Frank McLoughlin, James Hayes, Rory Kilgallen and Bernie Hayes at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTWENTY years of sterling efforts to promote Gaelic football among ladies in north and west Kerry were celebrated at an event in the Kerins O’Rahillys Club on Saturday night.
The 20th anniversary of the foundation of the North Kerry Ladies Football Board occurs this year and it was only proper that the occasion be marked to recognise the impact it has had in promoting the game and getting young women involved in the GAA.
The four founding members were the guests of honour on the night and John Barry, Seamus Moriarty James Hayes and Frank McLoughlin each received a memento to mark their contribution from current Chairperson Rory Kilgallen.
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Starting out with eight clubs back in 2004, the game has grown so much among young girls and ladies over the years that there are now 21 clubs involved in Tralee, west Kerry and north Kerry.
“The four founding members had the idea back then to set up a board for the smaller clubs that weren’t playing a lot of football at the time,” said Rory. “They got the clubs in north and west Kerry to come together with the Tralee clubs to play games.”
Rory Kilgallen (centre) current Chairperson of North Kerry Ladies Football Board made a presentation to founding members Frank McLoughlin, John Barry, James Hayes and Seamus Moriarty at the 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean“There has been tremendous growth over the years. From eight teams there are now 21 involved. Even last year Shannon/Tarbert reformed and Knock/Brosna formed so there’s new clubs joining.”
While recognising that the success of the Kerry senior ladies in recent years has been a boost to the game, Rory also paid tribute to the commitment of coaches, mentors, club officers and the parents who give their time to ensuring the game grows in this part of the county.
Over 60 guests enjoyed a bubbly reception followed by a delicious meal and the celebration continued into the night. Twenty years down then, here’s to the next 20! Scroll down for photos…
Treasa O’Connor, Johnny Joy, Jeremiah O’Sullivan, Cathy Angland and Katie O’Callaghan at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Clodagh Fitzgerald and Lenora Kelly of Knock/Brosna at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Frances Bowler, Martha Kilgallen and Sarah Kilgallen at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Frances Reidy and Bernard Reidy at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sean Sullivan, Sandra McGaley, Peggy Brosnan and Aileen Lynch for Castleisland Desmonds at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mike Moriarty, Helen O’Connor and Christina Curtin at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rachel Hayes, Deirdre Walsh, Tricia Moran, Noreen Power and Chloe O’Sullivan at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rose Wall, Gemma Cannon, Orla Keane and Becky Mason from Listowel Emmets at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The original committee members Frank McLoughlin, John Barry, Irene Flannery, Seamus Moriarty and James Hayes with current Chairperson Rory Kilgallen (fourth from left), at the North Kerry Ladies Board 20th anniversary celebration evening at the Kerins O’Rahillys Clubhouse on Saturday.
