RUTH BERMINGHAM – Ladies GAA Football

Scottish folklore has it that after many defeats in the early 1300s, Robert de Bruce watched a spider weaving its web. Six times, the spider moved from one wall to the other side of the cave but six times it failed to make the connection. On the seventh attempt, the spider finally achieved what it was trying to do.

De Bruce had experienced six defeats in battle but inspired by the persistence of the spider, the King in waiting finally beat the English at Bannockburn in 1314.

This year’s football winner, Ruth Bermingham, could surely identify with both Robert de Bruce and that spider in the cave.

She has gone to the well with both her club Bennekerry/Tinryland and Carlow time and time again. She had won county titles with Bennekerry/Tinryland but there were defeats where there were always fierce battles against old foes, Old Leighlin.

This year at intercounty level, after so many previous defeats, Ruth led Carlow into the National Football League Division 4 semi-finals and promotion from the division. They beat Fermanagh 2-8 to 0-10 in a last four battle. She went on to lead Carlow as they beat Limerick 1-7 to 0-6 in the final. It was an historic day for ladies football in Carlow. The captain led by example and put in a huge shift both days.

While Carlow were ousted narrowly in the All-Ireland Junior Football semi-final, there was joy for the Bennekerry/Tinryland player when she was part of a Carlow club team which won a Leinster club title.

It got better and Croke Park beckoned when they beat Mullahoran of Cavan in the All-Ireland semi-final. History was made when Ruth played a huge role as her club, Bennekerry/Tinryland were deserving winners over, Galway side, Annaghdown, in the final. It was an amazing day for Bennekerry/Tinryland and for Ruth.

In a glorious, 2024 season, the old saying of try, try again was never more appropriate for this year’s football award winner.