Secretary’s Report 2001 - MLGFA Munster Ladies Gaelic Football Association

Secretary’s Report 2001

It is my privilege to welcome everybody to our annual Munster Ladies Gaelic Convention once again.  I will begin by documenting all games and activities completed in the southern province for the year ended.

Life began as normal at the start of the year with all counties and clubs making their pre-season preparation only for all to be put on hold with the Minister of Agriculture calling an emergency with the dreaded foot and mouth, withdrawing all outdoor activities, training and group gatherings.  It was a bleak outlook for all team management’s. The Inter-Provincial competition being held overseas for the first time also fell foul of the disease and Munster forwarded a sterling draft of £600 to the organisers prior to the cancellation of the competition. Despite numerous vocal requests to John Flanagan and written correspondence to Sinead Whelan for its return, Munster still awaits.  The storm finally blew over in the first week of April, the national emergency was lifted and it was all systems go.

The Under 14 competition held the same format as 2000 with all counties having 5 first round games.  The lucky ones played 6 and the champions came from here.  All draws were intact from last year, the only difference being beginning with round 5 working backwards.  

The inter-county scene kick started on Saturday April 7 2001.
Cork 5-21 Waterford 0-1 in Middleton,
Tipperary 2-5 Kerry 6-7 in Ballysteen
Limerick 6-8 Clare 2-4 in Ballybrown

Round 2 Saturday April 14
Tipperary 0-7 Limerick 4-10 in Ardfinnan
Kerry 0-4 Cork 6-9 in Dr Crokes
Waterford 2-7 Clare 2-6 in Solohead

Round 3 Saturday April 21
Limerick 0-3 Kerry 4-8 in Dromcollogher
Waterford 6-3 Tipperary 1-3 in Fraher Field
Cork 4-11 Clare 0-0 in Feenagh

Round 4 Saturday April 28
Cork 11-17 Limerick 0-0 in Grenagh
Waterford 2-5 Kerry 2-8 in Glanworth
Tipperary 0-3 Clare 3-5 in Cappamore

Round 5 Saturday May 5
Limerick 2-5 Waterford 5-14 in Bansha
Cork 4-19 Tipperary 0-1 in Cahir
Kerry 3-10 Clare 1-2 in Tralee

The league format pitted Cork and Kerry in the championship final and the plate final had Limerick and Waterford.  The Under Munster final day was Saturday May 19, the same day as National Congress, having to be moved from it’s original date.
For the second year Bruff hosted the finals with Limerick 3-9 Waterford 4-5 giving Limerick the Plate title.  

Cork 5-18 Kerry 1-5 for the second year in a row.  Cork were undefeated in Munster to be deservedly crowned champions.  As the previous team this team were every bit prepared and drilled and expectations were high down Munster way.  On Saturday June 9, the Rebel county travelled to Askeaton opposed by the Connaught champions of Galway and their onward journey continued winning with a 13 point victory, Cork 4-13 Galway 3-3.  Final stop for the defending champions was O’Moore Park, Portlaoise with Monaghan the barrier.  There was no mistaking the winner with the defenders now champions for the second year in a row on a comprehensive score of 4-21 to 2-4.  First All Ireland to Munster, optimistic for more on the way.

The Under 16 format saw a change for 2001 with two groups of 3 giving all teams a minimum of 2 games and all games including the final played before the exams.  The competition began on Wednesday April 11, Waterford 6-18 Clare 1-1 in Solohead.  
Thursday April 12, Tipperary 0-4 Limerick 0-14 in Ardfinnan.  
Saturday April 14,…… … 5-17 Clare 1-4 in ……..,  Kerry 2-9 Cork 5-13 in Leigons.  
Wednesday April 18, Kerry Blennerville.  The Tipperary/Kerry game scheduled for Tuesday April 24 in Bruff was unable to go ahead due to water logged pitch, this game then was played on Thursday May 3 in Newcastlewest with Kerry 6-11 Tipperary 2-6.  Also the same evening Cork 5-18 defeated Waterford 0-8 in Grenagh.  Friday May 11, Kerry 3-15 Limerick 3-10, after extra time in Athea.  This gave us the same pairings for the final on Wednesday may 11 in Coachford Cork 2-8 kerry 1-5 with the Rebels winning their second provincial title.

