KAREN JACKSON CUP PRESENTED TO ULGFA
The winner of the Ulster U20 competition will receive the Karen Jackson Cup. The Jackson family (Veron, Thomas, Cian and Emmet) recently presented the cup to Gerry Doherty. ULGFA are very grateful for the kind gesture by the Jackson family. The following citation was read by Aideen Coyle, at the presentation of the cup:
The club is deeply honoured to welcome Gerry Doherty, President of Ulster Ladies, here tonight to officially launch the inaugural U20 Ulster Championship. It is even more special as the cup is being named after an amazing club person Karen Jackson.
It’s hard to put into words how much Karen meant to us all and how much she is still missed and cherished by all but that in itself speaks volumes of the person she was. Although Karen’s time with St. Finbarrs was far too short, the impact she made will never fade.
Karen was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, teammate and most of all a treasured friend. Always wearing a smile, she lit up every room she entered and had a gift for lifting those around her. Whether on the pitch, on the sidelines, or at social gatherings, Karen was always the life and soul of the occasion.
Naming this cup in Karen’s honour is a truly fitting and special tribute to someone who gave so much to the footballing community within both club and county. Karen was an integral member not only of St. Finbarrs but also of Drung contributing immensely to the spirit, culture and togetherness that define both clubs. Karen was an example of all that is positive about our games- passion, sportsmanship and friendship to name a few.
To see a provincial title bear her name is a powerful testament to the remarkable person she was. As a club we are immensely proud and privileged to launch this competition here tonight alongside the Jackson family.
Martin Daly deserves huge credit in steer heading this fantastic idea and in helping get it over the line. The cup, proudly sponsored by the Jackson family, was successfully given the go ahead in January at the Ulster LGFA AGM thanks to Martin’s initiative, passion and the help and support of Gerry Doherty who Martin approached with the idea last October.
The competition beginning on 18th April will see six counties battle it out to get their hands on the Karen Jackson U20 Ulster cup, Cavan, Monaghan, Fermanagh, Donegal, Tyrone and Down. It will be played in two groups of three where Cavan will face Fermanagh and Monaghan. Top two from each group progress to the semi-finals on the 23rd May and final on the 6th June where we will be hoping to see the Breffni ladies take to the field.
It is our hope that every player from Cavan and beyond that competes for this cup will be inspired by Karen’s legacy and will carry forward the same joy, dedication, and pride that she brought to the game and to us all.
