Secretary's Report 2004
It is with pleasure that I convey my 6th report of all activities for ladies football for the Munster province 2004.
On Sunday January 25 all patrons were back in the Deerpark Hotel Charleville through the organisation Development officers, George young and Sharon O'Keeffe for a rules seminar involved players, coaches, managers, referees, officers, this taking in all from club, county and provincial. The aim of the seminar 'Building together and moving forward positively'. It was a very well organised structured seminar with national development officer, pat Quill, Munster GAA referee assessor paddy Byrnes, he informing us of their structures in grading referees. All areas relevant to the game were covered with different speakers throughout the afternoon.
Our playing season began in earnest with the Under 14 competition on Saturday April 10 - Cork 8-11 Limerick 0-7 in pair cui Rinn. Kerry 13-19 Tipperary 2-1 in Kildimo, Waterford 4-15 Clare 1-1 in Solohead. Round 2 Saturday April 17 - Limerick 4-14 Clare 0-2 in Mungret, Cork 1-12 Kerry 2-6 in Ballincollig, Waterford 5-5 Tipperary 0-3 in Cappaquin. Round 3 Saturday May 1, Limerick 5-7 Waterford 5-6 in Tipperary Town, Kerry 5-17 Clare 1-3 in Knocknoghel, Cork 7-20 Tipperary 0-3 in Erins Own. Round 4 Saturday May 15 - Limerick 3-13 Tipperary 1-0 in Cahir.
Cork received a w/o from Clare, Kerry 9-7 Waterford 3-13 played in Kilworth on Saturday may 8. Round 5 Saturday may 15 - Cork 2-17 Waterford 1-6 played in Ballyduff, Limerick 1-6 Kerry 4-16 in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday May 23.
The Tipperary/Clare fixtures never materialised at this time with Tipperary and the referee at the appointed venue and no contact from the Clare Board to the Provincial Council. However, subsequently the matter was dealt with and eventually the said fixture was played on Sunday November 22 in Cahir and Clare victors 4-11 to Tipperary 4-6. Clare also paid for any outstanding expenses occurred.
The Munster Under 14 Championship final was played on Saturday June 5 in Beaufort on a lovely summers evening - Cork 5-12 Kerry 3-13 and Amy Foley Kerry named players of the final. On Wednesday June 9, the B final was played in Tipperary Town - Waterford 1-15 winners over Limerick 0-3 and Lennie Kirwan Waterford named player of the final. Cork for the 5th consecutive time represented the province in the All Ireland series and on Saturday June 19 were defeated by mayo 3-8 to 0-10 in Cusack Park Ennis. The Under 16 Championship kicked off with Cork favourites by a long shot and Kerry in with a chance. The remaining 4 counties well off the mark and on Saturday April 3, Limerick hosted Kerry in Dromcollogher with the Kingdom victorious 6-9 to 1-8, Saturday April 10 in Solohead Clare 2-2 Waterford 5-13, Monday April 12 with defending champions Cork travelling to Ardfinnan defeating Tipperary 11-19 to 0-4. The losers group consisting of Limerick, Clare and Tipperary was played to determine the final semi finalist. Thursday 15 April Limerick 4-15 Tipperary 3-9 played in Goatenbridge, Sunday 18 April quarter final Limerick 1-11 Clare 2-5 played in Kildimo. Both semi finals played on Saturday 24 April Cork 3-18 Kerry 2-7 in Dr Crokes, Limerick 4-5 Waterford 3-16 in Kilworth. Munster final in Fraher Field Dungarvan on Wednesday May 12 - Cork 2-18 Waterford 1-4 and Amanda Murphy cork named player of the final. All Ireland Under 16 semi final in Cashel on Saturday June 26 - Cork 1-15 Dublin 2-10 in a game that is rated as one of the all time greats.
All Ireland final on Saturday July 10 in Mullingar Cork 6-11 Donegal 3-10. The Minor Championship kicked off with Kerry easily accounting for Waterford on April 7 in Doon 5-18 to 3-9. Limerick 0-7 Clare 1-9 in Croagh on Thursday April 8, the loser group and on April 23 in Oola Waterford defeated Limerick 1-13 to 0-6. The Munster semi finals were played on the weekend of may 1 and on Saturday cork comprehensively defeated the Deise 4-20 to 1-5 in Ballyduff, Monday may 3 in Knocknagoshel Kerry 8-20 winners over Clare 2-3.
Munster final day in Dunmanway on Thursday 25 June Cork 2-12 Kerry 1-4 with Kerry goalkeeper Ciara O'Connor player of the final. The All Ireland semi-final in Mungret v Galway on Saturday July 3 with the Rebel's easy winners 7-19 to 1-4. All Ireland final on Saturday July 17 in Birr Cork v Laois journey completed recording a comprehensive victory to retain their title 4-17 to 0-8 and also had Marie O'Neill Cork named player of the final.
