Síghle Nic an Ultaigh

Síghle Nic an Ultaigh was the eighth president of the Camogie Association. In 1998, as a tribute to her long service to the game, she was awarded life presidency of the Association.^[1]

Background

She began her association with camogie with Warrenpoint, County Down, whose club was founded by her aunt and named after Betsy Gray, the Ballinahinch woman patriot of 1798.

Administrator

She was Chairperson of the Ulster Council 1947-49, President of the Association 1949-53 after her move to Dublin, and General Secretary from 1953-75.^[2]

Presidency

During her presidency she organised two innovative refereeing course in which 50 players and potential referees got half an hour’s training every Monday night for a month, classes given by Sean O’Duffy and Sinead Dunne.^[3] Among the matches she refereed was the 1952 Munster final. After serving as Ard Runai she became a trustee of the association.

Down GAA

Although she lived in Glenbeigh Road, Dublin 7, she remained closely associated with Down GAA throughout her life and in 1986 she wrote the Down county GAA history, O'Shiol go Blath. The cup for the Minor All Ireland championship is named in her honour.

References