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Saturday 26th September signalled the beginning of the colleges season with the 3rd Level AGM taking place. Chaired by Lynn Kelly the AGM took place in Croke Park with delegates representing many of the universities attending. Taking time out of their busy schedules and attending their first colleges AGM in their recent posts was Uachtarßn Chumann Cam¾gaÝochta na nGael Joan O’Flynn and Ard Stiurth¾ir Sinead O’Connor.
Perhaps the main talking point from the meeting is that after a motion put forward by the executive is that for the first time in competition history both the Ashbourne and Purcell competitions will be run jointly on the same weekend. This can only be good for our game with many of the country’s top talents competing for a coveted Ashbourne or Purcell medal. This promises to be a festival of camogie and this year Cork Institute of Technology have requested the honour of hosting the event. It will take place on the 20th and 21st of February 2010 and after their near neighbours UCC hosting last year’s competition with resounding success we are sure that CIT will leave no stone unturned in reaching the same standard this year.
With the college season being such a short season we are straight into action with the leagues commencing on the 14th October. Like last year, Divisions 1 and 2 will be split into geographical sections. After winning Division 2 last year Mary I make the move up to the top division and will compete against Munster’s finest UCC, CIT, UL and WIT to see who can top the section. Division 1B will see last year’s Ashbourne runners up UCD against NUIG, UUJ and QUB. After a few years in the top flight Garda college drop down to division 2 in a process of rebuilding. Teams competing in Division 2A NUIM, St Pats, UCD II, DIT, DCU and Gardai College. While in Division 2B Carlow IT and Tralee will compete against UCC II, WIT II and UL II.
Highlighting the continued growth and strength of 3rd level camogie new clubs have been founded in Crumlin and Letterkenny ,while Tralee will enter a second string team to compete in Division 3. This will be run as one day blitzes in different locations throughout the year. The teams competing for honours in Division 3 are therefore Dundalk IT, LIT, St Marys, Sligo IT, Trinity College, Cork Colleges, Marino, Crumlin, Letterkenny and Tralee II.
In the championship UUJ will host Mary I in the qualifier to determine who will play in this year’s Ashbourne or Purcell whilst Garda college will take on last year’s Purcell winners Athlone IT. These matches will be played on the last weekend in November.
In the Ashbourne Cup/Shield qualifier UCC will host old rivals UL in what should be an intriguing contest. Ashbourne hosts CIT have the toughest draw against last year’s winners Waterford IT, whilst beaten finalists UCD will play NUIG and the final pairing sees the winners of the Ashbourne/Purcell qualifier playing each other.
Unfortunately Saturdays AGM saw the resignation of Ardchomhairle delegate Louise Byrne. A previous chairperson Louise took the decision to step down after a number of years hard work and dedication. Efficient and organised she will leave a massive gap and all those who had the pleasure of dealing with her wish her every success in the future. Honorary President Bridin Mulligan made a presentation to Louise to thank her for her efforts. Apart from Louise stepping down the committee will remain as last year.
Chairperson – Lynn Kelly
Secretary – Lizzy Flynn
Ass. Secretary – Orla Kilkenny
IT – Shane Darcy
Treasurer – Aidan Ë Mhaolagßin
PRO – Fionnuala Carr
Honorary President – Bridin Mulligan
To end on a positive note, President Joan O’Flynn launched the new 3rd level camogie website. This website will give up-to-date match reports, latest news and events, Executive contact details, photo gallery and player profiles. Each university will have their own page and will be able to access it and update it on a regular basis. The new website can be viewed at www.ccao.ie
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