 1976

Ladies team celebrates

Members of Kerry’s victorious All Ireland ladies team with their sponsors at a reception in the Pitch and Putt Club Castleisland:

Helen Slattery, Tralee, Michael Fitzgerald, Castleisland, Chairman County Board, Bernie O’Donoghue, Killarney, Patrick O’Donoghue, Castleisland, Annette O’Connor, Listowel, Vincent Murphy, Castleisland, Del McLaughlin, Alex Rintol, for Liebhert (Ireland) Limited and Mary Geaney, captain, Castleisland.

All Ireland ladies

Football final

Kerry v Offaly

At Littleton, Co. Tipperary

On Sunday October 10, 1976 at 3 pm

Moycarkey Pipe Ban will attend

Referee: S O’Duigheipran

Admission 50p Programme 10p

Kerryman 15 October 1996

All Ireland for Kerry ladies

Kerry’s footballing women succeeded last Sunday where the county’s senior footballers failed – they won an All Ireland football title when they defeated Offaly in the ladies football All Ireland final.

The Kerry team, which marked up 4 wins to earn a place in the final at Littleton, Co. Tipperary were convincing champions with a score of 4-6 to Offaly 1-6.

Surprisingly, this was Kerry’s first year in the All Ireland event. Although there was a limited selection of players to pick from, the selectors came up trumps with the players they picked and the team proved its worth long before the final.

On the way to the top it defeated teams from Cork, Waterford, Tipperary and Cavan. Tipperary incidentally were the All Ireland champions for the past 2 years.

In the first half, Kerry were lucky to hold onto a lead and finish with 2-2 to Offaly’s 0-4. However, without some great saves by goalkeeper Sue Curtin and defence work by Noeleen Thompson, Bernie Donoghue and Marie Murphy, the scoreline might have been different.

On resumption, Nora Donoghue had a solo run through the Offaly defence before parting with the ball to Mary Geaney who wasted no time in putting it in the back of the Offaly net – a movement which knocked a lot of heart out of the Offaly team.

All was not yet over and the Kerry defence came under a great deal of pressure from Offaly whose forwards were showing very glaring mistakes.

The difference between the teams was the fact that the Kerry forwards proved to be more economical and efficient in their scoring attempts.

Best for Kerry were Noreen Thompson, Margaret Murphy, Nora Donoghue, D McLoughlin, Mary Geaney and Kathleen Brosnan.

Kerry team (colour green and white):

Sue Curtin, Noreen Thompson, Bernie Donohue, Sue Moloney, Margaret Lawlor, Marie Murphy, Annette O’Connor, Del McLoughlin, Nora Donoghue, Kathleen Brosnan, Mary Geaney (capt), Helen Slattery, Eileen Donoghue, Margaret Doherty, Mai Lombard

Subs:

Anne Connell, Jackie Moriarty, Sheila Power, Melia Collins, Eileen O’Connor, Mary Ferris, Mantilio McDonagh.

Offaly team (all green):

Geraldine Todd, Rose Dunican, Anges Gorman, Patricia Glennon, Ann Glwennon, Phyllis Hackett (capt), Mary Carroll, Jo Glennon, Bernadette Dunne, Bridget Reynolds, Ann Molloy, Noreen Farnell, Evelyn Pyke, Mary Todd, Carmel Carroll.

Subs:

Cathrine Young, Catherine Hanlon, Margaret Prendergast, Madeline Flynn, Tara McDonald, Mary Wyer, Francis Dolan.

Kerry’s seven lady All Stars

8 January 1991

The Kerry members of the All Star ladies football team with their mentors: Mary Jo Curran, Mick Fitzgerald, Catherine Liston, Phil Curran, Patricia Murphy, Kevin Barry, Marina Barry, Eileen Dardis, Bridgt Leen

Kerry win Munster Under 16 championship semi final

Kerry 6-5 Cork 2-3

In the semi final of the Munster Under 16 championship played at Bandon, Cork, on Saturday evening Kerry had a comfortable victory over Cork and will now meet Waterford in the Munster final on Wednesday 17 July at a Cork venue.

Kerry team and scorers:

Caroline Corkery, Denise O’Sullivan, Kathleen Griffin, Ursula Carmody, Norma O’Connell, Joanne Fitzgerald, Natalie O’Shea, Joannie Wamsley, Helen Donoghue, Maura Prenderville (0-1). Sandra Hartnett (3-3), Aileen Brosnan (1-0), Ita O’Connell, Jenny Carey (0-1), Olivia Hartnett (1-0).

