Eugene Egan – a Giant of Cuala & Dublin Ladies Football

Cartlann Digiteach Cuala is grateful to Fintan Quill for highlighting the 10th Anniversary of the passing of a Cuala “giant” Eugene Egan

Eugene was a tireless force underpinning the development of Ladies Football both in Cuala and Dublin LGFA. A brilliant administrator, he served the Dublin LGFA proudly and efficiently as County Secretary for a number of years as well as holding the position of Irish Cultural and Language Officer up until the time of his passing.

When it came to sport however, Eugene’s first love was always Cuala and he would be delighted to see how far we have progressed as a Club with so many intercounty stars, All Ireland medal winners and All Star award winners and to see our senior team playing in Division 1 League and Championship in 2025. Eugene is one of the reasons why.

An intercounty DLGFA Eugene Egan Memorial Tournament now takes place every year in his honour, a fitting tribute to a lovely man who has left a great legacy to Dublin and Cuala. Fintan sums up Eugene’s legacy as “a true gentleman, his commitment, knowledge and great sense of humour are greatly missed by everyone who knew this remarkable man“.

Niall Scully, writing in the Irish Independent in 2014, penned this insightful reflection of Eugene –
“Eugene Egan had integrity. People trusted him. Respect was his constant companion. He was a brilliant administrator. He knew the rules. Fair play for all was his bible. He was a perfectionist. He didn’t have to press a button to get stats – he had them all in his head.
He was a kindly, friendly gent. The smile was only around the next sentence.
He did much of his best work away from the glare – late nights on the computer, keeping the engines going.
He delighted in the progress of Cuala. When Martha Byrne made it onto the Dublin senior team, Eugene was there with the banner in Belfield on the coldest of days.

He wrote some inspiring reports. Tales of matches from around the country. Not a detail was missed.
He was thrilled to see Dublin ladies football progress and prosper. And he was one of the reasons why.
The game and its people filled him with the sound of music. The sport was lucky to have him. But he felt fortunate to be involved. To be helping. He never counted the cost. And that was the only stat that ever evaded him.”

A true Giant of the Club on who’s shoulders much of our success was founded.

 

Cartlann Digiteach Cuala (Cuala Digital Archive) maintains an on-line archive of images and stories relating to Cuala, its ‘ancestral’ clubs and other Gaelic clubs that once operated in its area.  If you have any information or material to share with us, please contact –
Michael Goodwin, +353 (0) 87 2266140,  history@cualagaa.ie

Leinster GAA Beko Club Champion Award

We are thrilled to announce that Fintan Quill has been awarded the Leinster GAA Beko Club Champion award 2024, in a competition that seeks to recognise the hard work of volunteers and clubs throughout the Province. As part of the award each winner receives €1,000 worth of O’Neills training equipment for their club.

Ever humble, Fintan has said that he would like to accept the award on behalf of all the great mentors, coaches and volunteers that we have in Cuala. He was nominated from within the club for his kindness, respect for, and dedication to players which sets him apart as an inspirational coach, role model and leader.

Recipients will receive their awards at the Leinster Club Finals on Nov 30th. Stay tuned for photos!

Cuala 3rds Win Shield Final

Congratulations to our Adult 3rds who won their Camogie Shield Final last weekend!

Senior Ladies Win Go Ahead Div 2 Championship!

The Cuala Senior Women’s Football team secured the Dublin Summer Cup on Wednesday under lights in Bray with a 2-12 to 0-09 win over Castleknock.

The win completed a great end to the season. First Senior Championship Status was secured with a win over Fox Cab, then the following Wednesday saw promotion back to League Division One and then the silverware seven days later again.

Two second-half goals from Rebecca McEvoy and Sinead Wylde were the icing on the cake after trailing by two at halftime.

With mist rolling in over the pitch, it was points raining down on Castleknock, with Gráinne O’Driscoll marking her return to action with four, the same as McEvoy, and Neala Byrne, Anna Curraoin and Lauren O’Muirí also raising a white flag.

Joint Captains on the night Gráinne Fitzsimons and Rachel Hartnett collected the trophy, hopefully, the latest in a week of wins for the club.

“They are a great group who kept the season going to the last and fully deserved the success of the last few weeks,” said Manager Mark Healy.

Cuala 3rds Dublin LGFA Div 12 Championship Winners

Congratulations to the ladies thirds football team who secured an important win over St. Mark’s this week to be crowned Div12 Champions.

The game was played away at St. Marks with Cuala having been beaten twice by St. Marks this year and more recently by 14 points.

The management of Fintan, Ray and Philip had the ladies focused. It was point for point all the way through. One point down 5 mins left – goal for cuala. Then St. Marks scored a point. Ahead by one and Cuala held on.

A super achievement for the ladies away from home. Well done management too.. more silverware for the third ladies!

LGFA Junior I Shield Winners

Huge congratulations to the Cuala Women’s 3rd team on winning the Junior I Shield against Liffey Gaels last week.