Tyrone Ladies GAA to mark 30th milestone this year

PLANS are being finalised to mark thirty years of Tyrone LGFA with several major events to be organised and a series of special milestones to be marked.

The ladies county board met for the first time at the end of 1991 and the following year saw the first club competitions held and the establishment of County teams.

An Association which started with just seven clubs and over 100 members now boasts almost 4,000 members and over forty clubs, an indication that it has come a long way since its inaugural year.

The bulk of ladies teams are now all under the auspices of the the one club banner thanks to the development of the integration process at grassroots level.

To mark the 30th anniversary a small group have been tasked with pulling toegther several events, headed by County vice-chairperson Grainne Donnelly.

She stated: “ We have worked hard behind the scenes over the last few weeks and we will put our plans out to clubs as soon as possible. There should be something for all our members at some stage in this historic year.”

Tyrone and Monaghan were the first two counties in Ulster to get up an running thirty years ago.

In 1992 Tyrone made steady progress with club and inter county competitions taking centre stage.

They played in the National League and the seniors and minors were involved in the first Ulster Championships. At club level Carrickmore claimed the league and championship double but it was really all about taking part for many.

Football has evolved in Tyrone and beyond since and the 30th anniversary is one to celebrate.

Among some of the highlights planned will be marking that very first inter county side outing this Spring, an All-star selection, celebrating the first league and championship, holding a one off over 35 tournament, and a special function before the end of the year.

Meanwhile those early established clubs-Aghaloo, Carrickmore, Errigal Ciarán, Galbally Oonagh Celts, Sperrin Óg, St. Enda’s and St. Macartans- are also being encouraged to mark the milestone themselves.