Lily Spence, a past winner of the Antrim All-Ireland, died away recently at the age of 95, and fans are in grief over the legend’s passing. She served as a Camogie ambassador in Belfast as well as across the rest of Ireland.
Over the course of more than half a century, Spence was both the President of the Camogie Association and a referee for the All-Ireland championships. She was a member of the Saffron team that won the All-Ireland camogie championship in 1947 at Corrigan Park in Belfast by a score of 2-04 to 2-01 against Dublin.
The tragic news of her passing has left her devoted followers in utter disbelief.
Camogie’s President Lily Spence Dies Aged 95- Her Death Cause
The unfortunate news of Lily Spence’s demise was shared on Twitter via the official account for Antrim Camogie. The article explains that Lily passed away on Tuesday, August 1st, when she was at her house.
Antrim Camogie expressed their deepest sympathies in a message on their website, which said, “It is with terrible regret that we extend our condolences on the passing of Lily Spence.”
“In 1947, Lily led Antrim to an All-Ireland championship,” which they won.
“Served in all administrative capacities for Antrim.” She served as the President of Camogie and as a referee for the All-Ireland finals and the Ulster schools sec for fifty years. She is in the prayers of Mary, Queen of the Gaels.
According to the website for Funeral Times, Lily Spence passed away in Nazareth Care Village in a calm and serene manner while surrounded by her family. Her demise was brought on by natural causes.
The funeral service for the famous camogie player will take place on Wednesday, August 3, at 11.30 in the morning. Her ashes will be interred in the Milltown Cemetery after her death.
Obituary: Lily Spence’s Fans Remember Her
On Twitter, a number of Lily Spence’s admirers have posted tributes to the singer in her honour.
The Twitter user @BoxtyBoyle expressed their sorrow in a tweet by saying, “Very sad to hear of the demise of the Camogie icon Lily Spence.” She was such a kind person, and she always had time for a good old tale to be told. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilis.’
Through its Twitter account, the Waterford Camogie club has expressed their condolences to Lily Spence’s family and friends, writing, “Waterford Camogie would like to send their sincere regret to the family and friends of Lily Spence.” Camogie Association’s past President, Lily served in that role for many years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh an h-anam uasal.’
Who Was Lily Spence?
Camogie star Lily Spence was from Belfast, Ireland, and was a household name in the sport. She was the daughter of Joseph and Ellen Spence, both of whom passed away, and the sister of Harry, Margaret, and Vincent, all of whom also passed away.
Lily’s first experience with camogie was when she attended St. Dominic’s School in Belfast. She became a member of the St. Teresa’s club and played for the Antrim team in 1947, the year she won the All-Ireland senior championship.
Spence was a member of the 1947 Saffron team that won the All-Ireland Camogie Final at Corrigan Park in Belfast, defeating Dublin by a score of 2-04 to 2-01. Spence played for the Antrim Camogie and was a part of the squad.
Following his retirement from competitive athletics, Spence served as President of the organisation from 1956 to 1959. In addition to that, she served as Antrim’s treasurer for a period of twenty years. In the 1950s, the story started being used as a reference. She officiated the All-Ireland finals in 1953 and 1955, followed by back-to-back finals in 1971 and 1972. In all, she worked four All-Ireland finals. Camogie player who also served as representative
In addition to that, she was also one of the people who established the Ulster Schools.
