Get behind your club with Liberty Insurance, proud partners of both GAA Hurling and Camogie
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Find out more at www.libertygaa.ie
Offer ends October 13th 2013. Terms and conditions apply, view libertygaa.ie. For Irish business, Liberty Insurance Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. For Northern Ireland business, Liberty Insurance Limited is authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Liberty Insurance Camogie Championship Update
As the championship reaches the business end, a cracking round of games are down for decision this month in the Liberty Insurance Camogie Championship. In the senior grade, Wexford overcame Offaly in a pulsating quarter-final on Saturday while Galway accounted for Tipperary. Wexford, who are chasing four All Ireland titles in a row will face Galway on August 17th while Kilkenny take on 2012 finalists Cork. Both games take place in Nowlan Park on August 17th at 2.00pm and 4.00pm.
Liberty Insurance Intermediate Camogie Championship
Group 1
Antrim, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford.
Group 2
Galway, Meath, Tipperary, Wexford.
Semi Finals
Limerick v Meath.
Galway v Waterford.
Semi Finals will be held in a neutral venue on Aug 24th.
Liberty Insurance Premier Junior Camogie Championship
Group
Armagh, Down, Kildare, Laois, Roscommon, Westmeath.
Semi Finals
Westmeath v Laois
Kildare v Down
Semi Finals will be held in a neutral venue on Aug 24th.
Liberty Insurance Junior A Camogie Championship
Group
Carlow, Dublin, Offaly.
Dublin and Offaly will contest the 2013 final.
Liberty Insurance Junior B Camogie Championship
Group
Cill Dara, Kerry, Meath 2.
As all three teams are level on points, a three way play off must take place with games scheduled for August 11th, 14th and 18th to decide who will contest the 2013 Liberty Insurance Junior B Camogie Final.
Calling all members of the camogie & hurling family for Freestyle Hurling
Opportunity to travel on GAA All Star trip to China for winners
Freestyle Hurling, a joint GAA/GPA initiative, was launched in Croke Park on Tuesday July 30th .The aim of this initiative is to help promote the game of hurling across the world using modern media to showcase the skills of the game. Freestyle Hurling is the art of expressing yourself with a Hurley and sliotar while performing skills and trick shots using any part of the body. The challenge is simple: pick up your hurley and show the world what you can do by posting your very own ‘Freestyle Hurling’ videos online.
Inter-county players Declan Hannon (Limerick), Richie Hogan (Kilkenny), Paul Sheehan (Down) and Susan Vaughan (Clare) have signed up to be ambassadors of Freestyle Hurling. All four players feature in promotional videos which are now live on GAA.ie as well as the Official GAA YouTube Channel and can be viewed here.
The GAA/GPA Freestyle Hurling competition provides supporters with a unique opportunity to be part of the All-Ireland Hurling Final day experience on September 8 and for the winner to secure an exclusive opportunity to travel on the All-Stars trip to China later in the year.
The full entry process is outlined in detail at GAA.ie/freestylehurling and it is hoped that this initiative will help Hurling to feature prominently on the digital landscape both in Ireland and around the world. Hurling supporters are encouraged to record a video of no more than 30 seconds that best displays freestyle hurling skills.
Clips from the entries and more from our four Freestyle Hurling ambassadors will be shared on the Official GAA Facebook, YouTube and Twitter profiles in the coming weeks as well as on GAA.ie. Closing date for entries is August 31.
Páraic Duffy, Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA, said: “We all know that hurling is the most skilful field game there is and we have to strive to attract as many people as we can to the game.
“Through this initiative we hope to encourage people from all around the world to give hurling a go and show a global online audience what they can do. This is a hugely positive joint initiative that we have worked on with the GPA and we will work on other projects to ensure the ongoing promotion of Gaelic games.”
Dónal Óg Cusack, an All-Ireland winner with Cork and Chairman of the Gaelic Players Association, said: “We believe passionately that hurling needs to be promoted far more vigorously but it is vital that we are innovative in how we do that. This novel initiative is focused on the unique skills of hurling and brings those skills to any scene, particularly the urban landscape.
We saw again on Sunday just how passionate and combative hurling can be yet central to that thrilling entertainment were the many feats of extraordinary skill performed under pressure by our players. Now we hope to develop a new audience by exploring this avenue and encouraging people to display their hurling skills.”
