In Pictures: 50th anniversary of Limerick Ladies League of Ireland success

MEMBERS of the Limerick Ladies soccer team as well as other soccer teams in Limerick came together to mark the 50th anniversary of Limerick Ladies winning the inaugural Ladies League of Ireland title in 1973 recently.

The event, held at the Absolute Hotel, was sponsored by the British Society of Sports History (BSSH). The BSSH supports a range of members' sport history activities, initiatives and research with funding.

One of the aims of the event was to collect the memories of the players who helped blaze a trail for the development of women’s soccer not only in Limerick, but also nationally.

Limerick Ladies, managed by Frank 'Junior' Keane, were founding members of the first governing body for women’s soccer, the first national league and the first women’s national team.

Limerick Ladies was one of the strongest sides in Ireland during the 1970s. They won the Ladies League of Ireland in 1973, 1974 and came second in 1975. They also had a good run in cup competitions as well.

Limerick Ladies won the inaugural Ladies FAI Cup in 1975, beating CSO from the Civil Service League. Individual players also had success in the Bracken Cup, an inter league competition.

The Ladies League of Ireland came second in its inaugural year in 1975 but won the Cup from 1976-1979. In 1977, the Limerick Ladies League finished second.

Many Limerick players have gone on to represent Ireland at international level. Of the players on the 1973 Limerick Ladies team, three players were part of the first women’s national team that faced Wales away on May 17th.

They were Geraldine Grace, Mary Gavin and Marion Slattery. While Ann Cross, Mary Joyce, Pauline Maher, Jackie McCarthy-O'Brien and Freda Noonan also went on to play for Ireland.

On the night, 23 of Limerick women's soccer players from the 1970s came to share their stories, recall all their games and experiences.

Members from Green Park, Limerick County Council, Mungret, Patrickswell and Limerick Ladies FC teams attended as well as 'Junior' Frank Keane.

Six of the Limerick Ladies FC who won the inaugural League of Ireland trophy 50 years ago in May 1973, Catherine Brown, Ann Cross, Catherine Cross, Mary Joyce, Jackie McCarthy-O'Brien and Freda Noonan recalled their memorable success.

Sadly Marion Slattery, the Limerick Ladies great centre back, was unable to participate in the celebrations due to unforeseen circumstances.

Her daughter Tina kindly represented Marion and shared memories. The Absolute Hotel team helped stage a great reunion.

Photographer Brendan Gleeson atteded the reunion for the Limerick Leader.

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