Latest news with #GaynorCup


Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Full committee of Limerick football league 'stood down' by FAI
The FAI have suspended the entire Limerick District League committee while they launch an independent investigation into governance concerns. In an unprecedented move, the association said it would be inappropriate for the league to proceed with their upcoming AGM. It says that they and the Munster FA 'will be able to support the delivery of football under the jurisdiction of the LDL while the investigation takes place.' Governance in Limerick amateur football has been a talking point in recent years. Following contact by a cohort of LDL clubs, the FAI issued a list of 11 recommendations in 2021, including the introduction of term limits, rule book overhaul and the auditing of 2020's financial accounts. It is understood that the FAI's recent involvement stemmed from a complaint lodged protected by confidentiality. Multiple issues were raised when an FAI delegation met with the LDL in December but a standoff ensued until this latest nuclear development materialised on Thursday. 'The concerns raised vary in their nature,' wrote FAI President Paul Cooke in correspondence to the committee. 'Some relate to the processes, policies and practices of the League - both from the perspective of constitutional/administrative matters and also around the delivery of football - whilst others relate to the culture within the League and allegations of derogatory behaviour and inappropriate conduct from people involved at Committee level.' Reference was made to the state agency responsible for exchequer funding. 'Sport Ireland is aware of the concerns that have been raised and expects them to be addressed appropriately.' The letter added: 'Whilst this investigation is being established, we request that all League committee members step away from their committee duties with immediate effect (and this includes any other position that a committee member may hold under the jurisdiction of the FAI). Committee members, many of whom double their duties with the Limerick Schoolchildren's League which won the girls Gaynor Cup at University Limerick on Friday, have until Monday morning to provide written agreement with this directive.


Irish Independent
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Louth girls ready for kick-off as they chase Gaynor Cup glory in top Limerick tournament
The academy's 2011 squad (under-14s) are testing themselves against elite teams from across the country in Ireland's premier underage football tournament, which takes place at the University of Limerick. The Louth girls' group campaign kicks off against Kilkenny this Monday at 6pm, followed by a double header tomorrow as they take on Mayo at noon and Tipperary South at 6pm. All teams in the competition then progress to the various knockout matches which run from Wednesday until Friday, with a Cup, Shield, Bowl and Trophy all up for grabs. Louth's campaign officially kicked off last Thursday with a special Gaynor Cup launch night at the Monasterboice Inn, to mark the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling journey through the iconic national tournament. To celebrate their selection, each squad member was presented with their official squad number and kit, whilst the coaching staff overseeing the trip were introduced. Head coach and LSGL chairperson Robbie Corr said: 'The Gaynor Cup is the pinnacle of U14 girls' football in Ireland, and our squad is full of talent, ambition and pride in representing Louth.' 'Everyone at the LSGL would like to thank all our sponsors for supporting the squad as they head to such a prestigious tournament. We hope the girls enjoy a brilliant and memorable tournament and we wish them the best of luck.' Mick Neville, FAI regional development officer for Co Louth, said: 'This is more than football. It's about teamwork, opportunity and inspiring the next generation of female athletes.' Louth Gaynor Cup squad Goalkeepers: Féile May Buckley (Walshestown), Abi Osawaru (Rock Celtic) Defenders: Anna Cromwell (Dromin United), Lily-Mae Curtis (Square United), Erin Kavanagh (Albion Rovers), Grace McEvoy (Rock Celtic), Mia Van Der Westhuizen (Rock Celtic) Defenders/Midfielders: Masie Ball (Rock Celtic), Anna-May Lynch (Blayney Academy), Anna-Lilly McDonnell (Rock Celtic), Anna-Kelly O'Reilly (East Meath United), Ellen Wright (Castletown Belles) Midfielders: Ava Fanning (Albion Rovers), Ellie Malone (Albion Rovers), Sophie McCabe (Castletown Belles), Hollie Rogers (Muirhevna Mor) Forwards: Hillary Adeniran (Albion Rovers), Éabha Byrne (Castletown Belles), Rosie Fox (Quay Celtic), Sophia Mackin (Quay Celtic) Louth coaching/support team


