THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday with a special series of events around the country but centred on Thurles.

The Association was founded on July 18, 1974, at Hayes’ Hotel in the town.

Yesterday saw exhibition games played at FBD Semple Stadium followed by a special event at The Dome.

Marty Morrissey was the MC for the event, which featured a presentation on the history of the LGFA by UCD PhD student, Hayley Kilgallon, based on the video we carried yesterday and which is once again included below.

Past and present LGFA administrators, along with former players, also featured in panel discussions, these included Brendan Martin, after whom the TG4 All Ireland trophy is named, a trick that the GAA would not be able to pull off with either Sam Maguire or Liam McCarthy.

The day’s activities got underway from 11am, with Gaelic4Mothers&Others and underage teams led onto the FBD Semple Stadium sod by piper, Gerard Neville, followed by a fun warm-up conducted by former Cork player, Orlagh Farmer.

Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne, also addressed the gathering, along with Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, Mícheál Naughton, and Cathaoirleach Comhairle na Mumhan, Ger Ryan.

“What a journey we’ve been on for the last half a century and last Sunday at Croke Park, the sport of Ladies Gaelic Football was one of four practices granted formal State recognition as part of Ireland’s living cultural heritage,” said Naughton.

“Today, we have been looking at key milestones throughout our Association’s rich history and we were joined by so many people who have played key roles along the way, including former Association Presidents, county board officials, founding members of the Association, legendary players from across LGFA history, and sponsors.”

“That small group of people who got together on the 18th of July, 1974, to set up the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, surely could never have imagined the journey that would follow.”

“Those firsts include the introduction of our various competitions down through the years – and those firsts include the breaking down of so many barriers.”

“More recent times have also seen incredible growth at grassroots levels with our thriving development initiatives, including Gaelic4Mothers&Others, winner of a prestigious Irish Sport Industry award recently, Gaelic4Teens and Gaelic4Girls, all now proudly sponsored by LGFA partners.”

“On the playing fields, we’ve been treated to countless magical moments. There have been eras of dominance, breakthrough moments, legendary players celebrated and inducted into our Hall of Fame.”

“Today is a day to cherish and to celebrate all that is good about Ladies Gaelic Football.”

 

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