Camogie stars of the future enjoy Croke Park experience

Camogie squads from counties Antrim, Down, Louth, Roscommon, Wexford, Waterford, Cavan and Carlow all took to Croke Park today to hone their skills as part of the Coillte Camogie Development Squads Day.

The eight counties were led on the pitch at GAA headquarters by the Garda Band before taking part in mini blitz games as well being treated to a tour of the stadium and some indoor hurling.

Galway captain, SinÚad Cahalan, and 2007 Championship top scorer, Kate Kelly of Wexford, were on hand to give the budding inter-county players advice and show them some new skills

The programme is supported by the Irish Sports Council and the counties have been participating in blitzes like these since April where the main focus is on developing the skills of Camogie and enjoying the game.

Speaking at the Development Squad blitz, Liz Howard, President of the Camogie Association, expressed her delight at the scheme: “”The Coillte Camogie Development Day is a day of encouragement for all those involved.  It’s about encouraging young players and giving them the chance to play at Croke Park, a privilege which is extended to very few in this country. 

We are delighted to again have Coillte’s support with this initiative as there is a natural synergy between Camogie and Coillte.  The Garda Band have been excellent and added a beautiful sense of occasion on what has been a great day for everyone involved.””

Coillte, the forestry and forest products company, began their involvement with the initiative in 2004 and last year confirmed they would continue to support the U-14 Development Squads for a further three year’s until 2010.

Coillte Chief Executive, David Gunning, is proud as punch to be behind the initiative: “”Coillte is very proud to continue to be involved with the Camogie Association and to help in raising the skill level across the country among this year’s U14 Development Squads.

“”Coillte is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in the country with over 18 million visits per year to our recreational areas. We provide recreation to users that are environmentally and socially sustainable and at the same time we manage our forests to supply timber to industry for processing into a range of products – including hurleys!

“”The partnership with Coillte began in 2004, the Camogie Association’s Centenary year and we are delighted to be able to continue to support the Development Squads in this way and hope everyone enjoys the day at Croke Park.””

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