Cathy led Louth ladies to first All-Ireland win

It was good to meet Cathy Clarke and her sister, Anne, in Darver last week. Timely, as well. The only drawback was that it took place at a funeral. I was taking notes for this paper on the day of the 1998 ladies' All-Ireland junior final.

Louth, in opposition to Roscommon, were led onto the field by Cathy, then known by her maiden name, Reynolds. It was a great occasion, the first time Louth had made it to an All-Ireland final.

Roscommon raced into a 1-3 to nil lead, only to be pegged back by a well-prepared Louth side. At half-time, the Connacht champions were in front by just one point, 1-5 to 1-4.

Louth had a great third quarter, going 3-7 to 1-7 in front, but before claiming the title, the Wee County girls had to withstand a Roscommon fightback. It ended 4-8 to 2-9.

Cathy was presented with the cup, but soon after the final whistle, word came through that her dad, Brian, a championship winner Stabannon Parnells and present at the match, had died suddenly.

The chat with Cathy outside St Michael’s Church last week was brief, giving us no time to recall the 1998 win or consider Louth’s prospects in this year’s All-Ireland junior final, coming up on the following Sunday.

I didn’t get along to Croker, mainly due to the game’s very early starting time; but I watched on TV and was disappointed with the result. Going on last year’s ratings, Louth appeared to have a favourite’s chance, but Fermanagh look like a team on the up. The Erne girls will be in next year’s intermediate championship, while Louth will have to try again to get there.

Some good chances were missed and others not taken on. Still, it was a gritty and honest Louth performance, one that came up just two points short. Cathy Reynolds’ team went on to win the 1999 intermediate championship, making it arguably the best to ever wear the red jersey.

The funeral at St Michael’s was Briege Dullaghan’s. Briege, who had reached the wonderful age of 91, had a great love for the GAA. Wife of Anthony Dullaghan, who won a championship medal with Darver Volunteers in 1956, she supported Louth teams over a long number of years.

One of her proudest possessions was a photo taken on the steps of the Cusack Stand on 1957 All-Ireland day. She can be clearly seen in the background as GAA President, Séamus McFerran, presents the Sam Maguire Cup to Dermot O’Brien.

She was a member of the well-respected Hughes family from Fane Valley. One of her brothers, Paddy, was also on the ‘56 Volunteers team, playing in the half-forward line along with his brother-in-law.

But it was as a referee that Paddy is best remembered. He was one of the country’s foremost whistlers, and in a career spanning many years, was desperately unlucky not to have been chosen for a senior All-Ireland final.

Sympathy is extended to the Dullaghan and Hughes families, one of whom, Aidan Dullaghan, is a well-known local sports photographer.