The ILGU was founded in 1893 and staged its first Ladies Championship in 1894. Three years later the women’s game was steadily growing in popularity, albeit with a membership solely of Northern clubs until Foxrock sought, and were granted, membership of the Union in 1897. In that context, we are told in the ILGU Centenary history (1893-1993) authored by John Redmond and Dermot Gilleece, that there was “an animated discussion” about the venue for the 1897 Championship.