Secretary’s Report 2002 - MLGFA Munster Ladies Gaelic Football Association

Secretary’s Report 2002

I welcome all to our Provincial Convention of Munster ladies Football.  The following were all games and events completed for the year ended 2002.  


Our inter-county scene kick-started on Saturday march 23 with the first round of the Under 14 competitions.

This year there were 2 groups of 3 – Clare, Tipperary and Waterford and Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

Round 1 Saturday march 23
Tipperary 2-13 Clare 3-0 in Cahir
Cork 4-6 Kerry 0-2 in Dunanway

Round 2 Saturday march 30
Clare 1-4 Waterford 1-15 in Oola
Kerry 6-14 Limerick 0-2 in Dr Crokes Killarney

Round 3 Saturday 13 April
Tipperary 1-9 Waterford 3-12 in Fraher Field
Limerick 0-0 Cork 8-21 in Ballyagran

The Under 14 Munster semi finals were played on Saturday may 18 – Cork 6-18 Tipperary 2-2 in Coachford
Kerry 3-10 Waterford 1-8 in Bruff

The Munster finals A and B were played on Saturday 25 May in atrocious weather conditions in Fermoy.  The B final played first – Clare 3-5 Limerick 1-4.  The A final Cork 4-8 Kerry 1-2.  For the third year in a row Cork represented the province.  Saturday June 8,m the Rebel army travelled to Athlone opposed by Monaghan and on the day had a run away victory 5-17 to Monaghan’s 1-4.  Final stop with mission almost complete was Croagh on Saturday June 22 in the All Ireland final, this time Galway was the opposition. On the day we had entertaining football, torrential downpours and bitterly cold winds, this did not deter the Rebel outfit and were decisive winners 5-15 to 1-3 with Laura Power of Cork named player of the final.

The Under 16 inter-county scene began on Friday April 5 – Clare 0-2 Cork 7-9 in Abbeyfeale.  Saturday April 6 – Kerry 4-17 Limerick 2-2.  

The Waterford/Tipperary game never went ahead as Tipperary withdrew from the Under 16 competition and were subsequently fined €200 by the Board.  The Under 16 format had two groups with the losers coming back into competition playing each other.  

On Saturday April 21 Limerick conceded home advantage to play Clare in Crusheen and with the appointed referee being rather late, local referee Johnny Hayes stepped in and both sides finished level – Clare 1-8 Limerick 2-5.  The semi-finals were played on Saturday may 4 – Kerry 2-18 Waterford 1-10 in Fermoy, Cork 5-10 Clare 0-3 ion Abbeyfeale.  The Munster Under 16 final was played in Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Sunday evening May 12.  On a bitterly cold wet and windy venue a game of two halves was displayed with the wind a major factor.  Cork having the win in their favour in the first half was happier at the short whistle.  

Kerry in the second half used it to their advantage but time was against them to overtake the Rebels and for the second time in less than 12 months, Cork took the honours 2-14, Kerry 4-5.  

On Saturday July 13, Birr the venue, Monaghan the opposition and on this occasion the rearguard were breached for 7 goals but it mattered little as they were winners 7-21 to Monaghan 7-1.  Final stops was again Craogh on Saturday July 27 with Galway again providing the opposition.  On this occasion conditions were excellent, the weather conducive to football.  Alas the Rebels were masters in all sectors of the pitch in a disappointing one-sided game, Cork were not complaining.  All Ireland number 2, 5-17 to Galway 1-6 and Geraldine O’Flynn of Cork named players of the year.

The Under 18 competition began on Saturday march 30, Cork 3-15 Tipperary 0-3 in Grenagh.  Monday April 1, Waterford 5-30 Limerick 0-3 in Emly, Clare 3-1 Kerry 4-14 in Doonbeg.

This competition differed from previous year allowing the first round losers back into competition against each other.  On Wednesday April 17, Limerick travelled to Kilmihill and played Clare with the host’s winning 4-1 to Limerick 1-10.  This game was to be played on Saturday 13 but due to a tragedy in Athea the local side conceded home advantage to allow the game to go ahead at a later date.  There was a break in this competition for exams and play resumed on Wednesday June 28 in Oola – Clare 2-7 Tipperary 0-1.  The semi-finals were played on Wednesday July 3, Kerry 2-8 Clare 1-13 after extra time in Ballyduff.  This is a first for Clare who had never defeated Kerry in an underage game.  Cork 2-7 Waterford 3-16 in Marcoom.  The Munster final was played on Wednesday July 10 in Emly in perfect conditions.  Waterford 1-16 Clare 0-6 with Waterford for the 4 year in a row representing the Province.  On Saturday July 20 in Birr, the Deices faced old rivals Monaghan and in a most entertaining game the Munster champions came up short 4-11 to 3-11 in a game they were capable of winning.

