Glen Rovers stalwart wins prestigious camogie volunteer award
By Daniel O’Neill
One Cork woman who has dedicated her life to camogie for her club and county won a major award last Saturday at Croke Park.
Mary Newman was presented with the Sile McNulty Award for Distinguished Service to Camogie, which recognises those who are dedicated to the sport and go the extra mile for their clubs.
The Camogie Association hosted its annual Media, Referee, and Volunteer Awards ceremony at the weekend, recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals who have dedicated their time and talents to camogie throughout 2024. The event was a celebration of passion, commitment, and community, with Mary taking the top award.
Mary has been involved in the administration of Glen Rovers and Cork camogie for over 40 years. Fellow members have said that there wouldn’t be a Glen Rovers camogie club, or certainly one as successful, were it not for Mary.
It could be said that Mary’s love of the game came from her mother, Nora who was also devoted to Glen Rovers. Like her mother, Mary became a 2023 Evening Echo Ladies Hall of Fame recipient for volunteerism.
She has been involved in both underage games and senior county finals, and has acted as secretary for the club for over 40 years, some of which she even double jobbed for. She is actively involved in the club’s academy and underage section, the divisional Seandun’s juvenile board and as club delegate for the Cork county camogie board.
Mary was also a selector with the Cork junior camogie All Ireland winners of 1984 before becoming PRO of the Cork Camogie board for over 25 years. For her efforts she was awarded with a Cork Camogie volunteer of the year award by the national association. After leaving her position as PRO of Cork Camogie, she became PRO of Glen Rovers hurling club and still acts in the role to this day.
She is dedicated to the team, and can be found at every match regardless of the weather. She is also a camogie correspondent with the 'Echo', and gives clubs as much coverage as she can.
Mary has also gained a reputation for being the first to answer a call for help in someone’s personal life, regardless of their club colours. Club members have said that without her, the club would not be what it is today.