Former Laois Ladies footballer earns prestigious LGFA Hall of Fame accolade

Laois Ladies football continues to leave an indelible mark on the national stage, with Timahoe’s Mary Casey confirmed as the 2025 inductee into the LGFA Hall of Fame, the second former Laois player in as many years to receive the prestigious honour.

Casey, one of the founding members of Timahoe Ladies, will be honoured at a special awards ceremony in Croke Park on Friday, January 23, as part of the LGFA National Volunteer of the Year Awards, in association with Dooctor.ie.

Her induction follows hot on the heels of fellow Laois stalwart Sue Ramsbottom, who was the 2024 inductee. Ramsbottom was also a member of the famous Laois team that captured the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship title in 2001, defeating Mayo in Croke Park, a landmark day in the county’s sporting history that continues to resonate more than two decades on. Mary Casey was also part of that same All-Ireland-winning side.

From the very beginning of Timahoe Ladies, Casey has been at the heart of the club’s development, serving as a player, committee member and now assistant chairperson, while also dedicating countless hours to underage coaching. Her contribution has spanned generations, helping to shape the club and inspire young players through her commitment, leadership and love of the game.

The LGFA Volunteer Hall of Fame award recognises not just playing excellence, but extraordinary service, and Casey’s dedication to Timahoe Ladies has been described as “coming as naturally as breathing”.

Adding further local significance to this year’s awards, the Overall Volunteer of the Year accolade is named after the late Lulu Carroll, another iconic Laois figure. Carroll, who passed away in 2007, was a 2001 All-Ireland senior medallist with Laois and a former teammate of both Casey and Ramsbottom.

The Lulu Carroll Award was presented this year to Elaine Kelly of St Ergnats, Moneyglass, Co. Antrim. Carroll’s name lives on through the award in recognition of her immense contribution to Ladies' football, having won eight Leinster titles with Laois, six county senior titles and a provincial club crown with Timahoe, alongside earning All-Star honours.

Timahoe Ladies paid glowing tribute to Casey following the announcement, praising her loyalty, humility and sense of fun, while acknowledging the lasting legacy she has left within the club.

"Best wishes Mary from all your friends, committee members, club players, coaches, parents and club supporters  . Well done Mary - flying the flag for Timahoe Ladies," their post read.

Hailing the winners of the 2025 LGFA National Volunteer of the Year awards, in association with Dooctor.ie, Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Trina Murray, commented: “I am immensely proud to honour the recipients of our 2025 National Volunteer of the Year Awards, in association with Dooctor.ie.

“These winners embody the very heart of our Association - selfless service, community spirit and an unwavering commitment to players of every age and ability.

“Week after week, they give their time, expertise and kindness to ensure our games are safe, inclusive and inspiring, often behind the scenes and without expectation of recognition. Their impact is felt in clubhouses, schoolyards and county grounds across the country.

“I am also delighted to once again welcome Dooctor.ie as our new sponsor of these awards. Their focus on wellbeing and accessible healthcare aligns perfectly with the values our volunteers live every day.

“Together, we celebrate not just achievements, but the people who make Ladies Gaelic Football thrive. To our winners and nominees alike, thank you for everything you do.”

Speaking on behalf of Dooctor.ie, company founder Dr Hafiz Mohd Ali, said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the National Volunteer Award winners, on behalf of Dooctor.ie.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the dedication and passion that these individuals bring to grassroots female sport in Ireland.

“We are eagerly looking forward to the celebratory night on the 23rd of January, where we will have the honour of presenting these prestigious awards."

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