Kate Moran Death, Athenry Galway – Chairperson Athenry Camogie Club Died

Kate Moran, a gifted camogie player who had already won two All-Ireland U-16 medals with Galway, died after suffering a head injury during a league match for Athenry. Her loss cast a long shadow over the sport and those who knew her.

When Galway finally ended a 16-year wait for the senior camogie title with a win over Sarsfields in October, manager Joe Rabbitte paused during his post-match interview to remember Kate and her family. Speaking on Galway Bay FM, he said the team had endured three difficult years and, even in a moment of celebration, it was important to acknowledge the Moran family. He added that had Kate still been alive, she would have been on the field that day.

Rabbitte shared a long history with the Moran family, having played alongside Kate’s father, Cathal, for many years. Together, they won three All-Ireland club titles in 1997, 2000, and 2001, as well as an All-Ireland U-21 championship for Galway in 1991. Their friendship continued beyond sport, and their families remained closely connected as their daughters grew up together.

Reflecting on 2022, Rabbitte described it as the hardest year the team had ever faced. Losing Kate, he said, was devastating. She was not only a talented camogie player but a joyful presence, full of warmth and humor. Though the pain remains, he explained that they try to carry her memory with them while continuing forward. He expressed pride in the team for honoring Kate’s memory while still finding the strength to move on with their lives.