Promotional videos from the launch can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/user/officialgaa
Camogie Association Gathering Event
“Lets Play Ball & Have a Ball”
The Camogie Gathering “Lets Play Ball & Have a Ball” took place in Na Fianna CLG and Croke Park on Thursday, July 25th to Saturday July 27th. Toronto Camogie Club, Croydon Camogie Club, Tara Camogie Club, Fullen Gaels, Manchester and a North American representative team, made up of players from Seattle and Washington DC joined with Dublin Camogie Clubs, Na Fianna, Ballyboden St. Endas, St. Vincents, Trinity Gaels and St. Brigids for a three day festival of camogie, taking place in Na Fianna CLG and Croke Park Stadium.
A welcome reception for all teams and invited guests was held at Na Fianna CLG on Thursday night at 9.00pm.
On Friday, a full itinerary of games, skills sessions and tours was lined up. Visiting and Dublin clubs took part in a wall ball and skills session on Friday morning in Na Fianna, while later that afternoon, a tour of Croke Park Museum also took place.
One of the undoubted highlights of the weekend for players and spectators alike was the Camogie tournament taking place from 5.00pm to 8.00pm in Croke Park Stadium with teams vying for the specially commissioned International Camogie Gathering Cup & Shield. Both items were kindly donated by MMI.ie, official All Ireland medal suppliers of the Camogie Association.
On Saturday morning, its back to Na Fianna once again, as players get ready for an International Camogie tournament from 10.30am to 5.00pm with Fullen Gaels securing the shield title and Tara Camogie Club winning the Cup Final. The event concluded with a farewell buffet dinner for players and guests.
The Camogie Association Gathering “Lets Play Ball & Have a Ball” was organised in conjunction with Dublin Camogie Board and is supported by Dublin City Council, The Gathering Ireland, O’Neills, GAA, Croke Park Stadium, Croke Park Museum, MMI and Na Fianna GAA and Camogie Club and the Regency Hotel, Dublin.
Participating teams were: Toronto, North America Representative Team, Fullen Gaels, Manchester, Croydon CC, London. Tara Camogie Club, Dublin Camogie Club Teams: Na Fianna, St Brigids, Trinity Gaels, Ballyboden St Endas, St.Vincents.
Mills in final shortlist
Dublin City Council has announced the final five proposed names for the new bridge over the River Liffey near Marlborough Street.The Council’s Commemorative Naming Committee had the difficult task of reducing the previous shortlist of 10 names to 5. Kay Mills, former Dublin Camogie Star and the holder of 15 All Ireland medals has made the short list, along with Rosie Hackett, Willie Bermingham, Frank Duff and Bram Stoker. The five nominations will be put before a full meeting of the Elected Members of Dublin City Council in September for a final decision on the naming of the bridge.
The Camogie Association and Dublin Camogie Board have been campaigning to have the new bridge over the river Liffey named in honour of Mills who won fifteen senior All Ireland medals. Kay Mills is the only Gaelic games team player to hold such an honour, eclipsing hurling legends such as Christy Ring, John Doyle and Henry Shefflin. Kay began her playing career with Dublin at the age of 14, winning her first All Ireland medal in 1942 and her last in 1961. She captained the side in 1959.
She was a player noted for her athleticism, fantastic skill level and was a superb ambassador for camogie. In addition to her All Ireland medals, she won twenty Leinster Championships, 6 Dublin senior County Championships and 4 Inter-provincial medals. She was an automatic choice on the Camogie Team of the Century chosen in 2004 and was inducted into the Cuchulainn Hall of Fame. She was also an accomplished soccer player, gymnast and table tennis player.
Her medal collection is currently on display in the GAA Museum Croke Park while in 2011 a plaque was unveiled at her place of residence, 1 Abercorn Terrace, following a joint initiative of the Inchicore/Kilmainham Heritage Committee, Dublin City Council and the Camogie Association.
The Camogie Association and Dublin Camogie Board, with the permission of George Hill, husband of the late Kay, request all involved in camogie to support the proposal to name the new bridge in her honour, an appropriate tribute to this iconic Dublin sports woman.
Notes:
•For further information regarding the above campaign please contact directly the following: Liz Howard: Phone: (087) 223 1460 Email: Liz.howard.camogie@gaa.ie and Phyllis Breslin: Phone: (086) 826 3822 Email: Phyllisbreslin2508@gmail.com
•The new bridge, under the auspices of Dublin City Council, is being built downstream of O’Connell Bridge and will provide a north/south link from Abbey St onto Pearse St. The cost of the bridge is being covered by the National Transport Authority through funding provided by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
•Pictured: Kay Mills (on the left) holds the O’Duffy Cup while Betty Hughes is congratulated after the game.
M Donnelly All Ireland Poc Fada Finals
Jackman claims fifth All Ireland crown
The 2013 M. Donnelly GAA All Ireland Poc Fada Finals took place on Saturday August 3rd in the Annaverna Mountain, Ravensdale, Cooley, Co. Louth wtih Waterford's Patricia Jackman claiming her fifth All Ireland Poc Fada title while Tipperary's Brendan Cummins took the men's title.
