After a lapse of six years, the University of Limerick is to the forefront of hosting what one would describe as the elite of Third Level activity reports Fionnuala Carr from this year's launch on Monday night at the University of Limerick. The Ashbourne and Purcell Cup will be held in the University on the weekend of the 16th & 17th of February.
The semi-final pairings have already been finalised and will prove to be very entertaining encounters. Hosts UL will face a tricky opposition in NUI Galway while defending champions Waterford IT will take on the Queens of Leinster Camogie, UCD. After a disappointing group campaign University College Cork failed to reach the Cup semi-finals and will now compete in the Ashbourne Shield against Shield Holders University of Ulster Jordanstown.
Maria Walsh captains this year’s UL side and the talented Cork player is delighted to be hosting this year’s competition:
"University of Limerick Camogie Club is delighted to host the prestigious Ashbourne and Purcell Competitions. The oldest Camogie competition will showcase some of the most talented players in Ireland. We would like to welcome all players, mentors and supporters to Limerick and hope they have an enjoyable and successful weekend.” Maria will be hoping that UL can go one better than last year when they were defeated in the final by Waterford IT after a hard fought encounter.
The host college last won the Ashbourne Cup in 2006 when they completed the three-in-a row, defeating UCD in all three finals. Gaelic games officer Patsy Morrissey welcomes once again the highlight of third level camogie to Limerick. Expressing a wish that all teams in the Ashbourne and Purcell Cups play to their optimum and bring from Limerick, memories of participation and enjoyment that last long after the games have ended.
Chairman of CCAO third level camogie Shane Darcy said:
"The Ashbourne-Purcell weekend is one of the premier events in the camogie calendar with over four hundred camogie players taking part, and, is only second to the All Ireland Camogie Finals in September. I wish all of the 18 teams taking part, a wonderful weekend of sport. It is a very exciting and busy time for all involved in third level camogie. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Patsy Morrissey and his organising committee, namely Amanda Hogan, Neasa O’Donnell, Lynn Kelly, Ita Richardson, Ciara Johnston and Maria Walsh for their hard work to date and wish them and their organising team in Limerick all the very best for hosting the 2013 weekend."
Director of Sport in University of Limerick, David Mahedy welcomed all those to the launch stating:
"We at UL are delighted to have the opportunity of hosting the Ashbourne and Purcell Competitions. The games will take place on our newly developed North Campus and all games will be played on a 3G for the first time. The Ashbourne and Purcell Cup Competitions provide plenty of top class camogie action played by players who are fantastic ambassadors for the game of Camogie.” David spoke of former UL players who have achieved legendary status in the University, including Cork’s Fiona O’Driscoll and he hopes that the current crop of players go on to emulate these players and carve out their own successful careers.
Notes to editor:
o Comhairle Chamógaíochta um Ard-Oideachas (CCAO the Higher Education Camogie Council)
o This year’s Ashbourne, Purcell and Fr. Meachair Finals (third level university competitions) take place in University of Limerick, Limerick on 16th and 17th February.
o Waterford Institute of Technology are the current holders of the Ashbourne Cup; Dublin City University, Mary Immaculate are the current holders of the Purcell Cup and NUI Maynooth are current holders of the Fr. Meachair Cup.
o Ashbourne Cup – 1st Division CCAO Championship
o Purcell Cup – 2nd Division CCAO Championship
o Fr. Meachair – 3rd Division CCAO Championship
o For information on third level camogie match fixtures check out www.ccao.ie
• For further information contact Fionnuala Carr, CCAO PRO, mobile: +353862372203 email: pro.thirdlevel.camogie@gaa.ie
