By Paul O’Donovan
“Thanks for the memories,” said Pamela Greville as the Westmeath and Raharney camogie star announced her retirement from the game on Friday of last week. But really it is those of us who were privileged enough to have watched the talented Greville in action over the past 20 years that should be thanking Greville for the memories.
It had been rumoured that Greville was about to announce her retirement after Westmeath had made their exit from the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship following defeat against Waterford in TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar back in November, however, Greville made the official announcement last week.
For over 20 years Pamela Greville has shown her immense talents on the camogie fields of Ireland. A member of the renowned Greville family from Raharney, Pamela’s dad Sean played in goals for the Westmeath hurlers for many years, while her brothers Paul, Johnny, and twins Robbie and Gary have also played for Raharney and Westmeath, and Pamela’s sister Sandra also played for both the Raharney and Westmeath camogie teams, while brother Jimmy is now winning titles as a camogie coach with Cavan.
As a talented young player Pamela used her great stick work, incredible pace and great accuracy to terrorise defences up and down the country scoring goals and points at will.
Greville was part of the Raharney side who remain undefeated in Westmeath after winning six senior county titles in a row.
The Raharney forward’s ability to take on teams single handedly at times, also saw Westmeath make progress as they moved up the ranks from junior level, to intermediate, culminating in Westmeath reaching the promised land of senior camogie for the first time, earlier this year.
“It has been an absolute honour to wear the Westmeath jersey and it was even more special as it was shared with the most amazing people!
One thing is for sure is that dreams really do come true, so don’t give up on yours. Looking forward to seeing Westmeath Camogie grow more and more! Thanks for the memories,” said Greville.
Greville, who is the most decorated Westmeath camogie player and the best ever to wear the maroon and white of Westmeath, said she felt it was just right to finish up now.
“With Covid and everything, senior looked like it was never going to happen, but it did, and we won a game in it. So I just feel like I’ve given everything that I can give, and I can walk away happy and feeling grateful,” she said.
Greville has won numerous cups, medals and awards over the years. She was a member of Westmeath’s All-Ireland Junior ‘B’ winning panel in 2006, and won All-Ireland medals at Junior ‘A’ in 2012, Premier Junior in 2017 and Intermediate level in 2019. Greville also won two Soaring Star awards and was last year’s WGPA Intermediate Player of the Year.
Having announced her retirement, Greville paid tribute to all her family and in particular to her daughter Stephanie and her brothers, Johnny and Jimmy for their support and motivation over the years.
GREATEST EVER
Westmeath Camogie Board also paid tribute to Pamela this week saying, “We would like to say a huge thank you to our greatest ever camogie player Pamela Greville, after she announced her retirement from the inter-county scene. The Raharney woman, who represented our camogie team with distinction for over 20 years, has the unique honour of representing us at every championship level, from Junior ‘B’ to Senior. Greville’s scoring ability was a key ingredient in our All-Ireland victories at Intermediate (2019), Premier Junior (2017), Junior ‘A’ (2012) and Junior ‘B’ level (2006).
In recent months she helped earn our camogie side a historic senior championship win over Limerick.
Throughout her star-studded career Greville has also won numerous club titles, represented Leinster in the Interprovincial series, and won many individual awards, including 2 Soaring Stars and the 2019 WGPA Intermediate Player of the Year accolade.
Greville has been an inspirational leader during her playing career and has been a role model for many girls throughout the county.
We would like to wish Pamela the very best in the future and say congratulations on an outstanding career.”
This week Pamela confirmed to Topic that if the Leinster or All-Ireland Club Championship go ahead, depending on the Covid situation, then she would finish out the campaign with Raharney in 2021, if the games are played, but after that she would retire then from playing with both club and county.