Subs: Deirdre Dowd, Lorraine Lynch and Eilish O’Connor.

Ballagh

Adamstown

Co Wexford

31 October 1989

Dear Mick

On behalf of the Wexford ladies football team, I (Mary Moore) want to congratulate you and your tea, pm your success in the All Ireland final 1989.

It was a great day for football, for Kerry and also for Wexford, even if we did not win.

Here’s hoping that you are all celebrating as nest year’s another different ball game and who knows!!! Congrats once again and well done. It’s a pleasure knowing and playing with you all each year.

Yours sincerely

Mary More.

(letter from Wexford captain)

Kerry win 8 in a row

On a dry and sunny Sunday

In the month of October 89

The girls from Kerry came to Dublin

To play the girls from Wexford

And after an hour of splendid football

They had won 8 in a row

Their captain came from Dingle

Her name is Kathleen Curran

And she is the goalie

Who guarded her net like a panther

Leaping high and diving low

So that Kerry could win 89 in a row

Bridget Leen, Phil Curran and Tess Carroll

Formed the full back line

And when the Wexford forwards met them

They cleared their lines

And blocked the way to goal

So Kerry win eight in a row

Abbeyfeale’s Mary Lane was a colossus

Fetching and covering every ball

While Marian Doherty and Margaret Flaherty

Excelled at half back

Defending and attacking in turn

So Kerry could win 8 in a row

Annette Walsh did Cordal proud

Holding the middle of the field

While Beaufort’s Mary Jo

Soared as high as an eagle

Clearing her lines and setting up attacks

To win the player of the match

And Kerry win the 8 in a row

Young Katie Liston led the attack

Scoring the opening point

While Eileen Lawlor scored the last

Marina Barry the girl from the rock

Broke Wexford’s heart with a blistering shot

To help Kerry win 8 in a row

Del Whyte at full forward joined with

Ann Costelloe to trouble Wexford’s defence

But it was at top of the right Margaret Lawlor

Or is it Slattery our scorer supreme

That sent over the points with left and right

Nine in all to win her 9th All Ireland

And Kerry’s 8 in a row.

Without the subs, Jackie, Elaine, Ann, Patricia

Michelle, Mary Ellen, Siobhan, Fionnuala and Sheila

Who trained every night

An turned up for every game

Kerry may not have won

8 in a row

Galway’s Mick Fitzgerald as he Kerry trainer

Strode around Croke Park

Knowing that his girls were as fit as could be

Their teamwork a joy to behold

He never feared Wexford would deny

Kerry win 8 in a row

While Helen Dowling, Pat Lawlor and Tony O’Riordan

Are selectors for many a year

Young Florrie O’Sullivan of Glencar

Played her part in picking the team

That won Kerry’s 8 in a row.

A tribute to a great team

By: John. E Barrett

PRO; Kerry Ladies Football

Kingdom 21 October 1986

Ode to the Kerry Ladies

At last the Kerry girls reached fame

They outclassed the Kerrymen at their game

The ladies All Ireland on the 12 September

It’s a glorious day for footballers to remember

The Kerry and Wexford ladies battled it out

But who the winners would be, we had no doubt

5 in a row was Kerry’s aim

To get that they played a marvellous game

3 points each from Buckley, Barry and Whyte

The football they played was really dynamite

A goal and a point from the Lawlor clan

Raised a great cheer from all the fans

Every player on the team did their bit

They are excellent footballers and superbly fit

Mick Fitz their trainer can now sit back and rest

As Annette and her team proved they were the best

Many a goal Kathleen managed to save

‘Woman of the match’ to Marina they gave

We must not forget a dedicated player Brigid Leen

Unfortunately due to injury she could not play with her team

For 5 in a row, the Kerry girls deserve a crown

I wonder will those Kerrymen ever live it down!!

