Phyllis Breslin

Phyllis Breslin (Fileas Ní Bhreasláin) was the 24th president of the Camogie Association of Ireland,^[1] and was associated with the transformation of camogie to a full 15-a-side game.^[2]

Early life[]

Breslin was born in Drimnagh, Dublin, Ireland, to Thomas Breslin and Phyllis (Babs) North; the fourth of seven children (Peadar, Kevin, Bernadette, Phyllis, Nuala, Joan and Antoinette). Her grandfather, , was in the Four Courts with Sean O’Duffy, later to become the organizer of the Camogie Association. During her childhood she lived in the catchment area of Eoghan Ruadh Camogie and Hurling Club, where her uncle, Bill North, was first captain and her father president of the men's club.

Playing and refereeing career[]

With the Eoghan Ruadh Camogie and Hurling Club, she started playing under 14 camogie in 1951, and played from Juvenile to Senior. She won at all grades, including the All Ireland Championship, winning an All Ireland Junior championship. She was a well-known referee for the sport, having refereed three All Ireland Senior finals in 1973, and the draw and replay of the 1981 final.

Administration and presidency[]

Breslin was first appointed a delegate to Dublin Board at 16 years of age, and later became Dublin delegate to Leinster, and to the Camogie Association Árd Chomhairle. She was Leinster chair twice and ran for president in 1994, losing by five votes. She ran again in 1997, and this time her candidacy was successful.

During her presidency the 15-a-side team formation and the full GAA pitch were adopted by the sport. She helped establish the annual camogie-shinty fixture and the annual Camogie All Stars Awards. She bestowed life presidency of the association on in 1998.

Personal life[]

She worked for the Irish Dairy Board for 32 years.

References[]