The TG4 Junior Championship retaining the round robin system saw a lot of even games not much between the counties with a few surprise results along the way. On Wednesday June 30 Limerick 2-7 hosted Tipperary 2-8 in Mungret.
Limerick 1-14 Waterford 0-9 in Emly on Saturday July 10, Kerry 0-5 Cork 3-9 in Killorglin on Monday July 12, limerick 2-12 Kerry 0-6 in Tournafulla on Saturday 17 Cork, Cork 0-5 Tipperary 2-10 in Donoughmore on Saturday July 24, Cork 2-11 Limerick 3-3 in Ballyagran on Wednesday July 28, Waterford 1-11 Cork 2-13 in Fraher Field Dungarvan on Saturday July 31, also same day in Newcastlewest Kerry 3-11 Tipperary 3-10.
Munster final day Sunday August 15 in Pairc Ui Rinn, Tipperary defending their title were well beaten by a much fitter, stronger Cork side 3-11 to 2-8 and dual Tipperary player Angie McDermott named TG4 player of the final. London travelled to Douglas to play the Rebels in the All Ireland quarter and were comprehensively defeated by the locals 5-11 to 0-9 with Cork's Siobhan Forde player of the match. The all Ireland semi final caused a lot of debate due to the fact of the fixture clash. However, Sligo comprehensively defeated the Rebels in Mullingar on Sunday September 5 7-7 to 0-1.
The TG4 Senior Championship threw up a few surprises en route, Kerry lucky to hold on to defeat Cork in Killorglin on Monday July 12 3-11 to 1-11, Clare drew with Waterford in Emly on Saturday 10 July 0-10 to 0-10. Clare hosted the Rebels on Sunday July 25 in Doonbeg and the visitors having an easy victory 3-16 to 1-6. The Deise hosted by the Kingdom on Saturday July 24 and the visitors easy winners in Austin Stack Park, Tralee 2-10 to 1-6. Saturday July 31 Fraher Field Dungarvan Cork 1-11 defeat their hosts Waterford 0-10 and in Knocknagoshel Kerry 6-19 winners over Clare 1-4.
Munster final day Sunday August 15 in Pair cui Rinn. Kerry defending champions Cork, once again the challengers never to have won a senior provincial title. A ding-dong affair, anyone's guess the winner. Just before half time the Rebels got the tonic they needed with a well taken goal to set them up for better things to finish. The Rebel tails flying high, plans of action going accordingly and for the first time in the history of the Association, Cork crowned Munster senior champions 4-11 to 1-9 and also have Geraldine O'Flynn named TG4 player of the final. The qualifiers played in O'Connor Park Tullamore on Saturday August 28, the Munster champions came up against All Ireland champions mayo and went down 1-7 to 1-11, never reaching their potential of previous displays on a damp day. Their game plan, which paid dividends in the provincial final, was never a runner at this stage as the defending champions totally eliminated it. However, their colleagues from the Kingdom fared better in a very exciting game versus Monaghan with goals galore from both sides. Kerry ran out winners 5-10 to 3-11 giving lots of entertainment and Geraldine O'Shea named player of the match.
The All Ireland final on Saturday September 11 in O'Moore Park, Portlaoise, a report of '03. Kerry 3-8 Dublin 2-14, the girls from the Kingdom aimed to put the ghosts of the previous year to bed. Despite trailing and against the run of play, began to make things happen for them, bagging a few majors, this game was always in the melting pot. The Dubs got a crucial goal with the clock running down to shatter all interest in the green and gold. Once again Croke Park would be all the lesser without provincial representation on All Ireland final day.
The Cailini Oga competition is proving to be as enjoyable as was first mooted. It allows counties to prepare for their official competitions the following year and on Sunday August 15, Kerry and Cork opened proceedings in Pair cui Runn with the Kingdom winning 8-2 to 3-4 giving an awesome display to achieve back to back titles and presented with the Cup by Munster Vice President, Michael Ryan.
The AIB club championships which has been dominated by Cork for some time threw many doors open in 2004. In the first round of the junior championship on Saturday September 25 in Feenagh, Monagea (Limerick) 3-8 Templemore (Tipperary) 2-15, Sunday 26 September in Cashel semi final Wolfe Tones (Clare) 5-4 Brickley Rangers (Waterford) 3-8. Saturday October 9 in Newport Wolfe Tones 1-5 Templemore 3-12, Sunday October 10 in Dromtariffe Inch Rovers (Cork) 1-5 Abbeydorney (Kerry) 1-7. Munster Junior Final Abbeydorney 3-11 Templemore 2-5 in Ballyagran. All Ireland semi final Abbeydorney 3-9 Grainne Mhaols (Galway) 4-3 in Lerrig, Milmoyley on Sunday November 7. All Ireland AIB Junior club championship in Birr on Sunday November 28 Abbeydorney 5-9 Enniskeane (Monaghan) 3-8 and also having Noreen Feely (Abbeydorney) named AIB player of the final.
