Ann Dunning Memorial Tournament 2026
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Holloway Gaels were out in force to host the Ann Dunning Memorial tournament at Tottenhall Recreation Ground on Saturday 9th May. The event not only honoured the namesake of the tournament but with over 70 players taking part also served as a platform to showcase the strength of ladies gaelic football in the local community.
There was a strong spirit of camaraderie and competition amongst the teams gathered for the event in memory of Ann Dunning who sadly passed away in 2006, aged 34, from a pregnancy related cancer. This year the mixed grade tournament featured Fr. Murphy's Dulwich Harps, TMC, St. Kiernan's and Holloway Gaels. With the top two teams progressing to the Cup finl and third and fourth battling it out for the plate final after the group stages.
The Cup Final was contested between Holloway Gaels and St. Kiernan's, with Holloway coming out winners on the day. The Plate Final saw TMC face Fr. Murphy's, with the East London outfit running out winners.
Before the presentations took place, Holloway stalwart Helen Hagan spoke about Ann and the wonderful legacy that she and Joan McEvoy have built in North London.
The cup was presented by tournament organiser Emma Mulhern to tournament captain Clíona Twohig , whilst the Tosh Kilcommons Player of the Cup Final was presented to Holloway Gaels player Michaela McCarthy. The plate was presented to TMC captain Aoife Luttrell, with Ciara Murphy from TMC receiving the Kerrie Browne Player of the Plate Final.
A special feature of the day was an in-house game involving London’s first-ever G4M&O team, formed through a partnership between Holloway Gaels and North London Shamrocks. Now in only their second season, the team’s remarkable growth in both participation and development has been outstanding, to the extent that it has become a benchmark for other clubs across London, many of which are now establishing their own G4M&O teams.
The tournament was a huge success and a credit to the hard-work put in by the organising committee at Holloway Gaels, particularly chief organiser Emma Mulhern. Huge thanks to everyone at NLS for the use of their facilities, to all the teams who travelled to support the tournament, Joe Culleton for the wonderful photos and to all those who stepped in to referee on the day.
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