Camogie Development News

Summer Camogie

Wexford’s summer of camogie has kicked off in recent weeks with activity underway across all ages. An u8 blitz was held in St.Annes last weekend which saw 22 clubs with 32 teams taking part. With over 340 girls taking to the field of play, they all enjoyed the occasion representing their clubs and look forward to the next all county blitz in July. Many thanks to Geraldine, Kathleen, Eamon, Gerry and Triona for all their help and efforts. Also, following up on the u14 Wexford 7 a side last year, this year sees an u16 and u14 7 a-side being ran in Wexford. Monday night saw this kick off in Ferns GAA Centre of Excellence with 9 teams and over 100 girls getting stuck into the action. This was the first full night of the Club 7’s and we look forward to plenty more over the coming weeks. If your club wish to come along, contact Joe Roche, Wexford Development Officer. All are very much welcome.

The Leinster Club Summer Sevens returns this July and August and registration is now open for both days. All clubs across Leinster are invited to come along and use the day for a fun club day out, an opportunity for games or preparation for their own club championship. The first date for the diary is July 15^th for the u16 Club Sevens – aimed at providing games for the club players who may not be involved in their inter-county squads who are currently mid championship. Also, this year we have added in the u21 Club Sevens on August 12th to provide for the older teenage and young adult players. Both days take place in Portlaoise GAA Grounds, Rathleague. All the information has been sent out to club secretaries, but if you wish to enter your club team, please contact the Leinster Participation and Growth Coordinator, Sabrina Larkin on sabrina.larkin@camogie.ie  or 086 7961859

On Thursday the 31^st May, Cumann na mBunscol Laighean held a very successful blitz day in Rathleague, Portlaoise. This saw 7 counties represented with primary school aged players, all taking part in the round robin of games. Teams represented Carlow, Laois (x2), Kilkenny, Meath, Kildare and Dublin, with all teams playing 5 games on the day, so there was plenty of opportunity to play for all. Many thanks to Paudie Bourke and Fiona Delaney in the organising of the day. Also thanks to all the girls, teachers, helpers and TY Young Whistlers from Laois camogie for their enthusiasm and efforts on the day also. 

Buttevant Camogie Club

Our last night of training with the Hurl with Me Programme passed off Monday 18th June 2018 with a palpable sense of learning, fun and camaraderie between our super u10 girls, parents, coaches and committee members. 

An unexpected number but nevertheless welcome turnout of parents and grandparents at the outset of this programme set the stage for what has become weekly sessions filled with fun, laughter, learning and energetic matches. 

Our fabulous Coach; Esther O’Leary skillfully took our parents through the week's building on their skills, knowledge and experience whilst weaving these key components into matches, 1:1 tutoring, group games and combined training with our wonderful u10 team.

Week by week our parent group grew in confidence, skills and immeasurably as a team.  Much fun, playful banter and the odd blast of competitive spirit ensured many enjoyable matches followed.

Our final evening of training with Esther O’Leary in the Hurl with Me Programme offered those in attendance the chance to put all their learning into practice during their final match which was both thrilling and uniquely entertaining for those lucky enough to be present and/or passing through the busy pitch at the time! Children, Parents, trainers and mentors all expressed their delight in participating in this worthwhile and exciting initiative.

Furthermore, rumours are abound that this magnificent group of parents will return next week to continue training regardless, which, it has to said, is a true mark of the success of this programme and a resounding testament to both Esther O’Leary and John Brosnan as trainers, coaches and motivating mentors. 

We wish our u10 group the very best of luck for a wonderful day full of fun and memories when they travel to participate in the final day of this programme in a gathering of all 32 clubs in the GAA National Games Development Centre, Abbottstown, Dublin on Sunday July 1st. On this day, both parents and children will attend each playing against their respective counterparts from across the country.  Well done all and enjoy the day!!!!