Cork made their second journey to Askeaton on Saturday June 30, again with Galway their opponents.  Bad timekeeping called a halt to proceedings and after deliberation the game was restarted but alas was not enough with Cork defeated 2-4 to 2-6.

The Under 18 inter-county scene kick-started into action on Wednesday July 4.  Waterford4-27 Clare 0-2 in Solohead, Limerick 1-11 Kerry 3-12 in Athea after extra time.  The semi-finals were played on Wednesday July 11, Waterford 5-26 Tipperary 0-9 in Bushy Park and Kerry 4-14 Cork 3-9 in Carrigadrohid.  The Munster final was a repeat of 2000 on Wednesday July 18 with the defending champions Waterford 1-15 Kerry 2-10 to claim 3 in a row provincial titles.  

Munster once again gladly travelled in the All Ireland campaign on Saturday July 28 to Newmarket-on-Fergus with Galway the opposition.  In a sweltering hot way Waterford 1-12 Galway 1-7 to reach the final.

Final stop Dr Cullen Park Carlow on Saturday August 18 with Leisnter champions Meath the final barrier.  Football was the winner despite heavy underfoot conditions, Waterford 6-12 Meath 2-6 making it 2 in a row for the Munster champions.

The Senior and junior Championship received a new sponsor with TG4 and Munster introduced a new format in the Junior.

Two groups of 3 with games beginning on Saturday June 30, Kerry 3-8 Waterford 4-8 in Ballyhooly, Tipperary 2-12 Limerick 1-14 in Cahir.  
Saturday July 7 cork gave a dazzling display scoring 6-9 Waterford 0-6 in Fraher Field.  On Tuesday evening July 10, Clare 3-13 Tipperary 3-5 in Cusack Park in atrocious weather conditions.  Saturday July 14 Kerry 1-18 Cork 6-8 in Austin Stack Park, Limerick 7-7 Clare 1-2 in Athea.

Problems in group one with all 3 teams finishing with equal points, new draws, play off on Wednesday July 18 Limerick 3-20 Tipperary 1-7 making no mistake at the second attempt in Croagh, Saturday July 21, the Tipperary/Clare game never materialised due to Clare unable to field a team and subsequently the Clare Board were fined £150 by the Council.  Also on the same evening Limerick 2-12 cork 3-9, a draw in Charleville.  The replay and the other semi-final with both played on Wednesday July 25 in Charleville and Chair respectively. Limerick 3-13 Cork 3-7 and Limerick achieving their target of a Munster final slot.  Tipperary 4-5 Waterford 3-9 in a titanic struggle.

The TG4 Munster Junior final in Bruff on Sunday August 5 saw Limerick in total control for 40 minutes of the game only for the Deice county to come storming back and level proceedings 4-10 each.  The replay was played on Saturday evening August 11 in Ballyhooly.  Mistakes were rare in the Limerick camp on this occasion and were deservedly crowned Munster champions for the very first time 3-12 to Waterford 1-7.  The new champions All Ireland campaign got a timely boost in Cusack Park Ennis on Saturday August 25 proceeding the Under 21 Hurling All Ireland in which limerick were involved. Ladies football was exposed to hardened GAA followers for the first time.  The Munster champions got huge vocal support from the large following of green and white supporters.  In a game that Limerick was always chasing, it was in the last 10 minutes they turned the game in their favour and conquered over Donegal.  All Ireland junior semi-final in Ballinasloe on Saturday September 8, Limerick for the first time their history reached this stage of the competition, due to injuries were unable to field a team at full strength.  Nevertheless they gave it their all but were defeated 0-14 to 1-4 by eventual all Ireland champions, Roscommon.

The Senior Championship saw the same draws as last year transpire with Kerry hosting the Division 1 league champions Clare in Fitzgerald Stadium on Saturday July 7.  The league champs were a superior outfit to the local side and easily overcame the Kingdom 4-15 to 2-9.  The same evening in Fraher Field the defending champions hosted Cork and reached yet another Munster final 4-23 to 3-7.  
The scene was now set, a rematch of last year’s final, will Clare finally achieve their goal, only time will tell!!

