GAA teams remember Orla at camogie social blitz

“TEAM spirit and craic” were all that mattered at a social camogie blitz held in memory of Orla Byrne, who died from breast cancer at the age of 42.

A past pupil of Glenasmole NS and Firhouse Community College, Orla died in 2021 after battling against stage four inflammatory breast cancer.

Originally a two-teams tournament first held three years ago, the Orla Byrne Memorial Cup was played by eleven social camogie clubs from all over the country on Saturday, October 19, at St Anne’s GAA Club in Bohernabreena.

“It’s a non-competitive game,” said Louise Magaharan, who organised the Cup with Catherine Hoban.

“Our aim is to raise awareness on breast cancer, especially in the age group of our participants, and to fundraise for research.”

Counting is still ongoing at St Anne’s, but, according to Louise, six to seven thousand euros was raised for Breast Cancer Ireland, doubling last year’s money raised.

As well as honouring Orla and contributing to the fight to breast cancer, fun is one of the main purposes of the Cup, which was well-achieved under the shining sun and in an “electric atmosphere.”

Action from the games on Saturday

Instead of regular scores, “scorecards” reward teams who contribute to make the day as enjoyable and craic-filled as possible.

Cabra’s Naomh Fionnbarra won Best Dressed as they played camogie wearing nuns’ clothing, while Greystones’s Éire Óg received the “Our Oldest Friend” award as they were with St Anne’s since the inauguration of the Orla Byrne Memorial Cup.

Liatroim Fontenoys from Co Down won for bringing in the Best Atmosphere.

Thomas Davis from Kiltipper were crowned overall champions of the Cup, as they played with unbeatable enthusiasm and energy, according to the social camogie spirit.

St Anne’s had three teams playing dressed as Smurfs, with Orla’s sister Niamh Byrne impersonating Papa Smurf. Round Towers, Portobello’s Kevins, Erin’s Isle from Finglas, St Oliver Plunketts from Malahide, Clane Camogie from Kildare and Craughwell from Galway also took part in the Cup.

Before the games, a minute of silence was observed for Orla, and the national anthem was sung for her.

Her sister Niamh gave a speech and with Orla’s other sister Michelle, they remembered her cheerful, resilient personality. After the games, each team performed in a dance they prepared beforehand, and food and drinks were served in St Anne’s bar.