News in brief: Glenanne star retains FAI title

* Glenanne’s Mary Waldron (pictured in green and white) picked up the FAI women’s senior cup final for the second year running last Saturday evening at Richmond Park as her football club St Francis got the better of Liberties’ rivals St Catherine’s 1-0.

Waldron scored the winner last November in the 2008 final but it was strike partner Sharon Cullen who got the decisive goal this time around.

The club have assured themselves of playing in Europe in 2010 and begin their first ever European campaign this weekend in Cyprus in the female version of the Champion’s League.


* The recent retirement of Irene Johnston has created a vacuum in the Administration of Competitions for the coming season as, due to current financial pressures, it is not intended to replace Irene.

There is therefore a need to fill the role of IHA Competition’s Administrator on a voluntary basis to ensure that all Irish competitions continue to function. The IHA, therefore, are looking for volunteers from mid-August to assist in the administration of cup competitions.

They require someone who is computer literate with strong administration skills to work from the Irish Hockey Offices in Belfield for a minimum of 10 hours per week. Hours can be flexible. Those interested should email Angus.Kirkland@hockey.ie by no later than August 10.


* The 2009 National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport was launched this week, giving you the chance to nominate the ‘unsung heroes of Irish sport’.

The scheme is an initiative of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Sports which represents 68 sports in Ireland to honour eleven individuals who volunteer their time to sport each year through their involvement with sports clubs and organisations throughout the country.

To nominate your club or volunteers within your club who you think are worthy of particular mention for their efforts, go to http://www.volunteersinsport.ie/ for full guidelines.