Munster final day Sunday August 5, Bruff Co limerick, the scene was set, weather perfect, flags everywhere, the atmosphere electric.  We were honoured to have present our National President Walter Thompson and his fellow officers as well as Munster GAA Chairman Christy Cooney and Vice Chairman Sean Fogarty and both men were high in their praise of the standard of football displayed.  The only disappointing feature of the day was the behaviour of the Clare management that brought comments less favourable from the Chairman of Munster GAA, Christy Cooney.  3.30, game on, the challengers first to score after 3 minutes, a point courtesy of Claire Daly.  There was no further score until the 9 minute when Mary O’Rourke raised a green flag closely followed by a white one from Aoife Murphy putting the Deices 3 points to the good.  

Matters were level with points from Majella Griffin, Claire Daly and Edel Arthur until O’Rourke had her second goal.  On the 20 minute Clare Captain, Eithne Morrissey reduced the deficit with a point.  Morrissey the tormentor awarded a penalty which in turn was brilliantly saved by Nuala Ahern.  Munster player 2000 Majella Griffin, a key element to the banner success scored a further 1-3 to put the challengers 1-7 Waterford 2-2 ahead at the interval.  

The banner machine with leader Eithne Morrissey, tormentor general, almost at the restart, awarded her second penalty.  This time Aoife healy made no mistake and with further points from Diane Kelly and Griffin, it would take a brave soul betting against them.  Waterford threw everything they could at the challengers but on this occasion nothing was good enough.  The final whistle with Clare 2-12 Waterford 3-5 brought scenes of jubilation tears of joy and the famous roar.

President Joe Condon presented the Dairygold Senior Cup for the very first time to a Clare captain, Eithne Morrissey to the anthem of my lovely rose of Clare.  Celebrations high, Civic reception by the Kilrush UDC the following evening, bonfires lighting constantly, household names in the county and beyond.  At the All Ireland semi final in Ballinasloe on Saturday September 8 the newly crowned Munster champions opposed by the defending All Ireland champions Mayo, on a day with expectations high down unster way, Clare lost Edel Arthur through injury from the heart of the defence, this not helping their cause.  On a day when all cylinders did not click together the new champions went out 0-9 to 1-11 to bring an end to their unbeaten run.

The management and team can only improve from here with the added experience received through the season.

Munster Inter-Club  

Junior – the first round game, Rockban (Cork) and Kilmihill (Clare) never took place due to the Clare Club unable to field.  It was Mungret/St pauls of Limerick 2-8 Clashmore Waterford 2-18 in Ardfinnan that got proceedings under way on Saturday September 1.  On Sunday September 16 both semi finals were played, Clashmore Waterford 4-11 Aherlow Tipperary 4-15 in Ardfinnan, Dr Crokes Kerry 4-6 rockban Cork 4-11.  The Munster junior club final on Sunday October 14, Aherlow Tipperary 4-6 Rockban Cork 5-10, a game in which the Aherlow goalkeeper received an injury resulting in her departure, this did not take from the champion’s success.

On October 27, the Munster champions cross the Irish Sea in the all Ireland semi final defeating emerald Gaels of Manchester 7-17 to 1-4.  The All Ireland Junior club final in Cloughjordan on Saturday November 24, Rockban versus Leinster champions Grange/Novlan of Kildare.  A cracking game of football from both teams with physical fitness a key element.  This will long be remembered for Amy O’Shea’s 5 goal scoring feat, an all round team effort with excellent supply to the scoring machine, Rockban 6-7 Grange 3-9.  Munster claims its third all Ireland.


Intermediate – The Intermediate club championship had two semi-finals on Saturday September 15, Athea Limerick 2-10 Newmarket-on-Fergus Clare in the Gaelic Grounds Limerick.  On Sunday September 16, St Annes Waterford 1-4 were defeated by St Val’s Cork 3-16, last year’s defeated junior finalists.  The munster Intermediate club final was played on Sunday October 14, St Val’s Cork 0-12 Athea Limerick 0-7 in Ballydesmond.  St Val’s having stepped up a grade were worthy champions on the day.  The All Ireland semi-final on Sunday October 28, St Val’s were defeated by Donoughmore of Monaghan in Carrigadrohid.

Senior – the senior club championship had problems before ever starting with the Cork delegation having different dates to the Provincial Secretary.  Despite many phone calls, meetings etc, it was decided by Donoughmore to appeal the decision taken by Munster to the national body.  This they did and were successful so it’s  now back to the football pitch.  

