Dublin’s legendary Camogie player, Kay Mills, was honoured yesterday when a plaque in her memory was unveiled at her old house at 1 Abercorn Terrace, Inchicore. The event was organised by Inchicore/Kilmainham Heritage Committee, Dublin City Council and the Camogie Association. Guests of honour at the unveiling ceremony were her husband, George Mills, local T.D. Michael Conaghan and Uachtaran of the Camogie Association Joan O’Flynn.
Among those in the attendance were family members, members of the local Heritage Committee and City Council, local community residents, friends, Camogie officials and former county players (lots of All-Ireland medals between them! Gerry Hughes was very proud to show us her 9 Senior All-Ireland medals!) Incidentally Kay’s 15 All-Ireland medals together with her huge collection of other awards and trophies e.g. her Leinster medals are now on display in the GAA Museum in Croke Park, having been generously donated to the Camogie Association by her husband George.
It was a simple but touching ceremony. Short speeches by local TD, Michael Conaghan, Uachtaran, Joan O’Flynn, nephew George Quigley and local priest Fr. Pat Carolan highlighted Kay’s incredible achievements, placing them in their social and historical context. It made us all realise Kay’s contribution to Camogie, the importance of sport in our lives and the value of family, friends and community. Uachtaran Joan O’Flynn then unveiled the plaque. Photo opportunity for all!
After the ceremony a short walk took us to the Inchicore Social Centre where tea and goodies abounded, animated conversation continued and for many present memories came flooding back...
Kathleen (Kay) Mills (1923-1996) .... a legend
From an early age Kay availed of the sporting facilities in the GSR Athletic Union in Inchicore, playing lots of sports - table tennis, soccer and gymnastics. But her first love was Camogie which she practised and perfected. A proud native Dubliner, a gifted sportsperson and an elegant, graceful Camogie player, Kay made her senior intercounty debut in 1941 at the age of 16. The following year she won the first of her incredible haul of All-Ireland medals after a replay against Cork. 20 years later in 1961 she collected her 15th All-Ireland medal on her 38th birthday, after which she retired from the intercounty scene. What an achievement! The most decorated player in Gaelic games! The Junior All-Ireland Cup was named in her honour in 2010. It is fitting to have the commerative plaque on No 1, Abercorn Terrace.
photos from the unveiling ceremony