Ann Downey


Ann Downey is a retired camogie player, winner of 12 [All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship|All Ireland inter-county medals], captaining the team in 1989 and 1994, and seven All-Ireland club medals with St Paul's and Lisdowney – one more than her sister Angela who was suspended for one final.

Family background

Her father, Shem Downey won an All-Ireland medal with Kilkenny in All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship|1947]. Her twin sister Angela was cited in 2004 as the greatest player in the history of camogie.

Career

She went to school in Castlecomer before joining her sister in St Brigid’s in Callan. During their careers in the 1970s and '80s Kilkenny completely dominated the game, including winning seven senior All-Irelands in-a-row from 1985 to 1991.

Awards

She was recipient of the Camogie [All Stars Awards#Other awards|Player of the year award] in 1991 on her own account and jointly with her sister Angela in 1986 and 1989. In 2010 the Downey sisters received a Lifetime Achievement in Sport award.

Management

In May 2007 she took over management of the Kilkenny camogie team, becoming only the second female manager in senior inter-county camogie, after Wexford's Stellah Sinnott.

Team of the Century

In 2004 when she was overlooked for selection on the Camogie team of the century, her sister Angela snubbed the ceremony.

Other sports

A notable golfer, she also won Irish Veterans' Championship over-40 women's squash singles in 1998.