The junior competitions as in the previous year was run on a league format with two groups – Cork, Kerry and Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and Waterford.  All junior games were preceded by Cailini Oige games.  All first round games began on Sunday June 23, Cork 4-4 Kerry 1-11 in Donoughmore.  Clare 1-13 Waterford 2-5 in Doon.  
Round 2, Saturday July 6 – Waterford 1-14 Tipperary 3-6 in Bushy Park, Dungarvan.  Sunday July 7, Limerick 6-6 Cork 0-3, Clare 4-6 in Cahir.  Sunday 14 July, Limerick 3-14 Kerry 4-11 in Feenagh.  Cork through to the TG4 Junior Munster final as Clare withdrew stating problems fielding a team.

Subsequently Clare are fined €400 by the Board as this being the second year in a row the county failed to complete the competition thus eliminating other counties from further participation.  For the coming season 2003, Clare have informed the Board that they will not be entering a team in this competition thus leaving 5 counties participating.  The other junior semi-final on Wednesday 31 July – Limerick 3-14 Water 1-6 in New Inn.  Limerick on course to retain their title but alas Cork had other ideas and on Saturday August 10 in Emly – Cork 1-12 Limerick 1-8.  On a day when everything ran for Cork but unfortunately on Saturday, September 7, it was a different matter when the Munster Junior champions travelled to O’Moore Park, Portlaoise and were comprehensively defeated by Donegal 3-13 to 0-2 in the All Ireland semi-final.
The Senior championship for the first time had both semi-finals at the same venue on the same day on Sunday July 28 in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney.  Cork opposed the defending champions, Clare and a shock was in store with Cork having a 5 point victory.  The Rebels fielding a number of their victorious Under 16 team, whom the day previous played a big part in their county’s All Ireland success.  Clare 2-12 Cork 3-14.  The other semi-final Kerry 1-16 Waterford 3-13 in a very entertaining game.

The TG4 Munster senior final in Emly on Saturday, August 10, played in ideal football conditions.  Cork back in the final after a lapse of 3 years, the old hand Waterford, their opponents, being a betting person one would have to go with Deice county but Cork were not in Emly to make up numbers. A number of the successful Under 16 team started and had no inhibitions of their opponents.  In an exciting game played in a sporting manner, Waterford emerged winners – 1-20 to Cork 4-7.  The Waterford march continued to O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.  In a misty cold windy day the Munster champions got a dream start courtesy of a Mary O’Rourke goal but alas the first half seemed to past them by and it was in the final quarter of the game with a number of positional switches and substitutions they clawed their way back the clock ran out and the hooter with it.  Waterford losing by the minimum with Donna Frost named TG4 player of the semi final.  For the second year in a row Munster would have no representative in Croke Park on all Ireland final day.

The Cailini Oige competition is helping counties develop their underage squads.  The first number of games were all played prior to the junior fixtures.

Sunday 23 June – Cork 7-5 Kerry 2-3 in Donoughmore.  Clare 1-1 Waterford in Doon.
Saturday July 6 - Waterford 0-11 Tipperary 0-2 in Bush Park, Dungarvan.
Sunday 7 July - Limerick 1-1 Cork 4-12 in Charleville.
Saturday 13 July – Tipperary 1-2 Clare 2-5 in Cahir
Sunday 14 July – Limerick 0-3 Kerry 3-8 in Feenagh
Sunday 14 July – Limerick 0-3 Kerry 3-8 in Feenagh.

With Cork and Waterford wining both their games and also remember all counties had completely different panels for all games ensuring as many girls from the respective counties wear the county jersey.  
For the final, each county is allowed choose its panel of 20 from previous panels in the competition.  The final was played prior to the adult finals in Emly on Saturday August 10 and to add to the atmosphere the clock was in operation.  In a most entertaining game full of passion, commitment and so much skill, Cork winners 2-8 top Waterford 2-3 continuing their dominance of underage football.

