Jane Adams is one of camogie’s most recognised stars with her long and successful career as captain of both Rossa and Antrim. Jane has five All-Ireland titles under her belt including a senior club All-Ireland, something many sports women can only dream about. Her achievements have been widely recognised throughout the camogie and gaelic community with an unprecedented 5 Ulster GAA Writers’ awards. Jane was also the first Ulster woman to receive a senior All -Star award in 2008 for her exploits on the field of play. Jane can therefore be proud of her many achievements and her place in history as a camogie superstar and role model of aspiring young players starting out on their camogie career.
When Jane retired from this beautiful game a couple of years ago she suddenly found a lot of time on her hands, so in spite of an on going fitness regime, she began to look for another less strenuous outlet for her sporting talent. That is when her old friend and former County Down manager Bernie McNally decided to introduce her to the game of golf. Bernie who is a member of Balmoral Golf Club has, like many other retired sports women, found golf the perfect sporting substitute, when their favourite field sport was no longer an option. Former County Antrim Stars and senior All-Ireland winners Maeve Gilroy and Marion McFetridge both had successful golfing careers in Balmoral, along with well known Antrim players like Lily Spence, Nuala Havlin and the late Eileen Croizer. Other camogie players who have taken up the game of golf at Balmoral include Deirdre Savage and Pauline Green from County Down who are now describing their new golfing careers as, a bit like camogie without the sore legs on Monday morning.
“Sure the swing is nearly the same and the craic out on the course can be mighty”
Not long after Jane Adams swopped her camán for a 3 wood and a 5 iron, she began rising through the ranks and is now one of Balmoral’s top players. “I never thought I would really enjoy a team sport again when I retired from camogie, but Balmoral has given me a whole new reason to practice new skills and play on teams again.”
Balmoral are keen to attract a new generation of players to the club, particularly those who are retiring from other sports such as camogie, football or hockey. They also want to attract women who have never played any sport before but want to give golf a go. Bernie McNally is determined to help break down some of the barriers to women’s participation in sport in general and golf in particular.
“Women sometimes find it hard to take the first step into a new sport, they are worried about the time it takes up, the cost and the fitness levels required. At Balmoral this summer we are asking women to come along and give golf a go where they will receive advice from our golf professional, Lee, have access to golf equipment and will have lots of support from our lady members”
To assist women into golf Balmoral Golf Club has teamed up with Sport NI to run a number of beginners classes at the club throughout the summer, classes will be held during the day and in the evening. The ladies’ committee are keen to hear from any women regardless of age or fitness level who wish to Give Golf a Go!
Balmoral G.C. Ladies’ Committee
For further information and an application form contact
Givegolfagobalmoral@gmail.com
Or ring Balmoral golf shop on 02890667747
Photo:L/R Philsie Mulholland, Catherine Reid, Lady Hon. Sec. Eithne Agnew, Lady Captain Geraldine Bradley, Jane Adams, Bernie Mc Nally, Deirdre Savage.
