Ulster GAA and Camogie joint launch of championships

The combined launch of the Ulster Senior Hurling & Ulster Senior & Junior Camogie Championships took place yesterday at the Ramada Hotel Belfast.

For the second year in a row the Provincial ‘small ball’ family held a joint launch.
Ulster Camogie Chairperson Catherine O’Hara praised the Ulster GAA’s leadership in the area.
‘Moving forward together will only serve to strengthen the hand of both codes. After all we are from the same families and parishes who want the best for their young people male and female…sport should be no exception.’

Catherine went on to single out the close working relationship of the two Councils. ‘this is the first time in our Ulster Camogie history that a County ground…in fact any ground has been provided for our showcase finals so well in advance. Last year the Ulster GAA President Tom Daly and Secretary Danny Murphy recognised our need to be able to market and sell our game…which was really impossible when no-one knew where the match was until the final hour. This year Securing Pairc Esler in Newry, with the full support of the Down GAA Board has given us the unique opportunity to stage the greatest day ever.
We are actively promoting the event among our members, which will cater for the whole family and become a festival of camogie.

We are at the minute working closely with the Newry & Mourne District Council, Down Camogie & GAA Board and the Ulster GAA.
We expect a recording breaking attendance. Camogie clubs in Ulster have been asked to give this their fill support. Players, officials, administrators and supporters from past era’s are being contacted in an effort to attract all our people back to the game. The players today are part of their legacy. They also deserve the recognition that the male code receive. We have asked the press to cater for almost half of the GAA family and do more to help us showcase and grow our sport. After all with the best will in the world, you cannot sell what you cannot see. The promotion of female games and the healthy lifestyle attached is morally correct…there is no argument.

The reaction from the smallest of clubs has been overwhelming…we expect a bumper crowd.’
A full itinerary will be issued by mid May.

Senior Semi-finals
Antrim (holders) v Armagh
Derry v Down

Junior
Tyrone v Cavan
Donegal v Monaghan
 

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