Mary Dardis becomes first female president of Round Towers

FORMER Grand Marshal of the Clondalkin St Patrick’s Day parade, Mary Dardis, was announced as the first-ever female president of Round Tower GAA Club. 

The decision was announced at the club’s AGM last week,and welcomed by many in the community who see the former teacher as a standard bearer for the area.

Mary, a proud Clondalkin Tidy Towns Committee member, was a former Vice President and camogie coach at Round Tower GAA club, and the 2018 Grand Marshal at the Clondalkin St Patrick’s Day parade.

Those who welcomed the move include Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind), who congratulated Ms Dardis for the “huge achievement.”

“Clondalkin is proud of this incredible powerhouse of a lady.

“Her energy and dedication to Clondalkin over many years, her involvement in her community and commitment to sports makes her ideal to be the first female president of Round Tower GAA.

“Clondalkin couldn’t be prouder of her,” said Cllr Timmons.

Ms Dardis is a former PE teacher and camogie coach at Coláiste Bríde.

“I had her as my camogie coach. I’m delighted for her, she was always devoted to GAA,” said Susanne O’Keefe Smith.

Originally from Lucan, Mary has lived in Clondalkin over 50 years, raising a family with her late husband Aidan, who worked in the Paper Mills.

Speaking to The Echo in 2021, Mary said her young family got involved in Round Tower GAA when a member of the club came to her house and asked would her son like to play for the juvenile team.

“As a family, we were very involved. At one stage, everyone in the house was involved in some way or other in the GAA club.” Mary told The Echo.