On Sunday October 7, Donoughmore Cork 1-12 defeated Corco Dhuibhne Kerry 1-4 in Spa Killarney.  Sunday October 21, the senior semi-final which also doubles as the B final, Donoughmore 3-8 Cooraclare Clare 1-7 in Glin, Co Limerick.  The much awaited senior club final played on Sunday October 28 saw new champions for the very first time and at their 5t attempt, finally achieve their goal, Munster senior club champions 2001 Donoughmore Cork 2-9 Ballymacarbry Waterford 1-10.  Once more Munster cross the irish sea opposing in the all Ireland semi final with Fr Murphy’s London and it was a definite one way street with Donoughmore scoring an emphatic 8-24 to 0-1 in Ruislip.  

The senior club All Ireland final on Sunday December 2 on a cold dry day dished up a standard of football each and everyone would only be too delighted to be associated with.  The Leinster club champions of Dublin, Ballyboden St Endas were first to score and even though scores were scarce, good football was at a premium and when Donoughmore took the lead , they never lost winning 3-6 to 0-8.  all Ireland number 4 to Munster with Cork winning 3.

Feile Peil Na nOg

Tipperary hosted feile with great assistance from Cork and Waterford ensuring all visiting clubs were accommodated.  Pride of place goes to the Banner club 1-04 from Clare on winning Division 2 defeating Lurgan of Cavan 0-6 on Sunday July 8 in Semple Stadium Thurles.  All skills finalists were from Munster, Rena Buckley Donoughmore Cork, Under 14 and senior club all Ireland medals 2001, Samantha Mullins, Brian borus Tipperary, Amanda Murphy, Beara Cork Under 14 All Ireland medal 2001 and player of the match and skills winners 2001, Ane O’Dwyer Cappawhite Tipperary.  Many clubs from the province competed and enjoyed the experience.

All Ireland Sevens

Munster featured prominently in the 7s with Cooraclare at their first attempt winning the senior championship defeating Corofin of Galway 1-9 to 2-5.  In the senior plate, it was an all Munster pairing with Corco Dhuibhne 3-0 defeating Donoughmore 2-2.  
In the Intermediate, on board for the first time, St Val’s were defeated by Aughwillan of Leitrim 2-7 to 2-5 in the plate final.  The junior final,  again all Munster pairing, Kilmihill Clare participating for the first time defeated Gabrial Rangers Cork.

Cailini Oige

The Cailini Oige games were played prior to all junior championships, a change for Munster final day with all 6 counties involved on Sunday August 5.  Limerick/Clare/Kerry in the Clare colours played Cork/Waterford/Tipperary in the Waterford colours and a very entertaining game was displayed with Clare colours the winner.

Coaches Tournament

Credit to Christy O’Connor and PJ O’Halloran of Clare who hosted the competition.  Disappointment that only 2 counties participated but nevertheless enjoyment was had by all with Clare victors over Tipperary.  Christy acquired sponsorship of all trophies for the tournament.

Schools and Colleges

With the numbers increasing on the Post primary front which is a great plus for all clubs in the respective counties.  The junior and senior seems to belong to Colaiste na Sceilige of Caherciveen.  In the Munster junior final on Wednesday 18 April, colaiste Kerry defeated Colaiste Dun Iascaigh Cahir Tipperary 4-13 to 3-7 in Askeaton.  Colaiste received a bye into the final due to the foot and mouth and faced Loretto of Navan in McDonagh Park Nenagh on Thursday May 31.  Colaiste were slow to get into their stride and with a few tactical changes came away deserving winners 3-12 to 0-11.

The Munster senior Post primary final was played in Caherslee on Thursday April 26 eventually as tactics were applied at administration level.  Nevertheless Colaiste 4-21 over their opponents of Intermediate School Killorglin 4-6.  On Monday May 7, less than a week after winning the junior all Ireland, the senior team were in action in Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on a beautiful warm summer day.  This time the opposition was from Colaiste mhuire Tournmakeddy of Mayo with the scoreline telling its own story, Colaiste Kerry 0-15 Colaiste Mayo 0-7.

The Munster champions were superior in all departments and the warm weather had no effect on their overall team performance.  Double All Ireland for the school and its worth noting that all these girls are members of the Southern Gaels club in Kerry.

