Women's football pioneer Brendan Martin dies aged 86

November 14, 2024
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Brendan Martin, an instrumental figure in the development of women's Gaelic football, has died at the age of 86.

Martin played a major role in the inception of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association in 1974 and was the organisation's first assistant treasurer.

The Brendan Martin Cup, presented annually to the winners of the All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship, was bought by the Tullamore man in John J. Cooke & Co jewellers on Fownes Street that same year.

Kitty Ryan-Savage hoisted the cup aloft for the first time after Tipperary accounted for Offaly in the final.

The original cup was later replaced by a new trophy made at Kilkenny Castle by Des Byrne, a master silversmith who also created the new Sam Maguire Cup, but Martin's name on the trophy and legacy remain.

LGFA president Mícheál Naughton paid tribute to the late Martin, saying: "All of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association are deeply saddened to learn of Brendan Martin’s passing.

"Brendan’s contribution to our sport over many years is simply immeasurable and we were delighted to see him in Thurles on the 18th of July for our 50th anniversary celebrations, and at Croke Park on August 4 for our TG4 All-Ireland finals.

"Brendan spoke wonderfully in Thurles and I was honoured to present him with a commemorative medallion at Croke Park on All-Ireland final day to mark his special contribution to our association.

"Brendan was a visionary trailblazer, who was incredibly passionate about ladies Gaelic football and the development of our sport.

"He continued to maintain a keen interest in LGFA matters right up until his sad passing, following a recent illness.

"On behalf of all of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I wish to extend our sympathies to Brendan’s wife Mairead, sons Peter and Cormac, and his extended family and many friends."

LGFA chief executive Helen O’Rourke added: "I’ve known Brendan for many years and throughout the entire time that I’ve been involved with the LGFA.

"He rarely missed an All-Ireland final and always kept a close eye on how we were doing.

"Brendan contributed so much, work that helped to pave the way for the generations that followed and his name will be forever synonymous with Ladies Gaelic Football.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."