LATE LAST WEEK, it was confirmed that Wexford stalwart Mary Leacy had retired from inter-county camogie.
A four-time senior All-Ireland winner, the first of those came in 2007 when she captained her side to lift the O’Duffy Cup and end a 32-year-drought. She was just 21 at the time.
The Oulart-The-Ballagh defender first came into the senior fold at the tender age of 13 and now, at 31, calls time on an illustrious and decorated career.
Lacey was key as Wexford landed a glittering three-in-a-row of All-Ireland crowns in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and she pocketed three All-Stars throughout her time too.
The tributes have been coming in since the news of her retirement was announced, from ‘a true ambassador both on and off the playing field’ to ‘a great servant,’ with Wexford GAA Public Relations Officer (PRO) PJ Howlin adding after the news of David Redmond:
“Wexford GAA would like to take this opportunity to thank them both for their contribution to the purple and gold,” he tweeted.
“Sit back, relax and enjoy the games and the very best for the future.”
Her club echoed the many kind words from around the county and country:
“What a great player for her county over the years. We look forward to may more years with the club.”
A great servant to @wexfordcamogie over the years! Best of luck in retirement @mary_leacy ! https://t.co/cinxDBFKKt
— Camogie Association (@OfficialCamogie) January 19, 2018
A true ambassador both on and off the playing field @mary_leacy .@OfficialCamogie https://t.co/oiqOsHlGzi
— Catherine Neary (@CatherineNearyc) January 19, 2018
Best of luck to Mary Lacey Hughes on her retirement from Co Camogie #player#county What an great player for her county over the years. We look forward to may more years with the club.. pic.twitter.com/xqQDphmIxB
— Oulartballaghcamogie (@oulartbcamogie) January 17, 2018
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
Well researched and fine writing of Gorman story.
@Tony Boland: So when it became possible to refer to people by their skin colour? I don’t have a problem with a decent accurate description but as a white person I am not allowed to so it to any other colour skin.
@Jho Harris: man that’s what you take from that story? Sort it out pal.
@Pat O’Brien: I took it from The Headline, who are you to tell me sorted out when you would be first to say something about the colour of a non man’s skin colour. Now sort that out yourself.
@Jho Harris: your a dope
@mark walsh: Who the phuck are you? Sorry don’t worry about an answer I couldn’t care who you are!
@Jho Harris: 1. it’s a quote from Roger Mayweather, no one else made it. 2. you’re the only one who seems to be offended by it.
@Darren Bates: I am not offended at all but I detest reverse racism which is getting more common everyday and 39 people liked my original comment so I may not be the only one who felt it needed to be pointed out.
@Jho Harris: I think 38 people liked your lovely beard in your photo, coz your comment….not so much. The important part are ‘the quotes’, which indicates the sports editor is quoting somebody else (Roger Mayweather, his uncle and trainer).
@Festivals.ie: I never said who was being quoted but your comment about my beard is just stupid and shows how bad you skill at reading is.
The honesty of the man is inspirational, I usually scan through articles in the journal, but this piece I read every word. A must read for anyone battling mental health issues.
Great in depth article,brave boy
Always wondered what happened this lad. Great write up
Great story and best of luck to him. Well told Gavan.
Fine piece of sports writing there. Never heard of him until this morning but there’s a book in that man.
Terrific piece Gavan. Really enjoyed reading it. Best of luck to Robert too. Brave lad. I’ll be rooting for him.
Great read. Good luck back in the ring Robert
Spellbinding story, every best wish and luck to this guy he gives a very honest account of his struggles and he deserves all the success now on his return. I hope to read of his triumphs again in the future.
I never read these stories from beginning to end, but that was fxxxn great!
Terrific article. Well done Robert. Will keep am eye out for you boxing l/playing the next gig.
Inspirational story! Great read. Goes to show, with the power of the mind we can overcome or achieve anything.
Fair play to him for proving just that.
That was a great read
Great read
Fantastic and inspirational article. This man was fascinating and tragic to read about, but although I’d never heard of him before now and have no interest in boxing, I’d absolutely read a book by him.
Brilliant article, so well written and such honesty from Robert. Anyone with mental health issues of any kind should read this. The small instances in his life that made huge differences are astounding. Kudos to both author and subject
An absorbing, gripping story. I wish him the best for part 2 of his boxing career.
Great story. @the42 I think you should consider an annual short story print around the Christmas time. Always enjoying reading these kind of articles with positive outcomes
@david mcelroy: we took your advice David, nice one: http://www.the42.ie/22-contenders-for-irish-sports-book-of-the-year-3663267-Oct2017/
I just finished this story after starting it this morning on my commute. I was looking forward to finishing it on the way home. Such a well written piece. I wish the man well and I think he is some inspiration for people with mental health issues. He should look into giving talks to youths etc on mental health wellbeing. I imagine he could connect very well with a variety of people.
This is EPIC, so glad to read this piece about the daily struggle with being a human and especially a man in Ireland.
Great article, best of luck to the guy
That is just a bloody phenomenal article. Fair play Cavan one of the best reads I’ve had in the last few years.
incredible story and article. well done.
Great story, so many twists and turns. Honest and touching piece. Wish him the very best
Good article, great read,
Brilliant article
Terrific story.
Fascinating story.
Great read. Celtic warrior gym is a great place
Pat on the back Gavan. Outstanding article. Really enjoyed it. It’s a great story and I love his never say die attitude. Hope u do all you want to do. Fair play. You’re a fighter in and out of the ring
@Truth Hurts: It wouldn’t just be considered racist , it would be racist, two wrongs and all that , as Michelle Obama says , when they go low , you go high.. Well done Great article, well Done Mr Gorman , and a career lecturing to young people in our schools and colleges after you finish the boxing I feel …
Great article, really well written. Best piece of journalism I’ve read in a while. Thanks for covering this great story
Brilliant read, would read it over and over, hope everything goes to plan for him, I’ll be shouting for him all the way
What a great piece. I read every word. I went to school with Rodge. Glad to hear hes in a good place.. Still sitting here with mouth open. What a journey! Incredible what he has experienced
Great story….well written too.
I think it would make a decent movie too.Now who could play Roberts part?
?Wow what a story! Rodge you are so brace kid! Stay well
“You white trash piece of shit”, so along with hitting women he’s also a racist. His fan boys will still be lapping it up and singing his praises. Says a lot about them.
“Yeah, world champion me hole. Is that all you got? Come on you little bitch!” haha! Great article, Gav!