The club championships began on Saturday October 5, Banner (Clare) 1-10 Cappawhite (Tipperary) 3-14 in the junior played in Mungret.  Beara (Cork) 7-16 Brickey Rangers (Waterford) 1-4 in Ballincollig.  The junior club semi finals were played on Sunday 20 October.

Beara 7-16 Old Mill (Limerick) 0-1 in Dr Crokes, Killarney.  Cappawhite 2-18
Dr Crokes (Kerry) 4-6 in Newcastlewest.

The Munster junior club final eventually being played in Nemo Rangers pitch in Cork City on Sunday, November 3, where sporting history was made with Cappawhite being the first Tipperary club to win a provincial title, Cappawhite 4-7 Beara 4-5.  Cappa’s success brought them to Lucan, Co Dublin on Sunday 10 November, opposed by the Leinster champions Lucan/Sarsfield, and after a titanic battle, sheer heart and determination, and with the help of their large vocal supporters willing them on to success, defeated the locals 1-10 to 1-4, making the homeward journey to the Premier county an enjoyable one.  The All Ireland junior club final played in St Loman’s, Mullingar on Sunday 24 November, on a bitterly cold day wasn’t a fruitful one for the Cappa club, defeated on the day by a well drilled Tyholland side 6-7 to 1-9, on the day the Munster champions never produced the form that saw them represent the province.

The Intermediate club championship kick-started on Sunday October 12, Rockban (Cork) last year’s junior champions 3-11 Athea (Limerick) 0-6 in Charleville.  Liscannor (Clare) 3-9 Brian Borus (Tipperary) 4-7 in na Piarsaigh in Limerick city.  The semi-final on Sunday, October 20, in atrocious weather conditions in Clashmore Rockban 9-9 Tramore (Waterford) 1-7.  

The Munster Intermediate club final eventually played in Ballylanders on Saturday November 2, rockban 6-7 Brian Borus 2-7, on a day with lashing rain and howling winds making conditions rather difficult for football.  Credit to both teams for displaying a sporting game of football.  The All Ireland semi final with the Musnter champions travelling to Co Kildare, the home of Grangenovlan on Sunday 10 November.   Behind  at half time by 6 points, they looked in trouble but the never say die attitude and character which is part and parcel of this club was so evident in the second half when with all guns blazing played for each other as if their lives depended on it and scored 3-3 to the Grange’s one goal to again reach an All Ireland final – Rockban 3-4 Grangenovlan 2-4.  

The All Ireland Intermediate Club final on Sunday 1 December, in Moneygall with the Munster champions opposed by Clan na Gael of Roscommon in weather condition similar to the high seas.  Credit to both teams putting the weather secondary as the All Ireland title was their target.  Driving winds and lashing rain kept scores to a minimum with the Munster champions 1-1 to the good at half time.  
A lot of analysing as to the amount of wides and having played with the wind, but again the never say die attitude was called upon.  Rockban, All Ireland Intermediate club champions 5-1 to Clan na Gael 2-8.

The Senior club championship began on Sunday, October 12 in Milmallock, Ballymacarbry (Waterford) 2-12, Corca Dhuibhne (Kerry) 1-12, Cooraclare (Clare) 3-4 Donoughmore (Cork) 6-17.  A final on Sunday 20 October, in dreadful weather conditions, Donoughmore 3-7 Ballymacarbry 1-5 with Donoughmore defending their title successfully and crowned champions of Munster again.  The B final played in Cooraclare also on Sunday, October 20, the locals hosting Corca Dhuibhne and Cooraclare winning 2-4 to 0-5.  Donoughmore travelled to Conacht to defend their All Ireland title on Sunday, November 10 but were not to reach the final as being comprehensively defeated.

Feile Peil na nog hosted by Carlow and Laois was dominated by Munster clubs with Beara (cork) crowned division 1 champions making it a double as Amanda Murphy won the skills competition.  Dromcollogher/Broadford (Limerick) won division 2 becoming the second club from the Treaty County to win this division.  

All Ireland 7s – congratulations to Old Parish (Waterford) on winning the All Ireland Junior 7s championship, Dr Crokes (Kerry) on winning the junior shield, Donoughmore (cork) on winning the senior shield.  Well done to all clubs who participated from the province.