By:

Bridie O’Leary

107 Pinewood Estate

Killarney

Ba mhor ag

An Taoiseach agus ag Bean Mhic Ghearailt

Mrs & Mrs Michael Fitzgerald

A bheith I lathair

Ag Failtiu

I gCaislean Atha Cliath

De Mairt, 8 Bealtaine 1984

Ag 8.00 pm

Trath a bheidh

Comoradh ceid a dheanamh

Ag

Cumann Luthchleas Gael

RSVP

Seomra 325

Roinn an Taoisigh

Tel (01) 689333 Fo-line 432 Neamh Fhoirmiuil

The Taoiseach and Mrs Fitzgerald

Request the pleasure of your company

At a Reception

In the State Apartments, Dublin Castle

On Tuesday 8 May 1984

At 8.00 pm

On the occasion of the

Centenary of the

Gaelic Athletic Association

RSVP

Room 325

Department of the Taoiseach

Tel (01) 689333 Ext. 432 Informal

Kerry Ladies Gaelic Football

Commemorate eleven All Ireland titles

Kerry ladies All Ireland football team 1989 who defeated Wexford in Croke Park. They were honoured along with all the girls who have played with Kerry during the 25 years from 1974 to 1988. The girls were presented with awards by Michael O’Muircheartaigh at a banquet in The Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee.

1993

Kerry Queens

Kerry 4-8 Laois 2-6

The venue appeared different but the script followed a familiar pattern as Kerry captured the All Ireland ladies football title at Croke Park yesterday.

Indeed, as Kerry celebrated their 11th title, the skeletal remains of the old Cusack Stand provided a fitting backdrop to this latest tale of woe for their luckless Laois opponents.

6 times they have now contested the senior final without any tangible reward. This was their 4 consecutive year of heartbreak.

In truth, however while the Midlanders threatened sporadically to cause an upset, the cup always seemed destined to return to Kerry, who led from first minute to last.

Their two wing forwards, who excelled throughout wrecked all the initial havoc. Geraldine O’Shea, a 15 year old bag of tricks, opened the scoring with a well taken point. When Marina Barry finished off an incisive Kerry move with a 6th minute goal, it looked like Laois were in deep trouble.

The Leinster side then enjoyed one of their best spells. Amanda Donoghue and Sue Ramsbottom (their only two scorers grabbed a point a apiece and Ramsbottom’s goalbound effort was superbly stopped by Kathleen Curran.

In a bizarre sequence, the ball ricocheted off Kerry back Marian O’Doherty and flew inches wide of the post.

Perhaps, just perhaps, Laois’ confidence would have soared if they had surged ahead at this juncture. Fionuala Ruane and the majestic Katie Liston were now dominating in defence and they were soon back in command, leading by 1-5 to 0-3 at the break.

Within 10 seconds of the restart, Ramsbottom burst through for a goal regardless of a Laois fight-back, hopes were again briefly raised. But Kerry stretched their lead to 3 points and then O’Shea fired home an exquisite 43rd minute goal, capitalising on a lucky breaking ball from Laois back Elizabeth Louthman.

Scorers:

Kerry:

E Dardis (2-1), G O’Shea (1-2), M Barry (1-1), A Costello (0-3), A McLoughlin (0-1),

Laois:

S Ramsbottom, A Donoghue (1-3 each)

Kerry:

K Curran, B Leen, P Curran, P Murphy, M O’Doherty, F Ruane, K Liston, M Fitzgerald, A Costello, M Barry, M J Curran, G O’Shea, E Mulvihill, E Dardis, E Woods.

Subs:

H McEligott for Murphy, A McLoughlin for Woods, M Flaherty for Ruane, S O’Sullivan for Costello.

Laois:

B Deegan, E Louthman, D Langton, C Conway, M Phelan, M Casey, T Sheehan, B keogh, M Doyle, L Carroll, L Brennan, A Donoghue, M Keogh, S Ramsbottom, M Breennan.

Subs:

P Ramsbottom for Sheehan, K Murphy for Doyle, C Casey for Keogh.

1991

Kerry win an epic clash at Dungarvan

Kerry 3-8 Waterford 2-10 (after extra time)

The Kerry lady footballers got some consolation for their Munster final defeat by Waterford when they beat the newly crowned Munster champions at Dungarvan on Sunday in one of the greatest contests that has been seen in ladies football for many years. This National league final replay which was watched by one of the biggest attendances ever seen at a ladies game, had everything that is good in football – wonderful scores, great fielding and great individual displays.

The game was played after the two Waterford county football semi finals and was so entertaining that hardly anybody left the pitch until the final whistle in extra time. The win gave Kerry their 11th National league title in 12 years.

Waterford, cheered on by a home crowd of about 5,000 got a tonic start when their star full forward flicked the ball over Kathleen Curran’s head for a goal after just one minute.

Kerry went upfield almost immediately and Marina Barry crashed the ball against the Waterford crossbar with the goalkeeper well beaten. 4 minutes later, Eileen Lawlor scored a very important goal for Kerry, having been put through by her club-mate Ann Costello.

