On Tuesday 30th July 2024 the Camogie Family in Ulster lost one of their very best….
As we pen our thoughts about this wonderful lady, the messages are pouring in from every corner of Ireland, all praising Maura for her contribution to our sport regardless of the jersey and her ultimate passion for Camogie.
Maura Mc Cloy was ‘A Lady’ as described by so many people since learning of her terminal illness just a few months ago. Without question or doubt Maura was a Lady who gave her life to Camogie and Family. Maura was not blessed with any children of her own but she was a mother figure to her own nieces and nephews as well as so many young camogs over the years in the various coaching roles she held at Club and County. The players’ respect and love for Maura was evident when the Derry Senior team greeted her at the Ulster Final in Edendork just two months ago, sadly this was to be her last game. In her usual dignified manner, Maura was smiling from ear to ear, full of pride for her Derry Girls despite their defeat to Antrim, their presence filled her with immense joy.
Maura served her Club and County with pride for many years before joining Ulster Executive and subsequently National Committee; she was a great ambassador for Camogie with loyalty, trust and a huge depth of knowledge just a few of her best assets. She held office for over 15 years in various positions and did so with pride and passion. Travelling the Country, Maura done what was needed without a word or a glance, rarely needing an introduction on arrival. Her presence will be sorely missed in so many places by so many of us, her kind and gentle mannerism, off the cuff jokes; but what we will miss the most is the beaming smile that Maura carried everywhere she went.
An unassuming and kindly person, we can only hope that in her final months that she was aware of and accepting of the esteem in which she was held by so many people in Bellaghy, Derry, Ulster and throughout Ireland.
Ulster Executive and staff extend our sincere sympathy to Maura’s loving family and friends on their huge loss and to Derry and Bellaghy Camogie whom Maura served with immense pride and passion throughout her life.
Maura’s remains will repose at her home, 7 Tamlaghtduff Road, Bellaghy until removal on Friday at 10.15am for 11am Requiem Mass in St Marys Church, Bellaghy.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.