The Munster Minor club blitz was played on Sunday, December 8 in Newcastlewest with 3 county clubs champions participating, O’Curry’s, Kilkee (Clare), Dromcollogher/Broadford (Limerick) and Southern Gaels (Kerry).  Each team played a minimum of 2 games with the finalists playing a third.  The superiority of Southern Gaels was evident by the scoreline of 3-24 to Drom’s 0-6, despite this an enjoyable day of football was displayed to those present.  The one disappointment was the tirade of abuse given to the referee who committed himself to Newcastlewest for the day and refereed all the games.  This element of our game must be strictly dealt with as after all everyone deserves respect.  This competition brought to an end to all our games for the year 2002.  Hopefully for 2003 all 6 county champions will ensure participation in the inter-club minor blitz.

The Post Primary schools in the province are increasing each year and once again the A competition was claimed by Colaiste na Sceile (Kerry) wining both Junior and Senior in the province.  The regional Junior A final was won by St Mary’s Macroom defeating Colaiste Dun Iascaigh 3-5 to 2-5.  The Munster Post primary Junior A final was played in Caherslee on Friday, February 22 with Colaiste na Sceilge defeating St Mary’s 4-8 to 2-3.  

The senior Post Primary A final was played in mallow town park pitch on Thursday March 7 with the defending champions retaining their title, Colaiste na Sceilge 4-24 Colaiste Dun Iascaigh 1-3.  The senior All Ireland semi-final was played on Friday, march 22 in Askeaton with Colaiste marching on to another final with 5 points to spare over Presentation College Tuam 4-14 to 4-10.  The senior final played in McDonagh Park, Nenagh on Wednesday 17 April and this was a mixed type of game in bitterly cold and windy conditions, Colaiste na Sceilge 2-13.  

The Junior Post Primary all Ireland final also played in Nenagh on Wednesday April 24, once again Colaiste dominated and were comprehensive winners over St Louis Monaghan 4-19 to 1-7.

The B and C competitions were a positive step forward in the further development at schools level.  St Joseph’s Doon (Limerick) defeated Presentation Clonmel (Tipperary) on Wednesday May 1 in New Inn 4-7 to 2-7 in the senior B final.  This was a first for a limerick school, also the first year for ladies football in the school.  The Senior C final was played on Friday May 10 in Killeagh and St Al’s (Cork) 5-9 to 3-5 winners over St Augustines of dungarvan.  The Junior B final played on Thursday May 9 in Cashel saw St Declan’s Kilmacthomas 1-14 to 2-9 win over Colaiste Mhuire Ennis.  The Junior C final played on Friday May 3 in Carrigywohill with Coachford Community College annihilating St Augustine’s , Dungarvan 8-20 to 1-6.  

A sincere thank you to all referees, pitch co-ordinators who worked tirelessly ensuring all games went ahead.  Finally to Dan O’Mahony who was tremendous support ensuring all competitions were completed.

The first and second year blitz hosted by St Augustines College Dungarvan was a tremendous success.  This competition was being held for the first time and will be an annual event.  Congratulations to all participants, applaud the winners.  Without the help and assistance from Br. Paddy lennon, Kevin, Rita, Sarah and Jenny Preston, who packed all the fruit lunches.  George Young, Dan O’Mahony and the many referees on the day.

First Year A
Presentation Clonmel 7-4  St Mary’s Macroom 3-8

First Year B
St Declan’s Kilmacthomas 3-12 St Augustine’s Dungarvan 2-5

Second Year A
Presentation Clonmel 0-10  Colaiste Dun Iascaigh 0-6

Second Year B
St Mary’s Macroom 9-13  Colaiste Dun Iasciagh 3-2

On the colleges front, congratulations to Mary White CIT, Rockban and Cork, Ann Maire O’Shea CIT, southern Gaels and Kerry, Susan power CIT, Beara and Cork, who were all recipients of bursaries presented by Munster GAA Council.  Mary O’Rourke CIT, Clashmore and Waterford was presented with a scholariship from Munster GAA Council.  Congrats to Mary immaculate College Limerick on winning the Lynch Cup on Sunday 24 march in Belfield, M.I. captained by Donna Frost of Waterford which also included Denise Carty, Blaithnaid Wiseman, Triona Lucey, Ellen Regan, Siobhan Buckley and Sinead O’Reilly – all Cork.  Rosemarie Giltenane and Ella O’Shaughnessy Limerick, Catherine Sexton Kerry, Annette Raher Waterford, Sarah Gavin, Aine Clancy, Ann Currane, Aisling Considine, Lourda Lillis, and Sinead Eustace Clare.

Well done to UCC on winning the Division 1 Munster, also Garda College, Templemore on winning the Division 2 Munster league.