Cork’s Donal Óg Cusack, 2011 GAA All Star Gary Maguire of Dublin, 2012 GAA All Star Anthony Nash of Cork, Connacht Poc Fada winner and Galway player James Skehill and 2012 All Ireland Poc Fada champion were amongst the challengers for the 2013 title.
Patricia Jackman of Waterford faced tough competition from Catriona Daly (Galway), Deirdre Colfer (Wexford), Martine McMahon (Limerick), Catriona Mc Crickard (Down), Bronagh Mone (Armagh) and Niamh Mackin (Louth).
The event which was launched on June 22nd in Croke Park is one of the most unique sporting and cultural events in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch Uachtarán Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill said “there are few events in our diary that stand out from the rest of our activities in the same way as the Poc Fada. With the contestants including some of the highest profile hurlers in our game who are participating at a time of the year when their season reaches fever pitch, in itself says everything about the importance they place on their involvement. I would also like to thank Martin Donnelly for his continued support of the competition, now in his 17th year sponsoring the Finals in the Cooley Mountains. Also to our partners TopFlight whose involvement has raised the profile of both the County and Provincial finals.”
Speaking at the launch Uachtarán An Cumann Camogaíochta, Aileen Lawlor said “Camogie are delighted once again to take part in the annual Poc Fada Finals. This will be our 10th year taking part and over the last number of years competition has been quite fierce with only a poc of the sliotar between the contestants.”
See a profile of this year’s Poc Fada Camogie Finalists
This year's Camogie representatives who competed in the M. Donnelly Poc Fada Finals on August Bank Holiday in the Cooley Mountains were Catriona McCrickard, Down, Bronagh Mone, Armagh, Niamh Mackin, Louth, Catriona Daly, Connacht, Martine McMahon, Munster, Deirdre Colfer, Leinster, Patricia Jackman, Munster & Defending All Ireland Poc Fada Champion. Read a profile on this year's Poc Fada finalists.
Ulster Poc Fada Champion
Catriona Mc Crickard of the Liatroim Fontenoys Club Down has 8 Down Senior Camogie Championship Medals, 3 Ulster Club Senior Championship Medals and 2 All Ireland Club Junior Championship medals with her club Liatroim Fontenoys in a career spanning over
15 years. Caitriona is also goalkeeper for Down Camogie and this is her first year competing in Poc Fada.
Bronagh Mone is the Armagh Poc Fada champion from the St Mary's Granemore Club. She has been a goalkeeper for Armagh since 2003 and also played in that position for Queen's University, Belfast from 2003 to 2008. She has been selected for the Ulster Gael Linn squad on four occasions. Bronagh has amassed numerous honours, including 1 Junior Championship, 1 Intermediate Championship, 1 Mid-Ulster League, 1 B Championship as well as numerous third level honours.
This year's Louth representative is Niamh Mackin of the St Brides Knockbridge Club. Niamh has played at county level and has captained her club to the 2009 Final and was a member of the winning 2012 team
Catriona Daly of Mullagh, Galway is this year's Connacht Champion. Catriona holds 2 All Ireland U16 A Medals, 1 Minor All Ireland Medal, 3 Connacht Poc Fada Senior Titles. She has participated three times in the All Ireland Poc Fada. Amongst her honous are the Fr. Meaghair Shield title with AIT, 1st Year Camogie Player of the Year with AIT, All Ireland Feile A Runner-Up Medal 2008 and U14, U16 and Minor County titles with Mullagh.
Patricia Jackman of the Gaultier club and Waterford is the M.Donnelly All Ireland Poc Fada champion and is defending her crown again in 2013, having captured four All Ireland Poc Fada crowns. Jackman won an Intermediate All Ireland in 2011 with the Deise and has a proud winning record with Waterford Institute of Technology collecting 3 Ashbourne titles and 2 Ashbourne All Stars. Other accolades include, Munster Colleges' titles, Club senior titles, Kilmacud Sevens title and also U16, Junior and Intermediate All Ireland honours.
Deirdre Colfer of St Martins, Wexford is this year's Leinster representative. The secondary school teacher is a member of the Wexford Intermediate team. Deirdre claimed the Leinster Poc Fada this year in the Curragh having missed out in 2012. This is her second time competing in the Cooley Mountains.
Martine McMahon of the Croagh/Kilfinny, Limerick is this year's Munster Poc Fada champion (pictured with Munster Chairperson Eamonn Browne). Martine was the Munster Long Puck Champion in 2012, the All Ireland Long Puck runner up in 2012. She was a member of the Limerick League winning team this year and also has won U18 and U16 All Ireland titles with the county. Other honours include World Handball Champion Singles Ladies B 40×20 2012 Ladies B one-wall 2012.
