Thursday May 21st saw a Camogie event feature as part of the Student Sport Ireland Virtual Network 2020. The GAA Club and wider student community at WIT Arena were recognised for the central role which they played in the hosting of the 2020 Ashbourne Cup Weekend by way of receiving the ‘Student Sport Ireland Event of the Year Award’.
With the collaboration of the CCAO, WIT Vikings GAA Club and the wider team at the WIT Arena this year’s competition went ahead at a time when many other sporting events were hampered by unruly weather conditions. “The event was set for the weekend of the 15th/16th February this year which coincided directly with the arrival of storm Denis”, explained the Camogie Association’s Club and Education Co-ordinator, Liam Clancy.
“The team at the WIT Arena had adjusted their planning in line with the adverse conditions right up to the first games of the weekend throwing in on the Friday evening and it was through this planning and collaboration between the major stakeholders present in Waterford on the weekend that ensured the success of this year’s Ashbourne Cup Weekend.”
WIT Vikings’ GAA Development Officer, Katie Redmond, noted the ongoing relationship the Waterford Institute of Technology’s student body has: “Given WIT’s proud and rich history in the competition along with our commitment to Student Sport Irelands’ 20×20 Women in Sport Charter, it was fitting that the WIT Vikings GAA Club, WIT Vikings Sport and the WIT Arena hosted this year’s Ashbourne Cup.”
“The Camogie club here in WIT has been one of the most triumphant College Clubs in recent times, earning eight Ashbourne Cups, including a famous five-in-a-row from 2009-2013. Many Division 1 League titles along with Fresher All-Irelands have too been attained over the years, with the most recent being in the 2018-2019 academic year”, Katie notes.
The Ashbourne Cup Weekend, being the jewel in the crown of the Camogie calendar at Third Level, provided a platform for the Camogie community to come together both on and off the field in Waterford as Katie explained: “The support of the CCAO and event sponsor UPMC coupled with the fantastic support from our student body ensured the success of this weekend. The event also provided us with an opportunity to look back by hosting the 20-year reunion of the WIT Ashbourne Cup winning team whilst also looking after the future by hosting a workshop for the current Waterford Under 14 Camogie team. We are very grateful to all at Student Sport Ireland in selecting us as winners of this award.”
WIT’s successful video portfolio entry can be viewed HERE
