Kate Russell – All Ireland Schoolgirls Championships

The Kate Russell All Ireland Schoolgirls Championships are played on an annual  basis and consists of the following five teams:

• Winner from each provincial schools cup qualifies for the All Ireland’s (Players must be under the age of 19 at the start of the School Year (August 1st))
• The Tournament is played on a round robin basis and under Hockey Ireland Rules and Regulations for tournaments.

Kate Russell was one of the most influential figures in the history of the Irish Ladies’ Hockey Union (ILHU). Her utter dedication to the game was of huge benefit to the union. She was ILHU Honorary Secretary from 1938-59 and served as ILHU President in 1966-67.  She was President of Leinster LHU 1964-69, Honorary Secretary (IFWHA) 1963-1971 and Vice President (IFWHA) 1971. She was made Honorary Life Member of the ILHU.

Kate died in 1978 after 50 years of service to the game and upon her death hundreds of condolences poured into the offices of the ILHU, from all corners of the hockey playing world.

The Kate Russell All Ireland Schoolgirls Championship was first played for in 1980. Her memory and legacy lives on through all those girls and women who continue to play the game and in particular through those who play in this competition.