Munster Council Camogie Blitz 2009

Munster Council Camogie held their second Primary schools development squads Blitz in Mallow GAA on Saturday. Regional Development Officer Deirdre Murphy, in conjunction with Munster Colleges Camogie and Munster Cumann na mBunscol, were the driving force behind the initiative.
The Munster Camogie Council development plan prioritises coaching development in primary and secondary schools with PR work and the improvement of the game in the weaker counties amongst the core areas being addressed. Munster GAA is supporting the development plan and has been proactive in the venture, ensuring both associations follow an integrated approach to improve the profile and development of Camogie in the province. 

 

The Kerry team and mentors

The blitz involved each of the six counties participating in a round robin series of games. Cork had two panels and Dublin, managed by Paul Beecher, brought two panels also to participate in a well organised series of games. Over thirty games were played on the four pitches which were refereed by Coachford students Aine O’ Connor, Laura Burke, Nicola Doherty,  Marie Corkery, Joanne Casey (All Coachford College), Edel Murphy and Colleen Foley (Carrignavar)  who recently completed the “”Greencard”” referee course.
Cork team Manager Terry O’ Brien was delighted with the event which ran on schedule and was blessed with glorious sunshine. The medal presentation was historic in itself, with the 250 players gathered around the podium after the ninth set of games and the array of different county jerseys made welcome viewing.

The Tipperary team and mentor

Limerick’s enthusiastic Manager Tim Larkin noted the performance of exceptional players including Niamh McCarthy, Emer Crowley, Jessica Dunne and Erinn Desmond from Cork, Caroline Walsh, Niamh McInerney and Deirdre Cotter from the Banner whilst Alanna Kissane, Rachel O’ Mahony and Sarah Fitzgerald from Kerry were prominent throughout the day. Experienced Munster Tutor Donal McCarthy, Principal of Ballylooby, praised the initiative and the impeccable organisation of the event. Players of note from Tipperary included Leanne Hayes, Margaret Grace and Caoimhe Condon with Donna Mulcahy, Kate Mulqueen and Aoife Brown performing admirably for Limerick. The Waterford panel relied on Siobhan Shanahan, Kayleigh Veale and Dawn Power whilst all the players were keen to hold onto their colourful program as a memento particularly the Dublin teams who proved to be the strongest side on view all day. Manager Paul Beecher, originally from St. Catherine’s but domiciled in Dublin after a short time in the middle east, appears to have made a major impact in coaching circles in the Capital.

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