By Michael McMullan

TRIBUTES have been made in memory of Maura McCloy, a giant of camogie, who passed away on Tuesday evening.

McCloy was at the forefront of the game especially in her native Bellaghy and Derry where she served in many different capacities.

The presence of Gaels from across Derry and beyond at Maura’s wake speaks volumes of her standing in the Gaelic Games family.

In a statement from Bellaghy Wolfe Tones, they were “deeply saddened” at her passing.

“Maura was our former club secretary, Chair and President and her involvement in camogie at club, county and provincial level has spanned decades, one of which represented her tenure as the chair of Derry Camogie,” the statement read.

“Maura was well known within the camogie fraternity the length and breadth of the country. She devoted herself to our game, both on the field and behind the scenes in key administrative roles throughout her life.

“Maura represented both her club and county as a player, her achievements extended to managing Derry underage teams to championship success. Maura’s legacy is generational.

“Wolfe Tones Bellaghy GAC and Camogie club have Maura’s immediate and extended family circle in their thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.”

The Derry Camogie Board also paid tribute to Maura.

“Maura’s passion for camogie led her to many dedicated years of service within Derry Camogie representing Bellaghy as the Derry Secretary, managing the county u-16 team from 1990 to 1994,” read a statement on their social media.

“During her tenure secured two championships and a league, including a double win.

“Maura then took on the role of Derry Camogie Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Maura’s involvement with camogie would end with her involvement provincially.

“She was an integral part of Ulster Camogie for the past number of years and continued to travel the county far and wide to attend games, functions, meetings.

“Her life revolved around camogie and she has left a legacy behind her. And for that, Derry Camogie thank you.

“In February this year Maura is seen pictured below in Swatragh as she watched on as our Derry minor camogie team won their Ulster title, and was proud to present the player of the match on that day.

“Maura fought a courageous battle with illness, and we send our heartfelt condolences to the McCloy family, to Maura’s close friends, Bellaghy GAC and Camogie Club. Rest in Peace, Maura.”

Tributes also poured in from across the camogie landscape, including long-serving official and writer Séamas McAleenan in a tribute on DerryNow.com.

“Maura was a giver and a doer,” he wrote. “Nothing pleased her more than to be involved in anything to do with camogie.”

Ulster Camogie also paid tribute to her contribution to the sport “regardless of the jersey” and her passion for camogie.

“Maura McCloy was ‘a lady’ as described by so many people since learning of her terminal illness just a few months ago.

“Without question or doubt Maura was a lady who gave her life to Camogie and family.

“Maura was not blessed with any children of her own but she was a mother figure to her own nieces and nephews as well as so many young camogs over the years in the various coaching roles she held at club and county.

“The players’ respect and love for Maura was evident when the Derry senior team greeted her at the Ulster Final in Edendork just two months ago, sadly this was to be her last game.

“In her usual dignified manner, Maura was smiling from ear to ear, full of pride for her Derry Girls despite their defeat to Antrim, their presence filled her with immense joy.”

Maura’s funeral mass will take place on Friday at 11am in St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy.