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Laois Ladies Football Legend Honoured By County Council

Monday, 16 March 2026 14:13

Sue Ramsbottom at Croke Park after being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award from the GPA. (2024)

Sue Ramsbottom is a Ladies Gaelic Football Hall of Famer.

A Cathaoirleach’s Reception was held in the Council Chamber of Laois County Council in recognition of Sue Ramsbottom - Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s Hall of Fame recipient.

The event celebrated her induction into the Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s Hall of Fame, recognising a lifetime of extraordinary sporting achievement, leadership, and contribution to women’s sport in Ireland and beyond.

The event was hosted by Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh, and attended by Councillors Vivienne Phelan, John Joe Fennelly, Conor Bergin, John King, Paddy Buggy, Padraig Fleming and Tommy Mulligan.  

Also present was Deputy Sean Fleming TD, Laois County Council’s Director of Services Donal Brennan, Senior Executive Officer Pamela Tynan and Connie Conway from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.

Sue’s remarkable journey in Gaelic football began at a very young age. At just 12 years old, she won an All-Ireland Senior Club medal with The Heath in 1986, which was only the start of her remarkable career.

She later moved to Timahoe, where she enjoyed further success at both local and provincial levels. On the inter-county stage, Sue became one of Laois’s most influential players. Her dream was made a reality in 2001, when Laois secured a historic victory over Mayo in the All-Ireland Senior Championship.

Throughout her inter-county career, Sue also contributed to National League Division 1 title wins in 1993 and 2003, won a coveted TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship medal, and earned seven TG4 All Star awards, marking her as one of the finest players of her generation.

Sue’s dedication to promoting women’s sport extended far beyond her time on the Laois panel. While living in Strasbourg, she founded the Strasbourg Gaels underage team, helping to introduce and grow Gaelic games on an international stage.

Her sporting career was not limited to Gaelic football. Sue was also capped three times for Ireland in rugby, demonstrating her versatility, athletic ability, and commitment to representing her country at the highest levels of sport.

Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach at Laois County Council said:

“Sue’s remarkable achievements and her lifelong dedication to women’s sport stand as an inspiration to players across Laois and far beyond. Her talent, leadership, and determination have left a lasting mark on Gaelic games. Sue embodies the very best of our county, and her induction into the LGFA Hall of Fame is richly deserved.”

Speaking at the Reception, Sue Ramsbottom said:

“I want to sincerely thank Laois County Council for this reception. It is a deeply humbling experience to be recognised by my own county in this way. I also want to express my gratitude to Timahoe LGFA for their support. To be inducted into the LGFA Hall of Fame is an honour I never expected. While it is an individual award, anyone in the GAA knows that no one gets here alone. It is a reflection of every teammate, coach and volunteer I’ve worked with across the county.

Representing Laois was the ultimate honour. My county teammates and I shared one dream – to win an All-Ireland – and in 2001, that dream came true. The bond we forged on that journey will stay with me forever.

Gaelic Football has given me so much – resilience, lifelong friendships, joy and memories that will never fade. I’m proud to see how much the game has grown. It is vital that every young girl sees sport as a place where she belongs, where she can challenge herself, build confidence and have fun.

I have always tried to carry the values of my home county with me. I am a Timahoe woman at heart. I am and always will be a Laois woman. After two years away, it feels wonderful to be at home. Thank you for this wonderful evening. Recognition like this reminds us how valued our games, our players and our communities truly are”.

Sue’s career is characterised not only by success, but by her significant role as a pioneer for women’s sport. Her commitment, discipline, and belief have encouraged countless young players across Laois and far beyond, setting a standard of excellence and bringing immeasurable pride to the county.

Sue Ramsbottom was presented with a gift of a bespoke painting of Timahoe Church and Roundtower on the night.

Laois County Council also extended thanks to Sue’s family, teammates, coaches, and all who supported her throughout her career, acknowledging the community that helped shape her journey.

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