The Intermediate club championship with the first round played on Saturday September 25 in Tipperary Town, Athea (Limerick) 2-8 Old Parish (Waterford) 1-8. Semi-finals on Saturday October 9 in Ballincollig Beara (Cork) 3-13 Brian Borus (Tipperary) 1-7, Sunday October 10 in Knocknagoshel Athea 2-9 Dr Crokes (Kerry) 1-4. Munster Intermediate final in Dr Crokes Killarney, Athea 1-9 Beara 2-4 giving a first ever provincial championship title. The All Ireland semi-final played on Sunday November 7 in Kiltoon saw the Munster champions disappoint and not reach their potential, go down 1-6 to St Bridget's (Roscommon) 1-11.
The senior club championship started with both semi finals played on Saturday October 9, Ballymacarbry (Waterford) 1-4 Donoughmore (Cork) 3-17 in Ballyduff, Coorclare (Clare) 0-5 St Pat's (Kerry) 5-14 in Knocknagoshel. The Munster senior club final played in Ballyagran on Sunday October 17 Donoughmore 3-13 St pats 1-5. The All Ireland semi final on Sunday November 7 in Donaghamoyne (Monaghan) Donoughmore 0-12 Donaghamoyne 0-6. The Munster champions again reach the All Ireland final and on Sunday November 28 in Birr they put their title on the line against their opponents of '01 Ballyboden St Endas (Dublin). This is a final that was there for the taking, possible new charges from the bench should have been introduced in the second half and with both sides level with time almost up the champions lost the fight to a very late point 1-9 to 2-7 to be left totally shattered, however, captain Juliet Murphy was named AIB player of the final.
Feile Peil na nOg saw munster clubs flying their respective flags high in Tyrone. In Healy Park, Omagh the all Ireland finals were played on Sunday July 4 and Munster were represented in 2 divisions.
Southern Gaels (Kerry) won Division 1 for the third time defeating Truagh (Monaghan) 1-10 to 1-0.
Cahir (Tipperary) won Division 3 defeating Carnew Emmets (Wicklow) 2-11 to 4-3 after extra time.
Caherciveen ladies football in the year 2004 achieved the ultimate when on Sunday 22 August in Mosney defeated Erne Valley (Cavan) 3-3 to 2-2 for the first time in their 3 year history gold medal winners.
The post primary competitions have gone from strength to strength but there is still a lot that can be done in the various counties. The county co-ordinators must be complimented ensuring the game is developing in their areas. At County Board level, we must also promote and develop these competitions, after all these are our future players.
Munster Junior A: Beara CC (Cork) 3-6 St Bridgets Pres. Killarney (Kerry) 3-9
Munster Junior B: St Mary's Mallow (Cork) 1-7 Killorglin 5-4
ISK go on to win All Ireland Junior B.
Munster Junior C: St Camins Shannon (Clare) 1-5 Pre Castleisland (Kerry) 4-5
Munster Senior A: Colaiste na Sceilge (Kerry) 7-11 St Mary's Macroom (Cork) 1-7
Colaiste lose in All Ireland semi-final to St Louis of Monaghan in Templemore
Munster Senior B: St Mary's Mallow (Cork) 3-9 Colaiste Mhuire Ennis (Clare) 2-4
Munster Senior C: St Bridget's Pres. Killarney (Kerry) 5-16 Schull CS (Cork) 1-5.
The first year Post primary blitz held in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Wednesday May 13 has grown into a very competitive competition and with schools from all 6 counties participating and having 3 grades it gives all a level playing field. First year A winners - Colaiste na Sceilige (Kerry) runner up St Joseph's Doon (Limerick)
B winner Kilmihill (Clare) runner-up Hazelwood, Dromcollogher (Limerick)
C winner St Flannans (Clare) runner up Ursline Thurles (Tipperary)
The Munster 3rd level Colleges has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of Chairperson Karen Grogan (Garda College), Secretary Keith Ricken (Cork IT), treasurer Lynn Kelly (UL).
