Back row (L-R); Pauline Kilmartin, Bridie McGirl, Rose Kelleher, Annemarie Russell, Theresa McDonagh, Mary Brennan Maureen Davoren, Annemarie Hynes O’Loughlin and Mary Dolan. Front row (L-R): Maureen Kelly, Margaret O’Toole, Michael Brennan, Mary Mahon, Eileece Fitzgibbon. Photograph: John Mangan.
CLARE camogie’s first side to win an All-Ireland final held a reunion in Ennis on Thursday last.
In 1974, the Clare Juniors defeated Dublin to win what was the first All-Ireland camogie title for the county.
Camogie was not as prolific in terms of the amount of clubs in the county with some players lining out with teams in Dublin and Cork. Teams were twelve a side with a goalkeeper, a full back, three half backs, three midfielders, three half forwards and one in the full forward line.
Ballynacally’s Margaret O’Toole who played for Éire Óg, was the Clare captain and the team was managed/coached by Éire Óg’s Michael Brennan.
Of the 74 side, Claire Harrington and Maureen Davoran were lining out with Celtic in Dublin while Mary Mahon played her club camogie with Muskerry in Cork.
The members of the Clare panel in 1974 were: Maureen Saunders, Anne Marie Russell, Geraldine Crowe, Martina O’Grady, Theresa McDonagh, Kitty McNicholas, Mary Griffin, Catherine Glynn, Maureen Kelly, Margaret O’Toole, and Pauline Ryan (all Éire Óg) Claire Harrington, Maureen Davoren (Celtic, Dublin) Teresa Daly, Bridie McGirl, Rose Kelleher, Mary Dolan, Eleece Fitzgibbon, (all Shannon) Anne Marie O’Loghlen (Dal gCais) and Mary Mahon (Muskerry (Cork).
