Waterford History - MLGFA Munster Ladies Gaelic Football Association

Waterford Ladies Football History 1970

Although a tournament took place in Dungarvan in 1968 organised by Seamus Ahearne, all the indications are that the first serious attempt to organise ladies football came in the summer of 1970. A number of tournaments in the west Waterford South Tipperary area took place and the original focal point seems to be Clonmel Post Office and County Council.

A number of employees of these establishments lived in the Ballymacarbry, Newcastle and Ardfinnan areas and the idea filtered back and soon games between these began to take place. As a result of a number of challenge games Ballymacarbry ladies Gaelic football was founded on Tuesday July 7th 1970 making it possibly the oldest club in the Country.

At a meeting in St Patrick's hall Ballymacarbry the following officers were elected Chairperson Winnie Hallinan Vice Chairperson Mai Lonergan Secretary Peg Kelleher Treasurer Noreen Hannigan, Captain Peg Kelleher vice Captain Veronica Mangan Selectors Marian Ryan, Winnie Hallinan, Peg Kelleher and Trainer Frankie Connolly. Among the attendance was a youthful Michael Ryan.

It was decided to hold a church gate collection to raise funds on Sunday the 9th August. By this time a league was taking place and Ballymacarbry won their first fixture versus Clonmel County Council.

Next up was a game against near neighbours Newcastle on Friday 25th July and Newcastle led 1-02 to 0-01 at half time, over 500 spectators attended, and the game really came to life when Ballymacarbry scored a goal and with minutes remaining the teams were level. Then Eileen Bolger, who was a native of Ballymacarbry but playing with Newcastle, shot a goal from a 30 yard free to clinch a thrilling victory by a margin of 2-04 to 1-04, Seargent Michael Whyte, refereed.

On the 11th August Ballymacarbry travelled to Goatenbridge to play Ardfinnan and another thrilling match ended in a draw as Ballymacarbry shot a goal and a point in the closing minutes.

The 15th August was the annual date for the Newcastle pattern day and the novel attraction was a ladies football game between Ardfinnan and Ballymacarbry, which Ardfinnan won 0-03 to 0-02.

Ballymacarbry's season ended in early September as Newcastle defeated them 0-03 to 0-02 and Newcastle won the group to qualify for the tournament final. Thus the first year of competitive ladies Gaelic football ended with plenty of games but no set of clearly defined rules. Players had a habit of diving on the ball on the ground and this led to many untidy situations. The game was crying out for proper organisation and this was to come the following year.