World Mini Games
A Junior 7-a-side Camogie Tournament will be run as part of the 2013 World Mini Games in Cork the weekend of Aug 24th & 25th.This is an excellent opportunity for a weekend of Camogie for all Junior Camogie clubs in Ireland and abroad! Please see attached entry form and rules. Closing date is 31st July 2013. For further information: Go to www.worldminigames2013.com Email info@worldminigames2013.com or contact Cork Development Officer Mairead Donovan by email only developmentofficer.cork.camogie@gaa.ie
National Referee Academy launch
The first National Referees Academy was launched by the President of the Camogie Association Aileen Lawlor at Croke Park on Saturday June 15th.The Referees Academy is the first of its kind within the Association and is part of a number of initiatives introduced by President of the Association, Aileen Lawlor to support the development and progression of referees.
Twelve referees (six men and six women) have been selected for this year’s Academy. They will receive concentrated training and will be monitored and assessed on their refereeing performance throughout the year.
Speaking at the launch President of the Camogie Association Aileen Lawlor said:
“I am delighted to launch the first ever National Referees Academy and I would like to pay tribute to the sterling work of the National Referees Committee who have undertaken this project on behalf of the Association. As a former referee, this is an area that is very close to my heart. The role of a referee is one that is very demanding and challenging but it is also one that is extremely satisfying and worthwhile. Referees make an enormous contribution to our games and it is vital that we provide training and support that enables referees to perform at the highest level.
The Academy is an exciting initiative and it will enable us to provide excellent training to referees and to monitor and assess the standards of each referee. I want to congratulate each of the members of this year’s Academy and to wish them well in their endeavours over the coming months.”
The members of this year’s National Referees Academy are: Julie O Neill (Armagh), Naomi Feighery (Kildare), Grainne Coulter (Down), Fiona Ní Shúilleabháin (Dublin), Jenny Byrne (Dublin), Siobhan Ryan (Tipperary), Kieran Kelly (Carlow), Pat Kehoe (Carlow), Eamon Cassidy (Derry), John McDonagh (Galway), Ray Kelly (Kildare) and Peter Dowd (Meath).
Second Annual Hurl Smart Week
Activity in Camogie clubs nationwide
The Camogie Association’s second annual Hurl Smart week took place in clubs across the country from the 17th to the 23rd of June. This initiative is a partnership between the Camogie Association and the Nutrition & Health Foundation. The programme was a resounding success with a range of activities for all ages, males and females organised to encourage people to Hurl Smart, increase their activity levels and get healthier. Activities were free and open to members and non-members of Camogie clubs. Congratulations to all clubs who took part but in particular to the 8 “leader clubs” who in conjunction with the Camogie development team participated in organised activities for the full week to celebrate Hurl Smart week.
24 counties across five grades compete in this year’s Liberty Insurance Camogie Championship
The Liberty Insurance Camogie Championship, which includes Senior, Intermediate, Premier Junior, Junior A and Junior B, was launched at Croke Park on Tuesday June 11th by President of the Camogie Association Aileen Lawlor and CEO of Liberty Insurance Pat O’Brien.
Liberty Insurance recently announced its sponsorship of the GAA Hurling and Camogie All-Ireland Senior Championships for the next five years.Wexford are the current All Ireland Senior champions securing their third title in a row against Cork last September. Derry were promoted to the senior grade after winning the Intermediate title in 2012 while Meath secured the Premier Junior crown.
Players from each grade of this year’s camogie championship, including Wexford joined invited guests for this afternoon’s launch..
Speaking at the launch of the championship President of the Camogie Association Aileen Lawlor said:
“We are delighted to join with Liberty Insurance to officially launch the 2013 Camogie Championship. The joint partnership with the GAA All Ireland Hurling Championship is an exciting new departure for the Camogie Association and a fantastic opportunity for camogie. It symbolises the strength of both Camogie and the GAA working together and the natural synergy between both games.
We are particularly pleased that Liberty Insurance, an international company and a leader in its field, has chosen to come on board and partner with our organisation over the next five years. We are excited about the possibilities that this presents and the opportunities to bring camogie to an even greater audience with the strong support of Liberty Insurance.”
Pat O’Brien, CEO of Liberty Insurance said:
“It was very important for us that this partnership took in the full GAA family of both hurling and camogie. Indeed it is a family where brothers, sisters, cousins and club mates are all united by their shared love of our oldest games. We look forward to working together with the Camogie Association in helping to enhance and promote this unique sport.”
