Chris O'Connell

Christine "Chris" O’Connell (Crios Ní Chonaill) from Limerick was the 12th president of the Camogie Association.

Background

Chris was described in the history of camogie in Limerick as " a member of the well known Limerick city GAA family that served St Patrick's club and the City Board." With her sister Phila she was on the St Patrick’s team that won the 1947 Limerick camogie defeating Ahane in the final 2 goals to 1 goal. Paddy, Mick, Matt and Sean won hurling honours, as did her cousins Toddy O Brien, Paddy Fitzgerald, Jim Fitzgerald and Eddie O Connell.

Limerick camogie

She was largely responsible for the revival of camogie in Limerick camogie in 1960 with Carrie Gillane and Eithne Neville which culminated in the county team's appearance in the All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship of 1977 and Limerick's appearance in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship final of 1980, where they lost to Cork in a replay.

Presidency

She defeated Anne Ashton of Dublin for the camogie presidency at Congress 1962 in the old Jury’s Hotel in Dublin.

During her presidency in 1964 the 60th Anniversary was marked by the first All Ireland Club Championship, a temporary experiment that was to turn into one of the most successful competitions on the camogie calendar.

A special congress in 1964 allowed players to catch the ball a second time and removed the ban on hooking.