Byrne calls for new Liffey bridge to be named after local sporting hero

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Catherine Byrne, has called on residents of Inchicore, Kilmainham and the South West Inner City to register their support for the naming of the new Liffey bridge after Inchicore resident and local sporting hero, Kay Mills. 

Kay is one of the five names that has been shortlisted for possible names for the new bridge which is expected to open next year and which will link Marlborough Street on the north side of the Liffey to Hawkins Street on the south side.

“Local Inchicore resident Kathleen Mills, or Kay Mills as she was more commonly known, is one of the greatest sportswomen Ireland has ever seen, with some now referring to her as the Katie Taylor of her time. Kay played senior camogie with Dublin from 1941 until 1961 and is regarded as one of the greatest camogie players Ireland has ever produced, winning an outstanding 15 All-Ireland Senior Medals during her sporting career; a feat that is unrivalled in camogie, hurling or football history.

“Kay was born in 31 South Square, Inchicore, Dublin, on October 8, 1923, of a Dublin mother and a Cork father. When she was just 18 months old her mother died, leaving her to be raised by her maternal grandmother. From a very young age she demonstrated a great interest in a wide range of sports, with camogie being her first love. She was educated in the local convent school at Goldenbridge and naming of the new Liffey bridge after her would, I feel, be a fitting tribute. Kay was not only a great Irish woman but also a Dublin sporting native of exceptional skill and talent.

“Kay has been honoured with a plaque in her memory at her old house at 1 Abercorn Terrace, Inchicore; an event which was organised by Inchicore/Kilmainham Heritage Committee, Dublin City Council and the Camogie Association. The public sentiment seems to recognise the need to name the new bridge after a woman, seeing as all of the other 16 bridges over the River Liffey between Heuston Station and the East Link are named after men. If the residents of Inchicore, Kilmainham and the South west inner City get behind the drive, there is no reason why we can’t make this a reality.

“Kay was an inspiration to young women in sport, not only in the city of Dublin but right across Ireland and she achieved much in highlighting the importance of female participation in sport. I urge local residents to get behind the campaign to have the new Liffey bridge named in her honour.”
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