Secretary’s Report 1998 - MLGFA Munster Ladies Gaelic Football Association

Secretary’s Report 1998

The year has gone by with much joy and sadness both on and off the field.  Firstly to those who lost relatives, family and friends, sincere condolences.

Many members had additions to families and congratulations to those.  Work of warning – let them all be girls to keep our fine game growing!  

This year the game of ladies football has gone from strength to strength, and has recorded some great coverage on television and also on paper.  May this continue.  Our year began with the schools competition, Kilorglin took both Junior and Senior titles and also National titles.  The Under 14 crown went to Deise who had to go a second time with Kerry winning 4-11 to 4-7.  First5 game 1-11 to 2-8 Kerry.

The Under 16 went back again to Deise with Kerry once again being their victims, 7-8 to 5-6.  Cork, the Rebel county came to life this year and took an underage title, an achievement not done for some years, they defeated Kerry 1-9 to 0-8 in a thrilling final.  However, they lost out to Mayo in the semi final.

Waterford faced Clare inn the Junior final and after a very competitive game won 3-11 to 3-7.  With only the senior title to claim to get a majority of titles, they took on Clare in the final and won 4-11 to 3-7 to put themselves on the road to Croke Park once again.  The old hurling ground took two thrilling and competitive games to give Waterford their 5 title and their chance to receive the new Brenda Martin Cup, well done.

Congratulations to Cork who won the Intermediate Championship having to defeat Laois in the final.  Also to Limerick club Old Mill who won the Under 14 blitz and Feile na nOg.

The club competitions become more interesting every year with some very exciting games to be seen.  The quarter final between Naomh Aban (Cork) and Clashmore (Waterford) was excellent, although the scoreline of 4-11 to 1-5 doesn’t reflect this.  Naomh Aban continued on their way taking on Aughamullen (Monaghan) and then Aughnawillan (Leitrim), last year’s runners up to bring them to a final to face Cooley Kickams (Louth) in Birr.  After some great skill and determination, Cooley won by 2 points.  Congratulations to Naomh Aban of whom all were 16 and 17 and only two minors.

The ‘B’ final was between Donaghmore and Beaufort (last years Club All Ireland final winners).  Experience paid off for the Cork girls and won 2-15 to 3-9.  Donoughmore then had the enormous task of playing Balymacarbry in the Club ‘A’ final and although Donoughmore played outstanding and provided Ballymacarbry with the best game of the competition, they lost on a score of 3-9 to 1-31.  This was the greatest exhibition of point taking that I ever witnessed.  Balymacarbry needless to say went on to capture the All Ireland title for the 10 time.  The inter-provincial competition was in Ballinasloe and Munster once again completed and reached the plate final.  This selection process has to be looked at.  
The Under 14 blitz, was well presented by the counties in Munster, Limerick won this with some great performances on the day.  I want to thank all our referees, umpires, linespersons and all others who keep the game so successful.  To the GAA clubs, secretaries, caretakers and all persons involved in loaning us their facilities when we play our games there.

To the GAA Munster Council for their help, co-operation and advice during the year, a sincere thank you.  To the people who follow our game, and are now helping after a long struggle to make it what it is.

On a personal note, I want to thank my officers who have worked along side me over the years and this year due to my mother’s grave illness, had to work to cover for me, when I could not perform my duties to the satisfaction of the counties.  However, thank God all things are back to normal.  One again sincere thanks to all those who sent get well cards, mass bouquets, flowers and general wishes to Mam.

Is Mise Le Meas
Sandra Nic Ailin
Runai

Officers of Munster Council for 1999

President:   Tom Madigan
Vice-President:  Michael Ryan
Secretary:   Sandra Allen
Fixtures Secretary/PRO: Michael Ryan
Treasurer:   Esther Cahill
Assistant Treasurer:  Kay Madigan
Irish Language Officer: Caitrona Casey
Development Officers: John Hayes
  Maire Halvey