Congratulations to all our All Stars, Olivia Condon, Julie Torpey, Mary O’Donnell and Donna Frost, Waterford.  Geraldine O’Shea, Kerry and replacement Sarah O’Connor Kerry.

Congratulations to Waterford on winning division 1 of the national League in Ennis on Saturday June 29, defeating Sligo 1-8 to 1-7.

Well done to all our Provincial Player of the match winners:
Under 14: Vicki Power  Cork
Under 14: Fiona Mcmahon Clare
Under 16: Briege Corkery Cork
Under 18: Aileen Barron  Waterford
Junior:  Mairead O’Sullivan Cork
Senior:  Mary O’Rourke Waterford

A sincere thank you to all on behalf of Munster ladies football to all clubs, counties, companies and private individuals who submitted adverts to our Munster programme and to all counties who worked diligently ensuring all articles, photographs etc were all forwarded, guaranteeing another bumper programme.

Activities began last January with initial contact through Munster GAA Development Officer Pat Fitzgerald after a number of meetings I had with Pat.  The GAA welcomed Munster ladies Football on board for the Comhairle training programme at which course were delivered at 4 centres in the Province, namely Ballincollig, Dungarvan, Limerick and Tralee.  All clubs, county and provincial officers were contacted and despite the support of the GAA some felt they were above attending.  Thanks pat for all your advice and help and as a result of the programme we in ladies football have 2 trained tutors, George Young and Dan O’Mahony and both these gentlemen have since delivered many courses to Bord na nOg clubs in the province.

Thanks to all the girls who were part of the Munster team in Mullingar and hopefully for 2003, counties will encourage players requested by the manager to attend.  The players who travelled thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were deeply honoured to participate in the name of their province.

Well done to Kacey O’Driscoll, Southern Gaels and Kerry who was a guest of the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese and her husband honouring ‘Young people in Sport’ – by all accounts Kacey enjoyed the trip and honour.

Congratulations to Cork who blitzed their way to another title in Mullingar on Saturday August 10 winning the Under 14 blitz competition.

Congratulations to Donna Frost, Tramore and Waterford, who on Thursday December 12 was awarded Munster Ladies Football Player of the Year by the Munster GAA Council held in the South Court Hotel, Limerick.  Munster GAA Vice-Chairman Sean Fogarty and Michael Carr, AIB sponsors presented donna with Waterford Crystal.  
This caps a great year for this young lady who played a major role for her Province, County, Club and College.  GAA President Elect, Sean Kelly, in his speech acknowledged her achievements and encouraged all present to help integrate the ladies with the men and wherever possible give support when required.

A sincere thanks to all our pitch caretakers, club secretaries throughout the Province who at all times made their venues available whenever possible to ladies football.

Congratulations to all who wed during the year and to those with family additions.

Sincere sympathy to those who were bereaved during the year and let us spare a though for Catriona Foley’s brother, who at 14 years of age is gravely ill.

Our PR has improved with all counties playing their part through local radio and print.  Fr Liam has strengthened the provincial position greatly with regular radio slots, email and the website also submitting articles through the Examiner etc.

Today sees Joe Condon’s term as Munster President for the past 3 years come to an end.  Thanks Joe from one and all.  Now that Joe will vacate the hot seat, Joe will be still involved in the association as he is Chairman of the Kerry group organising congress in Tralee next March.  Joe will be able to relax a little but we all expect to see him attending meetings in the coming year.  He represented Munster at many meetings and events during the past 3 years.  Enjoy the break, Joe, hopefully it will be brief.

Thanks to all officers for your input and commitment during the year.  We all tend to forget that people are so busy but have given freely to Munster ladies Football at time a lot of criticism unwarranted, nevertheless, progress is being made.

Well done to all participants, you all were winners as you made the provincial competitions so intriguing.  Thanks to all our referees, linespeople, umpires and all who collected at gates.

Hopefully 2003 supporters, team managers, officials etc will refrain from derogatory and insulting comments to our referees, remember decisions have to be made instantly, players may have an off day, maybe the referee is having one, also the referees priority is the safety of players at all times.

My wish to the incoming President is his term of office be trouble free and enjoyable.

I wish all counties, clubs, schools and colleges a sporting and successful 2003.

The very best to Kerry on hosting congress.

May Munster be to the fore on the national scene for the coming season.

Maire Halvey
Runai