There are not enough words to truly mark the passing of Liz Howard, a woman whose friendship, generosity, leadership and passion for sport touched countless lives. But we must try.

For my Mum, Liz was one of her closest and longest-standing friends. Their friendship began through Aer Lingus, where Liz enjoyed a distinguished career, and endured for decades, built on shared experiences, laughter and a love of travel. Together they crossed the Atlantic to attend the US Open Tennis Championships, to see her beloved Rafa Nadal, they attended any and every Camogie event and most of the games that took place at Croke Park or in Semple Stadium and were still travelling, enjoying a short break in Málaga only a few months ago. Their friendship was one of those bonds that seemed only to deepen with time.

For me, Liz was a great friend and one of the earliest and most steadfast supporters of Sport for Business. At a time when the idea was little more than an ambition, she offered encouragement, wisdom and, perhaps most importantly, belief. She urged me to be consistent and persistent,  in purpose and to champion the good people working throughout sport. Those simple principles became a guiding philosophy and remain central to how I approach my work today.

A little over two years ago I invited her to join me on stage for our Tenth Annual Women in Sport Conference, as part of a look back over the decade of advances in that area.  She was as ever brilliant, occasionally waspish but always looking to the future.  It was a privilege to have captured the interview on our Podcast which can be heard below.

Her kindness extended to my family as naturally as it did to her own many nephews, nieces and all their children and her friends. At a time when my daughter Rachel was only beginning her own journey in Gaelic games, Liz arranged for her to carry the O’Duffy Cup onto the field on All-Ireland Camogie Final day. It was a gesture that meant the world to a young girl.

That was Liz. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued, included and encouraged. She opened doors, created opportunities and took genuine pleasure in seeing others succeed. She never sought recognition for those acts of kindness; they came naturally to her.

Liz devoted herself to camogie and to Tipp, and became one of the most respected figures in the history of the game. She served as President of the Camogie Association, providing leadership at a time of growth and change, and was a tireless advocate for players, volunteers and the wider development of women’s sport. Long before many recognised the value and importance of investing in women’s games, Liz was helping to build the structures and opportunities that would allow future generations to thrive.

Her contribution extended far beyond administration. As PRO of the Tipperary Camogie Board, she became a familiar and authoritative voice promoting the game and ensuring the achievements of players received the recognition they deserved. She understood the power of storytelling in sport and worked tirelessly to shine a light on the people and performances that mattered.

She was also a pioneer in sports broadcasting. Liz broke new ground as the first female analyst to appear on RTÉ’s The Sunday Game, bringing insight, expertise and credibility to camogie coverage at a time when women were rarely seen or heard in such roles. In doing so, she helped pave the way for the generations of female broadcasters, analysts and journalists who followed. As with so much of her life, she opened doors for others without ever seeking attention for herself.

Liz understood instinctively that sport is about people. Whether through her work in camogie, her pioneering role in broadcasting or her support for initiatives designed to strengthen sport, she always recognised the importance of celebrating those who contributed quietly and selflessly. Her support was never fleeting or conditional; it was unwavering and genuine.

The measure of a life is often found in the memories left behind and in the friendships sustained over many years. By that measure, Liz lived an extraordinary life. She was a loyal friend, a proud Aer Lingus colleague, a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, a distinguished President of the Camogie Association, a passionate advocate for Tipperary Hurling, a supporter of countless people and a wonderful presence whose warmth, wisdom and generosity enriched every room she entered.

Our thoughts are with her family, her many friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Thank you, Liz, for your friendship, your wisdom, your encouragement and your belief in people. You will be greatly missed, fondly remembered and never forgotten.

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam delis.

Liz will be laid to rest at Youghalarra outside Nenagh on Monday morning.