Tributes have been paid to Derry camogie stalwart Maura McCloy who died on Tuesday following a prolonged illness.
Ms McCloy’s enthusiasm for Gaelic games stretches back to when she was a child sneaking out of her house to play in the nearby field with her brothers.
As a teenager she took up camogie and played for the Bellaghy club, before representing her county.
She also took on administrative positions at club, county and provincial level, and was on the All-Stars selection committee.
A spokesperson from Ulster Camogie said messages are pouring in from across Ireland praising Ms McCloy for her contribution to our sport regardless of the jersey.
“Without question or doubt Maura was a lady who gave her life to camogie and family,” they said.
“Maura was not blessed with any children of her own but she was a mother figure to her own nieces and nephews as well as so many young camogs over the years in the various coaching roles she held at club and county.
“Maura served her club and county with pride for many years before joining Ulster Executive and subsequently National Committee; she was a great ambassador for camogie with loyalty, trust and a huge depth of knowledge just a few of her best assets.”
Ms McCloy held office for more than 15 years in various positions “and did so with pride and passion”, they added.
“An unassuming and kindly person, we can only hope that in her final months that she was aware of and accepting of the esteem in which she was held by so many people in Bellaghy, Derry, Ulster and throughout Ireland.”
Ms McCloy’s remains will repose at her home, 7 Tamlaghtduff Road, Bellaghy until removal on Friday at 10.15am for 11am Requiem Mass in St Marys Church, Bellaghy.
