ANTRIM Camogie legend Lily Spence has died aged 98.
The Belfast native won an All Ireland title with the Saffrons and was also chairman of the Camogie Association.
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She was part of the team that won the All Ireland in 1947 with a 2-4 2-1 victory over Dublin in the final.
Spence was president of the Camogie Association between 1956 and 1959 and also served as treasurer for 20 years.
She refereed the All Ireland Camogie final four times in 1953, 1955, 1971 and 1972.
Spence died peacefully at the Nazareth Care Village in Belfast on Monday.
Antrim Camogie paid tribute to Spence last night saying: “It is with great sadness that we offer our condolences on the passing of Lily Spence.
“Lily won an All-Ireland with Antrim in 47. Served Antrim in all director roles.
“She was President of Camogie, refereed All Ireland Finals and Ulster Schools for 50 years. Mary Queen of Gael prays for her.”
Spence’s obituary on the Funeral Times website gave details of the grand camogie’s funeral.
It read: “Died peacefully on 1st August 2022 at Nazareth Care Village, formerly Falls Road, Belfast.
“Beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Ellen Spence and sister of the late Harry, Margaret and Vincent.
“Lily’s remains will leave 286 Falls Road, Belfast on Wednesday 3rd August at 11.30am to arrive at St John’s Church, Falls Road for the 12.00pm Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery.
“Deeply missed by her nieces and nephews, Joe, Maire, Roisin, Aidan, Ailish, Father Michael, Anthony, Anne, Canice, Clare and those around her. May she rest in peace.”
The Waterford Camogie Association was also part of the wider GAA community to pay tribute to Spence since his passing.
They wrote on Twitter: “Waterford Camogie would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Lily Spence. Lily was the former President of the Camogie Association. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam uasal.”