Irish Independent
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Louth girls bid for Gaynor Cup glory
The academy's 2011 squad (under-14s) will test themselves against elite teams from across the country in Ireland's premier underage football tournament, which takes place at the University of Limerick. Louth kick off their campaign on Monday evening against Kilkenny in the opening game of Group 5 (kick-off 6pm), before back-to-back fixtures on Tuesday, against Mayo (12pm) and Tipperary South (6pm). All teams in the competition then progress to knockout competitions from Wednesday to Friday, with a Cup, Shield, Bowl and Trophy all up for grabs. Louth's campaign officially kicked off last Thursday night (29 May), with a special Gaynor Cup launch night at the Monasterboice Inn, to mark the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling journey through the iconic national tournament. To celebrate their selection, each squad member was presented with their official squad number and kit, whilst the coaching staff overseeing the trip were introduced. Head coach and Louth School Girls League (LSGL) chairperson Robbie Corr said: "The Gaynor Cup is the pinnacle of U14 girls' football in Ireland, and our squad is full of talent, ambition, and pride in representing Louth. "Everyone at the LSGL would like to thank all our sponsors for supporting the squad as they head to such a prestigious tournament. We hope the girls enjoy a brilliant and memorable tournament and we wish them the best of luck." Mick Neville, FAI regional development officer for Co Louth, added: "This is more than football. It's about teamwork, opportunity, and inspiring the next generation of female athletes." Louth 2025 Gaynor Cup squad Goalkeepers: Féile May Buckley (Walshestown), Abi Osawaru (Rock Celtic); Defenders: Anna Cromwell (Dromin United), Lily-Mae Curtis (Square United), Erin Kavanagh (Albion Rovers), Grace McEvoy (Rock Celtic), Mia Van Der Westhuizen (Rock Celtic); Defenders / Midfielders: Masie Ball (Rock Celtic), Anna-May Lynch (Blayney Academy), Anna-Lilly McDonnell (Rock Celtic), Anna-Kelly O'Reilly (East Meath United), Ellen Wright (Castletown Belles); Midfielders: Ava Fanning (Albion Rovers), Ellie Malone (Albion Rovers), Sophie McCabe (Castletown Belles), Hollie Rogers (Muirhevna Mor); Forwards: Hillary Adeniran (Albion Rovers), Éabha Byrne (Castletown Belles), Rosie Fox (Quay Celtic), Sophia Mackin (Quay Celtic) Louth 2025 Gaynor Cup Coaching and Support Team: Head Coach: Robbie Corr; Coach: Joel Patino; Assistant Coach: Ciara Floyd; Goalkeeper Coach: Micheal O'Connor; Female Liaison Officer: Niamh Mulholland; First Aid & Medical Lead: Aimee Thornton; League Head of Delegation: Sinead McDonnell.


Irish Independent
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Kerry schoolgirls ready to kick off their Gaynor Cup campaign in Limerick
With just a couple of days until the first whistle sounds, on the grounds of the University of Limerick to kick off the 2025 Gaynor Cup, the excitement is certainly building as the Kerry girls begin their odyssey in the prestigious Schoolboys/girls Football Association of Ireland (SFAI) under-14 competition.


Irish Independent
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Kerry soccer star Eabha Maguire says it is ‘a privilege' to captain her county in Gaynor Cup
From kicking a ball around her house with her family, to donning the green and gold in national competitions, Maguire's journey has been one of dedication, passion and continuous development. Now, as she prepares to lead Kerry in the University of Limerick, she is ready to inspire her teammates on and off the pitch. An attacking-minded midfielder with a sharp eye for goal and the ability to pick out that decisive pass, Maguire has never shied away from challenges. Remarkably, she was representing Park's under-13 side when she was just nine years old. 'I first began kicking a ball at home with my dad and little brother Oran. We are a sports mad family, there is always a ball being played in the house! I started playing soccer with St. Brendan's Park in the academy when I was seven. There was no girls team at that age so I played with the boys group up to under-11. 'At nine, I played with the Park Girls under-13 team and eventually we got an under-12 team together. Myself and club mate Eve McEvoy went on a recruitment drive and with girls from school and younger girls in the academy we formed the under-12 team.' A privilege is how Maguire described getting the chance to captain her team in this competition. A balance between competitiveness and camaraderie is a key part of the team's identity. Maguire and many of her teammates have represented Kerry with distinction across multiple age levels, collecting silverware at under-12 and under-13 level. While an under-14 title has so far eluded them, she hopes this could be the year that changes. She watched last year's Gaynor Cup campaign from the sidelines, but this year she captains the group as the next instalment is now just around the corner. 'I was selected for the Kerry Inter League under-12 team and we won the All Ireland final that year and the league. The following year we again won the All-Ireland under-13 final and the league and cup double at under-14 level with The Park. 'This year we got to the under-14 All-Ireland Cup final against Galway but were beaten. 'It feels good to be in the squad this year, and it's competitive, and it's fun as well like. I watched the Gaynor Cup last year. They didn't do very well, but we might. 'I love having fun with my friends and winning. I love learning new skills. I am looking forward to the Gaynor Cup in June and it's a privilege to captain this great bunch of girls from all over Kerry, we are not just teammates but friends. 'We're kind of all together as a team, we include everyone, and we're all friends with each other.'