Anne Hughes and Maura McNally

Maura McNally and Anne Hughes are founder members of Ladies Gaelic football in Derrynoose, Co. Armagh. The two women discuss their family and sporting backgrounds, as well as the informal origins of the ladies football game in Derrynoose and Armagh. Informal competition was replaced by formal organisation in the early 1990s when the Derrymichael club – an amalgamated entity – emerged. The early success of this club is recounted as is the decision to split it in two, a move which saw the creation of a separate Ladies gaelic football club for Derrynoose. The general progress of Ladies Gaelic football is discussed, including the contribution of televised games and the playing of major matches in Croke Park. In addition, the interviewees reflect on the benefits of participation for women and the challenges presented by unemployment and emigration. The interview concludes with McNally and Hughes reflected on the place of Ladies Gaelic football within the Derrynoose GAA community and the co-operation that exists between the different codes catered for by the club.