In the 6th minute following a great run down the right wing Katie Liston hit an unstoppable shot to the Waterford net to put Kerry a goal in front.

There was no further score until the 20th minute when Waterford equalised with another goal, the bounce of the ball deceiving the Kerry defence. Katie Liston replied with a great point from about 35 yards to leave Kerry leading by just one point (2-1 to 2-0) at half time.

During the first half Eileen Dardis was dragged down in the Waterford square but the referee ignored the incident.

Waterford opened the second half with a point by Aine Wall after 30 seconds to level the match. The teams were level twice more before the final whistle, at which stage the score was Kerry 3-3, Waterford 2-6.

After the first period of extra time the teams were still locked together at 3-5 to 2-8.

In the second period of extra time Kerry brought goalkeeper Kathleen Curran to midfield to join Katie Liston and after 10 minutes they had gone three points in front. The referee then gave two close in frees to Waterford and both were converted to leave just a point between the sides. In a pulsating finish Kerry held on to win by that point.

While every member of the Kerry squad played their part, there were some great individual displays. Bridget Leen at right full back has played many great games for the county but her display on Sunday was surely her best ever. Phil Curran and Pat Murphy completed a great full back line. The half back line of Marion Doherty and Mary Lane, who made a welcome return to the team after a 2 year lay off through injury and Fionnuala Ruane were rock solid all through.

Mary Jo Curran made a great contribution at midfield as did Ann Costello late in the game. In attack, Marina Barry, Katie Liston and Margaret Flaherty were at their brilliant best.

Ladies Football National League final

Kerry 2-12 Waterford 2-12

Kerry had to depend on two late points from Mary Jo Curran and Fionnuala Ruane to earn a draw against Waterford in the national league final at O’Connor Park last Sunday. The teams were level 3 times in the first half before Waterford edged in front by one point 1-6 to 1-5 at half time.

Kerry took the lead just 30 seconds into the second half with an Ann Costello goal but Waterford replied shortly after with a goal from corner forward Fiona Crotty. They added 2 points almost immediately to lead by 3 points after 12 minutes. For the next few minutes it was score for score but then Kerry who had taken over complete control at midfield squandered at least 6 scoring chances before the two late scores came to level the match.

This was another great game between these great rivals. Phil Curran had an outstanding game at full back for Kerry, Bridget Leen and Pat Murphy played well in the corners. The half backs were also impressive but were caught for speed on occasions. Mary Jo Curran who started at centre half back but moved to midfield at the start of the second half gave a brilliant exhibition of high fielding in the second half. Katie Liston started at centre half forward but also moved to midfield to form an unbeatable partnership with Mary Jo Curran. Other to impress were Marina Barry, Aileen McLoughlin and Del Whyte, also Ann Costello.

Sport in brief

Ladies football

18/7/91

Kerry 2-19 Longford 1-5

Kerry’s junior lady footballers had a very easy victory over Longford in the national League at Tyrrellspass, Co Westmeath on Sunday. They led at half time by 1-9 to 0-2.

Kerry:

Una Dennehy, Fiona Nolan, Nora Hallissey, Josephine Murphy, Bridget O’Connell, Julie Stack, Eileen Mulvihill, Aileen McLoughlin (0-3), Helen Enright (0-2), Dyanne Wallace (0-3), Siobhan Sullivan (1-4), Lily Moloney (0-3), Catherine Hayes (1-0).

Subs: Michell Walsh, Asdee.

Kerry 6-11 Westmeath 3-8

Kerry’s senior ladies continued on their winning way with another easy victory over Westmeath at the same venue. Although short the services of Kathleen, Mary Jo and Phil Curran, Bridget Leen and Margaret Lawlor, Kerry proved far too strong for the Leinster representatives.

Kerry ladies go down in Under 16 Munster Championship final

Waterford 4-13 Kerry 2-2

The Kerry Under 16 team who had easy victories over Limerick and Cork in earlier rounds of Munster championship and were strongly tipped to go all the way were overwhelmed by Waterford in the Munster final played at Glanworth, Co Cork on Wednesday evening.

Kerry never got going and only a handful of players played up to form. Denise O’Sullivan and Natalie O’Shea and Joanne Fitzgerald in patches were best in defence. Joanne Warmsley played very well at centre field, the only Kerry forward to cause any problems to the Waterford defence.

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