Born: 1924 (Dublin)
Died: 2014 (near Dublin)
Biography:
Joan Gertrude O’Reilly (17 September 1924 – 10 January 2014) was an Irish athlete, hockey player, umpire, and butcher. Discrimination prevented her from competing at the 1948 Olympics, but she turned to hockey and gained 34 caps before retiring to administer and umpire matches.
O’Reilly was born in Dublin in 1924 as one of six children. She received her education at De Loreto College, where she developed an interest in hockey. However, her main talent lay in sprinting, and she would have represented Ireland at the 1948 Olympics if discrimination had not hindered her. The church objected to sending qualifying women athletes, so the state only sent four women artists for artistic events. Nonetheless, O’Reilly showcased her sprinting prowess at various international competitions, competing against Olympians and proving the quality of her abilities.
In 1949, O’Reilly competed at the Women’s Athletic Association of Ireland’s first meeting, winning both the 100-yard and 200-yard races. Despite her success in athletics, O’Reilly primarily worked as a pork butcher in Crumlin. Her sister ran a nearby drapery, while her brother sold beef at the same business, showcasing the family’s deep-rooted connection to the meat trade.
Later on, O’Reilly turned her focus towards hockey. She became an integral part of the Irish team during the 1950s, representing her country in 34 international games. These matches took place in England, South Africa, and the Netherlands, allowing O’Reilly to gain valuable experience and further develop her skills. She even captained a successful tour of the United States, where the Irish team emerged victorious in 22 out of 24 matches.
A historic highlight of O’Reilly’s hockey career was Ireland’s victory over England in Belfast in 1950. This marked the first time Ireland had beaten England in a hockey match since 1908, making it a significant moment in Irish hockey history.
In recognition of her contributions to Irish hockey, O’Reilly was posthumously inducted into the Irish Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s pioneers. Sadly, O’Reilly passed away in 2014 in a nursing home near Dublin, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of athletics and women’s history.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Irish Hockey Hall of Fame (2006)