Lisa Niland Memorial Cup

CLOSE to 120 people gathered in St Attracta’s Community School as Sligo LGFA officially launched the PPS U14 Championship and it was a night when a new Cup was presented in memory of the late Lisa Niland. The Cup – The Lisa Niland Memorial Perpetual Cup – was presented at the event on Wednesday in memory of the young Curry woman who passed away in January 2017. Lisa’s parents Angela and Gerry, sister Amy and uncle John Niland were among the relatives there.

The idea, a brain child of a Sligo LGFA Executive member, endorsed by the Niland Family came to fruition in St Attracta’s where Lisa was a student for 6 years. David McEvoy, Principal acted as MC on the night. The evening opened with Amy Niland – Lisa’s sister – carring the Cup into the crowded room. Mr McEvoy spoke of Lisa’s involvement in the school during her years there. John Niland, Lisa’s uncle and well know referee spoke on behalf of the Niland family, thanking Sligo LGFA and St Attracta’s for the work to date and looking forward to seeing Lisa’s memory being remembered in the years ahead as the schools compete for the Competition. Sligo Co Board Treasurer Martin Seery spoke on behalf of the Co Board saying they were honoured and delighted that the Niland Family had allowed Lisa’s name to be used on their Competition and in particular the PPS Competition. He also thanked St Attracta’s for hosting the launch and looked forward to the schools competing for the Cup and in keeping Lisa’s memory alive in the years ahead.

The Lisa Niland Memorial Perpetual Cup was presented to Sligo LGFA Co Board Chairperson Keith Gilroy by the Niland Family. Keith also presented a bouquet to Angela Niland.

Fr Leo Henry, Curry Parish Priest, performed a blessing for the Cup. On behalf of the Co Board Keith presented a plaque to St Attracta’s David McEvoy (Principal) and Anne Brady (Vice Principal) on the occasion of them hosting the launch. Sligo LGFA Co Board wishes to thank all who helped with the evening and making it the success it was. The finals are pencilled in for Tuesday May 15th and Wednesday May 16th with the Lisa Niland Memorial Perpetual Cup being played for on Wednesday May 16th, a date that should have been Lisa’s 21st Birthday.

Three friends of Lisa Niland proudly holding the trophy in her honour; Kate Donoghue, Mary Fleming and Clodagh Murphy at the event in St Attracta’s.

Keith Gilroy Chairman of Sligo Ladies is presented with the Lisa Niland Memorial Perpetual Cup by the Niland Family; Angela, Gerry and Amy Niland. Pics: Tom Callanan.

Keith Gilroy presents Mrs Angela Niland, mother of Lisa, with a bunch of flowers.

Students from Colaiste Muire,Mercy College and St Attractas Community School hold the Lisa Niland Memorial Perpetual Cup.

Members of Sligo Ladies GAA Board; Susan Finan, Ted Maloney, Martin Seery, Keith Gilroy, Tom Keane, Tracey O’Kennedy and Kevin O’Grady.

Norah and Leanne Corcoran.

Keith Gilroy of Sligo Ladies GAA makes a presentation to David McEvoy Principal and Vice Principal Anne Brady.

John Niland, uncle of Lisa’s.