Fidelis and Donna - History Makers ...

It’s not every day you get a chance to meet two members of the first LGF team to represent Mullingar Shamrocks in the first WestmeathLadies Gaa held in 1976. A photograph was essential in the year that the Ladies Gaelic Football governing body celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

Fidelis Cullen and Donna Buckley were two of the stars of that team that began the championship by defeating Delvin (5-6 to 0-0). Drumraney were next on the list and Fidelis Cullen scored the two vital goals that secured a semi-final place. The campaign ended at the semi-final stage in October with a 1-5 to 0-3 loss to Milltown-Moyvore. Donna Buckley conquered the pain barrier on that day and played with a broken thumb.

Mullingar Shamrocks fielded the following team on the historic occasion against Delvin: Pauline Nally; Jane Reynolds, Siobhán Donnelly (Patricia McGuiness), Máiread Gallagher; Bridget Hoye, Helen Collins, Adrienne Gallen (Claire Gallagher); Donna Buckley, Catherine Dunne (captain); Anne-Marie Ledwith, Ruth Algar, Bernie Lambden; Sue McLoughlin (Margaret Mullen), Fidelis Cullen, Jean Ledwith.

Ruth Clarke, Muirin Moynihan, Ruth Clarke and Jean Ledwith also played in the later matches.