In the remaining Post primary schools competitions played on Thursday 19 April in Bansha, Co Tipperary, Presentation Clonmel 5-8 defeated St Val’s Cork 1-3 in the Junior B.  Ard Scoil na Deise Waterford 4-19 defeated Presentation Dingle 1-3 in the Senior B.  Our Lady’s Templemore 8-13 defeated Colaiste Treasna Kanturk 1-3 in the Junior C.  Scoil Mhuire Carrick-on-Suir 5-14 defeated FCJ Bruff 1-7 in the Senior C.


On the Colleges front, Mary O’Rourke Clashmore and Waterford, Mary White Rockban and cork, Fiona Crowley Cork, Louise Murphy Donoughmore were all recipients of Munster GAA sports bursaries. Bridget Hannigan of Na Deise and Waterford received a Munster GAA Council scholarship.  Juliet Murphy Donoughmore received a bursary for basketball.

Munster GAA Council on Thursday December 6 at a banquet in the South Court Hotel Limerick awarded Tammy Hehir of Clare and Cooraclare Ladies Football player of the year 2001.  Munster GAA Chairman, Christy Cooney presented Tammy with Waterford Glass and she was a well deserved recipient.

The Ladies Council was represented at both provincial GAA finals in Pairc Ui Choimh when our two officers Esther Cahill and Peggy Kennedy carried the Munster Ladies banner onto the stadium.

Congratulations to all our all Star winners, Eithne Morrissey, Noelle Comyns, Majella Griffin Clare, Sarah O’Connor Keny, with replacements going to Dympna O’Brien Limerick, Mary O’Rourke Waterford, Tammy Hehir Clare and Geraldine O’Shea Kerry.

Munster GAA Council to celebrate their centenary, brought on board a youth project for all Gaelic clubs in the Province from Under 18 down.  It was run on a county by county with all county winners going on to contest the Munster Project final, the theme being ‘what the GAA means in the community’.  Ladies football was represented in the provincial final with St Ailbes Ladies Football club Limerick winners.

A sincere thanks to all our referees who without them our association would not survive as competitions would be incomplete.  To all, keep up to the good work and remember when times get tough take no notice, all storms usually blow over.

Grateful appreciation to all who submitted articles, photos, opinions, adverts etc to our Munster final programme.  Continued good work to all counties on development, public relations and promotion of ladies football.

Congratulations to Cooraclare ladies Club who celebrated its 75 anniversary of ladies football in the parish and honoured were two of the club’s founders. A wonderful weekend of football was organised for all age groups and it was a pleasure to be present.

Congratulations to Beara Ladies Football Club Cork on winning the All Ireland Under 12 Community Games final in Mosney.  Also congrats to Clare on winning the Division 1 League.

On Saturday February 3 in Claughan GAA club, Limerick’s Charlie McLaughlin held a practical coaching course, the disappointment being so few though it worth while attending.  However, those who attended were delighted and learnt a lot.  A sincere thanks to all pitch co-ordinators who at all times give me the utmost support and co-operation.

Congratulations to all involved in the game who married and those with family additions.  I offer my sincere sympathies to all of us bereaved during the year.

The past year has been a trying one for me personally.  I sincerely thank all my friends for their support.  To all County Board, clubs and all involved thanks again for your co-operation, to all clubs and counties who had me present at finals, functions and meetings, all were enjoyed.

A sincere thank you to all my fellow officers who like myself are ensuring ladies football in the province receives the development and promotion it justly deserves.  For the record 12 all Ireland titles were won by Munster in 2001, i.e county club, post primary schools, feile, community games, VEC, league and club sevens.

A word of thanks to our President Joe Condon, it is true and accurate to say he has to be one of the most reasonable fair and decent men.  This is Joe’s last year as President and the past two have seen Joe attend meetings all over the county on Munster’s behalf – often times just getting back in time for work the next morning.  Joe, thanks for all the work behind the scenes on Minster’s behalf.

Our long serving Treasurer, Esther Cahill has informed us she is standing down after 6 years, thanks Esther for your input and please keep in contact.

Finally continued success t one and all involved in the sport, looking forward to 2002 with greater success on and off the playing field.

Yours in sport
Maire Halvey
Runai