Programme Ethos is Participation over Results
The Camogie Association has launched a new programme, Táin Camogie, aimed at increasing participation in camogie across the northern counties of Ireland. It is designed to provide clubs with opportunities to compete and develop their teams, particularly in non-traditional camogie counties. The programme aims to foster a love for the game while emphasising participation over results, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players.
Táin Camogie will operate in Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, Longford, Louth, Roscommon and Tyrone.
Táin Camogie is supported through Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport funding and will cater to both U14 and adult players. The programme has already seen positive engagement across participating counties, including Sligo, with Tourlestrane GAA entering a senior team for the first time – marking an important milestone for the county.
Newry Shamrocks Under 14 player Jemma Feehan said:
“I love playing Camogie. I really enjoy it and get a lot of satisfaction from it. It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop skills and to be determined to improve and become a better player. Táin is a brilliant competition, because too often we’re up against teams that are much stronger than ours, and that doesn’t really add to our enjoyment or motivation as a team or as individual players. If we had the chance to play against teams at our own level, we’d learn important skills much faster.”
Tourlestrane senior player, Davina Bolger, said:
“I started playing camogie when I was 4 or 5 years old in Wexford and it’s always been something I’ve enjoyed. Since moving to Sligo, I’ve had the opportunity to coach and manage lots of teams but unfortunately I never got to play as there was no teams or competitions for camogie in Sligo. I’m so grateful to now be able to play with Tourlestrane and take part in the new Táin Camogie competition.”
Brian Molloy, Uachtarán of the Camogie Association, said:
“William Maher, the newly appointed national head of hurling for the GAA, put it well when he said that it shouldn’t be that you’re just fortunate to be born into an environment where Hurling is played. Anyone can play Hurling. The same is obviously true of Camogie and that’s why I’m thrilled to launch the Táin Camogie programme, which aims to make camogie more accessible and inclusive, especially in counties where there may have been limited opportunities for competition. This programme represents a significant step forward in growing the sport in counties where camogie has not traditionally had a strong presence. The programme is designed not only to foster a love of the game but also to develop players at all levels, from U14s to seniors. We’re excited to see clubs from various counties coming together to promote camogie and build stronger sporting communities.”
Registered Teams:
- Antrim
Michael Davitts, Antrim Seniors
- Armagh
St Joseph’s, Madden, Armagh U14s
Mullaghbawn Camogie – U14
- Derry
St Patrick’s Camogie – U14
Ballinascreen – U14 & Second U14 Team
Na Magha – U14
- Donegal
CLG Beart – U14 & Seniors
Carndonagh – U14
Sean MacCumhaills – U14
Naomh Pádraig Muff – U14
- Down
Newry Shamrocks – Seniors & U14
- Mayo
Ballina Stephenites Hurling – U14
Westport Camogie – U14 & Second U14 Team
Castlebar Mitchels (U14)
- Monaghan
Castleblayney Camogie – Seniors & U14
Clontibret Camogie Club – Seniors
- Roscommon
Oran – Seniors & U14
Tulsk Camogie Club – U14 & Senior Team
- Sligo
Tourlestrane GAA – Seniors
- Tyrone
Omagh St Endas – Seniors & U14
Derrylaughan Kevin Barry – Seniors & U14
For more information on Táin Camogie, see www.camogie.ie
