On Sunday morning, Leinster LGFA were delighted to be joined in TUD Blanchardstown by Ead and Patsy Kealy, Micky Johnson, Maria’s husband, and Mary O'Regan from Dunshaughlin & Royal Gaels.

On behalf of Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels and the Kealy and Johnson families, they presented an U16A Championship cup to Leinster LGFA President Trina Murray in memory of Maria Kealy.

Maria was a talented footballer who played from an early age with Dunshaughlin, starting off playing with their juvenile boys team and later playing with the Royal Gaels Ladies Club of which her Mother, Ead was one of the founding members.

As well as a long and successful club career, Maria captained Meath to Leinster and All Ireland U16 Championship victories in 2000 and played on the Meath Minor team that won the Leinster Minor Championship in 2000 and 2001. She continued on to play many games for the Meath Senior team.

Maria spent some time as a Coaching and Games Officer with Meath GAA and was also involved in the coaching and management of ladies football at both club and county level.

Maria was an integral part of the Meath management team for Meath’s u16 All Ireland win in 2009 and their Leinster Minor Championship win in 2019.

Maria’s dedication and determination on the pitch was an inspiration to all who played alongside her and indeed to the many children she coached down the years.

Her trademark smile and bubbly personality endeared her to all she encountered in the sporting world.

Maria is fondly remembered by our Club, Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels, and we trust she will now be in the thoughts of all young girls who strive to lift this cup in the future.

Maria’s parents Ead and Patsy presented the U16 A Cup to Dublin Captain Réka Kissó after an enthralling battle with Kildare.

A big thank you to both familes and Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels. We know Maria would have been so proud on Sunday morning.

May Maria rest in peace.

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