Public Relations Officer, Willian Harmon (Tralee IT), Munster Delegate Roisin O'Dea (Garda College). They also hold positions on the national Colleges committee and both bodies are working closely to further develop the colleges. The fresher's blitz held in Limerick Institute of Technology was a resounding success on Friday December 3. A total of 19 teams participated with NUIG entering 3 teams, UCD 2 teams, UL 2 teams and the cup winners UL (1) captain Brid Stack Rockchapel and Cork, Shield winners MICL captain Caroline Kelly Southern Gaels and Kerry, Sarah Hourigan Mungret/St Pauls and Limerick was a member of the NUIG team who won the Plate. Munster results 04 Division 1, UL, Division 2 UL (2), Division 3 Limerick IT. Congratulations to all Munster third level players on their representation on the colleges combined all Star team. Also to all girls from the province who made the Munster colleges combined team. Congratulations to UL on winning the O'Connor Cup, IT Tralee on winning the O'Connor Shield, Limerick IT on winning the Donaghy Cup.
For the second year in a row Musnter won the Inter-provincial series undefeated, captained by Kerry's Patrice Dennehy in St Loman's Mullingar on the weekend of May 30/31. Game 1 Munster 3-9 Connacht 2-5. Game 2, Munster 2-10 Ulster 1-3. Game 3, Munster 4-9 Leinster 0-6. final on Sunday 31 May Munster 1-16 Leinster 1-7 and Waterford's Mary O'Rourke named player of the tournament.
Accumulative scores:
Mary O'Rourke 1-7, Valerie Mulcahy 2-7, Mary O'Donnell 2-2, Rebecca hallahan 1-4, Patrice Dennehy 0-6, Briege Corkery 1-1, Catriona Ambrose 1-1, Michelle McGrath 1-0, Elaine Power 0-3, Edel Hanly 1-0, Geraldine O'Flynn 0-1, Deirdre Corridan 0-1, Rena Buckley 0-1. Munster scored a total of 9-28, conceded 3-14. For Munster 1-44, against munster 4-21.
Panel 2004:
Elaine Harte (Cork), Donna Frost (Waterford). Marion Troy (Waterford), Angela Walsh (Cork), Mary O'donnell (Waterford), Juliet Murphy (Cork), Valerie Mulcahy (Cork), Patrice Dennehy (capt) (Kerry), Rebecca Hallahan (Waterford), Mary O'Rourke (Waterford), Catriona Ambrose (Limerick), Briege Corkery (Cork), Mary Hayes (Waterford), Katie Gleeson (Kerry), Edel hanly (Tipperary), Deirdre O'Rourke (Waterford), Rena Buckley (Cork), Deirdre Corridan (Kerry), Bridget Hannigan (Waterford), Geraldine O'Flynn (Cork), Michelle McGrath (Waterford), Management, Michael Ryan, Maire Halvey, Jerry O'Mahony.
Congratulations to Athea (Limerick) winning the Intermediate All Ireland 7s championship, also to Laune Rangers (Kerry) winning the Junior All Ireland 7s championship and congrats to the many clubs from the province on your participation on Saturday October 2 in Naomh Mearnog. Cork got back to winning ways in the Under 14 grade when they defeated Dublin in the All Ireland blitz on Saturday 21 August in Mullingar 2-4 to 0-4.
Congratulations to our All Star winners Valerie Mulcahy, Rena Buckley (Cork), first time recipients and Geraldine O'Shea (Kerry). Munster player of the year Juliet Murphy (Donoughmore, Cork), the first player from the Rebel county to receive this honour. Young player of the year Laura Power (Cork). Congratulations to Mary O'Donnell (Waterford). May, Juliet Murphy (Cork) November received Lucozade sports players of the month.
Well done to all our scholarship and Bursary winners honoured by their respective colleges. Brid Stack, Rochchapel Cork on Wednesday December 8 was presented with a Musnter GAA Bursary in the White House, IL Campus, by President of the GAA, Sean Kelly.
Congratulations to Waterford and Munster manager Michael Ryan who was honoured with a presentation by the GAA on Friday June 4 in Croke Park, for his tremendous contribution to ladies Gaelic Football.
Hard luck to Cork and Limerick in their respective league finals, nevertheless Munster followers supported you throughout. For the first time in 2004 Munster ladies football awarded Gaeltacht scholarships to 3 counties with the participants attending Ballingeary Irish College during the summer and thanks to our Language and Cultural officer, Michael O'Suilleabhain for his organisation of this ensuring this new venture was a success, the other 3 counties will receive theirs in 2005.
A sincere thank you to all our referees, linespeople, umpires and everyone who officiated in any way. A thank you to all gate collectors, those who submitted articles and adverts to our Munster programme which is improving greatly since its introduction.
Congratulations to those who wed during the year and those who had family additions. Our sincere sympathy to all who had bereavements, time is a great healer and memories are with us forever.
Our President, Dan O'mahony has once again been a huge ambassador to the Association and Munster are the stronger for him. Dan is always forging ideas for the betterment of the province and I personally thank him for his time, dedication and commitment. Thanks to all my fellow officers for your support and contributions and let 2005 be even greater for the province we represent deserves all we give and receive.
Yours in sport
Maire Halvey