Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1365376
30 | SPRING 2021 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie FEATURE see that happening. It was a pity that those crowds weren't able to go along last year due to restrictions, but I'm sure as soon as things open up again we'll see more people than ever coming to our games. 2. VOLUNTEER AWARDS: One of the things that I will remember is introducing the Volunteer Awards. In my opinion, one of the most important things was to recognise the work of our volunteers in all sectors of the game. I felt it was important to acknowledge them across the various categories. In the last year, one of the best things I saw is the way people stepped up in the clubs as volunteers. Stepping up as a Covid Officer was a huge undertaking for anyone. Nobody really understood the detail and the responsibility that was involved, but they still put their hand up. The players too had to adjust, and they really got on with it and made huge efforts to isolate themselves and to be in bubbles, to make sure that they would not miss out or cause their teammates to miss out. Those community efforts on everybody's behalf were outstanding. 3. FEMALE HEROES: One moment that I'll always remember came at a launch of one of our Féile events a couple of years ago. It really struck a chord with me. 1. ATTENDANCES: There were big events and small events that stuck in my mind from my six years as LGFA President. Attendances at our games is one thing that was pleasing to see. And I'm not just talking about All-Ireland finals, which were incredible in recent years, but the club finals too. We saw huge increases there over the last few years, which was really pleasing. We were in Ballinasloe for the Junior Club Final between Donoughmore and MacHale Rovers at the end of 2019 and Duggan Park was absolutely packed that day. It was a great atmosphere and one of the best occasions I attended as President. When you have that support there and with competitive football being played, it's a joy to Former President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Marie Hickey, speaks about her top six memories from her time as LGFA President. Top: Marie Hickey during the 2019 LGFA Volunteer of the Year awards Above: Eoin Delaney from Crettyard, Co. Laois, winner of the Young Volunteer of the Year award, is interviewed by MC Marty Morrissey Bottom Left: Rena Buckley of Donoughmore receives the Player of the Match award from Marie Hickey, 2019 Junior Club Championship Final match between Donoughmore and MacHale Rovers & Michelle Dilworth, left, and Deirdre Dineen of Donoughmore celebrate at the full-time whistle. MY TOP 6 MEMORIES AS LGFA PRESIDENT