Hosty, Maura

January 01, 2001
Armagh camogie gaels from across the county were deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of Maura Hosty, formerly Maura McStay. Maura proudly wore the blue jersey of Clan na Gael in the 70s and 80s and played for Armagh in the late 80s. Maura was Armagh's fullback when they appeared in Croke Park in the 1987 All Ireland Junior Final against Kildare. She was a great player, full of commitment and determination as many a full forward within Armagh and across the country will know. She was a sister of Denise and Catherine McStay who also wore the colours of the Clans and Armagh with distinction over many years. Maura will be fondly remembered by her contemporaries for her wit and humour and her approach, an approach which no doubt helped her through the recent years when she bore her terminal illness with great dignity. During the 1987 season when Armagh camogie was at a height, there were few times of laughter that Maura Hosty was not a central part of. Maura was seldom seen with a frown and was a very popular player, both as an opponent who was admired for her craft and determination as well as a friend to all her playing colleagues. Maura's father was the great Gerry McStay who sadly passed away last summer, so her untimely passing at an early age will be another sad blow for the McStay and Hosty families. Maura resided in England in recent years and many of her former playing colleagues of Clan na Gael and Armagh would have been pleased to have renewed acquaintance again with her at the time of her father's passing. Little was she and they to know that she too would be leaving us in just a matter of months. Armagh camogie will remember Maura for her contribution to County Armagh and to the Clan na Gael club but it will be her family who will feel most the sadness of her absence. Sincere sympathy is extended to Maura's husband Gerard and to her sisters Denise and Catherine and brother Timothy. Go ndeannaigh Dia trocaire or an annum. - courtesy of the Armagh Observer

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