Glass ceiling shattered as North West Golf Club elects first female president

North West Golf Club has marked a significant milestone in its 135-year history with the election of its first female club president.

Long-standing member Helen Quigley was elected unopposed at the club’s Annual General Meeting, becoming the first woman to hold the presidency at the Lisfannon club since its foundation.

Ms Quigley, a former SDLP Mayor of Derry who recently retired as CEO of the Inner City Trust, said the transition to a single club presidency had been handled in a “seamless and respectful” manner, praising the support of the club’s male membership.

Following prolonged applause at the AGM in the Lisfannon clubhouse, the newly elected president said she was deeply honoured to have been asked to serve in the role.

“I’m very proud to be part of this important step away from gender-based presidencies in such an historic club,” she said. “I would like to sincerely thank my proposer and seconder and I also express my appreciation to our Lady Captain Kathleen Griffin, her committee and the members of the Ladies branch for the confidence they have shown in nominating me.

“I would also like to commend our outgoing Captain Eugene Hillick and members of his council for their support in what has been a respectful transition to a single club President, a change which was achieved through co-operation and mutual respect.”

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Ms Quigley also paid tribute to her late father-in-law, Hugh Quigley, a former Captain of North West Golf Club and a long-time club stalwart.

She acknowledged the contribution of past members who worked to protect the course against coastal erosion over the years.

“Finally, I look forward to working with all the club officers and members going forward,” she concluded.

Founded in 1891, North West Golf Club is one of Ireland’s oldest golf clubs and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of sporting life in Inishowen.

The election of its first female president is a landmark moment in the club’s long history, reflecting wider changes in governance and participation across Irish golf where separate men's and women's national governing bodies merged back in 2019 into a new organisation called Golf Ireland.