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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Mary Fennelly (centre) at the Cumann Camogaiochta na nGael centenary celebrations at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin in 2004 / PICTURE: Sportsfile
The Camogie Association have paid tribute to their former President, Kilkenny camogie legend Mary Fennelly, following her recent passing.
As well as serving as President of the Association from 1982 to 1985, Mary competed successfully at club, province and county levels, winning two All-Ireland club championships with St Paul’s, two Gael-Linn titles with Leinster, and several Kilkenny and Dublin (Celtic) championship medals.
“She went on to captain her native Kilkenny to victory in the 1976 All-Ireland senior championship and completed her playing career with three All-Ireland senior titles,” the Association said.
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“Mary served as secretary of both the Kilkenny County Board and Leinster Council, taking on the role of President of the Camogie Association in 1982, where Mary dedicated to advancing the sport.
“Mary was committed to enhancing the image of camogie and was a passionate advocate for women’s sport and for the 15-a-side game.
“She left a strong legacy in the association and is warmly remembered.
“Mary came from a strong gaelic games family. She was a first-cousin of All-Star hurlers, Liam and Ger Fennelly. John Fennelly. Mary’s father, chaired the Kilkenny Camogie Board while Mary played alongside her sister, Bríd.”
Kilkenny Camogie have also released a statement describing Mary as an ‘advocate of the 15-a-side game’.
“Mary was also instrumental in starting the primary schools competitions in Kilkenny,” the statement said.
“She was passionate about the game and had a huge contribution to the development of camogie.
“We were delighted she was able to attend our celebration of the 50th anniversary of their 1974 win last July.”
Mary’s role in organising the Camogie Association Centenary Golf Event in Gowran Golf course in 2004 was also celebrated.
Mary passed away peacefully at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Mary is pre-deceased by her parents John and Josie.
Deeply regretted and sadly missed by her loving family, her sisters Bríd (Myers) and Siobhán (Speers), her brothers Michael and John, sisters-in-law Margaret and Veronica, brothers-in-law Tom and Martin, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
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