Wexford woman receives GPA Lifetime Achievement Award at Croke Park

There were proud tears and fond memories in abundance this past Friday, 18th July 2025, when Wexford’s very own camogie legend Margaret Leacy (née O’Leary) was honoured at Croke Park…

She receivied the Gaelic Players Association’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual GPA Legends Lunch.

The gathering coincided with the eve of the All‑Ireland hurling final weekend and served as a fitting tribute to one of our county’s most revered figures in the Gaelic games family.

Readers of Wexford Weekly will need little reminding of Margaret’s towering legacy. A native of Oulart‑The Ballagh and stalwart wing‑back for both that club and the Buffers Alley, she helped Wexford secure All‑Ireland senior camogie titles in 1968, 1969 and 1975, a feat few can rival. Her club honours are equally impressive: three All‑Ireland club championships with Buffers Alley and a further title with Eoghan Ruadh in Dublin, along with eight Gael Linn interprovincial medals.

In 1968, she was crowned Gaelic All‑Star Player of the Year, and two decades later was immortalised on the Camogie Team of the Century in 2004.

At Croke Park, Leacy joined fellow legend Joe Connolly among the Lifetime Achievement honourees — with Connolly receiving the hurling award while Margaret represented camogie at the highest level.

For many in Leinster and indeed the wider camogie community, Margaret O’Leary‑Leacy is synonymous with tenacity, skill and unwavering dedication to her county. She later served as chair of her club, coaching multiple Féile na nGael teams to All‑Ireland success—a testament to her devotion to camogie both on and off the field.

Daughters Mary and Úna Leacy, themselves All‑Ireland winners with Wexford in the modern era, carry forward their mother’s legacy, adding further glittering chapters to the family’s connection with the O’Duffy Cup.

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