The Camogie Association are saddened at the passing of Belle O’Loughlin (née Bannon), late of Warrenpoint, Down. Belle served as Iar Uachatarán of the Association and as current Joint President and lifelong servant of Down Camogie.
Belle Bannon developed her love and enthusiasm for camogie from Sister Mary de Sales at the Sacred Heart School. She polished the skills of the game in the Ulster Colleges’ competitions. A member of the St. Bridget’s club, Belle soon attracted the attention of the Down selectors and made a significant contribution to the county’s success in the 1968 Ulster Junior Championship.
She married Arthur O’Loughlin and settled in Warrenpoint. She took a keen interest in the local St. Peter’s Club, both as a player and coach. She immersed herself in camogie administration and served Down and Ulster in several positions. A highly regarded referee, she officiated the All-Ireland Senior Finals in 1982 and 1988. In 1994, Belle was elected President of the Camogie Association at Congress in Howth.
Belle’s other great love was tennis. She won many tournaments at a local level and around the province. A member of the Newry and Mourne Sports Development Committee, she was keen to see youth enjoy and gain the benefits of sport
Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam.
