1983 National Camogie League

Arrangements

Dublin were becoming known as league specialists as the competition entered its eighth season, partly because the Dublin championship was a winter competition and reached its climax in April and players reached a higher level of fitness than many of their opponents. Dublin defeated Louth, Galway, Kilkenny, Antrim and Down while Wexford defeated All-Ireland champions Cork in their opening game, Clare, Tipperary and Limerick. For the final Dublin had eight of the team that won the league title in 1979 and nine from 1981. Five of the Wexford panel were studying for the Leaving Cert and Marita O'Neill was grand-daughter of Martin O'Neill from Ferns, referee of the 1947 All-Ireland final and former secretary of the Leinster Council of the GAA.

The Final

Dublin were set on course for their 11-point victory in the 17th minute when Mary Mernagh sent a speculative shot towards the Wexford goal, goalkeeper Kathleen Tonk misjudged the shot and it dropped into the net. Dublin led 1-6 to 0-4 at half time and started with second half with a goal from Joanne Gormley. Caroline O'Leary-Farrington collected a rebound from Dublin goalkeeper Yvonne Redmond for a Wexford goal. Joanne Gormley and Una Crowley added Dublin goals before the end.

Division 2

The Junior National League, known since 2006 as Division Two, was won by Dublin’s second team who defeated Westmeath in the final at Cusack Park, Mullingar. Westmeath had cut the Dublin lead to three points ten minutes from the end before succumbing. Dublin outclassed all their opposition en route to the final winning their matches by margins of seven goals or more. Westmeath defeated Derry 5-6 to 3-2 in the semi-final.

Final stages

date = May 22 Final | team1 = Dublin| score = 4-8 – 1-6 | team2 = Wexford| stadium = Russell Park }}

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References

References

1. Moran, Mary. (2011). "A Game of Our Own: The History of Camogie". Cumann Camógaíochta.
2. [http://www.camogie.ie/league.asp National Camogie League on Camogie.ie]
3. Report of final in Irish Press, May 23, 1983
4. Report of final in Irish Independent, May 23, 1983
5. Report of final in Irish Times, May 23, 1983
6. Report of final in Irish Examiner, May 23, 1983
7. Report of final in Irish News, May 23, 1983