Camogie Association campaign to have Kay Mills honoured
The Camogie Association and Dublin Camogie Board are campaigning to have the new bridge over the river Liffey named in honour of former Dublin camogie star Kay 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.
Speaking about Kay Mills, President of the Camogie Association Aileen Lawlor said:
“Kay Mills is a fantastic role model for women in sport. The holder of 15 All Ireland senior titles and numerous accolades during a distinguished playing career, she is a true Dublin legend.The Camogie Association is very proud of her achievements and would love to see Dublin City Council recognise her contribution and name the bridge over the Liffey in her honour.”
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.
Letters of support to name the new Liffey bridge in honour of Kay Mills can be posted to the Manager, Dublin City Council, 4th Floor Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 or email manager@dublincity.ie.
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 Gerry (Betty) Hughes is congratulated after the game.
Nutrition and Health Foundation and Camogie Association Launch Teenage Diary and Nutrition Guide
Pictured; Ella Carr, St Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Rua & Dublin Camogie Player, Dr. Muireann Cullen, Manager of the
NHF, Aileen Lawlor, President of the Camogie Association, Sophia Martin, Naomh Brid & Dublin Camogie Player at the launch of the Nutrition and Health Foundation and Camogie Association "Eat Smart Move Smart" A Diary & Nutrition Guide for the Teenage Camogie Player in Croke Park.
One in Four 13-year-olds are Overweight or Obese
Eat Smart – Move Smart to Help Build the Foundation for Healthy Adults
The Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF) and the Camogie Association have today (12th December 2012) launched ‘Eat Smart – Move Smart’ a food / exercise diary and nutrition guide for teenage camogie players to help them understand the balance between diet, exercise and other activities such as school etc.
One in four 13-year-olds are either overweight or obese and girls are more likely to be classed as overweight or obese than boys . Girls are also much less positive about their body image than boys and the NHF and Camogie Association have developed this booklet to support the building blocks in place with active teenage girls, to help them to balance their diet and activities beyond teenage years through to a healthier adulthood.
This booklet was developed with the input of dietitians, nutritionists, physiotherapists, welfare officers and also involved a number of focus groups amongst teen camogie players from urban and rural areas to ensure that every question which the teenagers were interested in was included. Further questions and topics of interest are also planned and are currently being developed for the NHF and Camogie Association’s websites (see below).
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Muireann Cullen, Dietitian and Manager of the NHF said:
“As obesity patients in hospitals grow younger and heavier, we recognise the need to build a foundation of information among teens to encourage them to eat smart and move smart. This booklet helps them to understand the food pyramid, advises on balance between food, school and sport and tackles issues such as supplements, stress and alcohol.
“The food and exercise diary is an excellent tool for all teenagers, whether active or not, and will help to encourage everyone to be more conscious of the importance of the mantra of ‘energy in’ and ‘energy out’. We would also like to thank our partners, the Camogie Association for helping us to develop this guide, building on Move Smart Week held in July 2012, and we look forward to seeing this booklet and all of the additional information on the website in use by teenagers across Ireland.”
Aileen Lawlor, President of the Camogie Association said:
“The Camogie Association are delighted to partner with the Nutrition and Health Foundation on this fantastic initiative which will provide teenage camogie players with an excellent resource throughout the early stages of their playing career.
“Following on from our Move Smart week, the publication of the diary and nutrition guide is an excellent development. The diary and nutrition guide has taken into account the feedback of numerous groups, including our own players who have played a very important role compiling this. It will be an important resource for the elite and recreational camogie player, involved at club and inter-county juvenile level and an important item in their kit-bag.
“Information on health and nutrition and leading a balanced lifestyle is very important in today’s environment and we are pleased that in partnership with the Nutrition and Health Foundation, we are playing our part in this area and catering for the needs of our membership.”
Notes:
This booklet was developed with the input of dietitians, nutritionists, physiotherapists, welfare officers and also involved a number of focus groups amongst teen camogie players from urban and rural areas.
The booklet is available to purchase by contacting the Camogie Association on 01 865 8652/01 865 8618 or by email to Paula@camogie.ie and/or Claire@camogie.ie . The Diary and Nutrition Guide is available to purchase at €7.99 which includes post & packaging. Early orders are advised in advance of Christmas either via phone or by downloading an order form via camogie.ie and returning with an enclosed payment.
About the NHF:
The Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF) is an independent partnership of industry, government, State agencies, internationally recognised scientists, health professionals and relevant stakeholders working together to address Ireland’s lifestyle, nutrition and health challenges. The NHF communicates evidence based information on nutrition, health and physical activity to encourage an improved and healthier society in Ireland with key initiatives including their free Workplace Wellbeing Campaign, the annual NHF ‘Eat Smart Week’, 2012’s ‘Move Smart Week’ in partnership with the Camogie Association, and its annual Seminar which encourages debate on these core topics. For further information, see www.nhfireland.ie.
Lynch relishing Wexford Challenge
It is an illustration of the level at which senior camogie is operating now, that an individual of the calibre of Martin Lynch has been appointed as Wexford manager writes Daragh Ó Conchúir.
Mind you, when you’re taking over the reins of one of the most successful teams the code has ever seen, your credentials need to be impressive.
Although a native of Dublin, Lynch has been living in Blackwater for the past five years. It is a case of returning to his roots, as his mother grew up in the village. His grandmother was from Oulart while his grandfather hailed from Buffer’s Alley.
That all led to summers in Wexford and being infused with a love of Gaelic games. Despite that though, it was in soccer that he established his coaching pedigree initially, spending 15 years with the FAI.
He worked with a host of international teams at underage level and counts Robbie Keane and Andy Reid amongst his former protégés.
Having become somewhat disillusioned though, he began looking for a way to get into GAA coaching. His next-door neighbour in Ratoath happened to be the GAA’s director of games, Pat Daly. He invited Lynch to become involved with the local club and they went on to enjoy quite a bit of success at various levels in Meath.
When Lynch moved to Blackwater, Daly put in a call to George O’Connor, the Model County legend who is now Wexford’s director of hurling. Within weeks, Lynch had secured a job as a full-time coach to the county’s primary and secondary schools. He also spent three years with the Oulart-The Ballagh camogie team and has worked with his home club too.
So when JJ Doyle stood down after Wexford had completed the three-in-a-row last September, he was an early and obvious contender. And once he was offered the job, the enormity of it, and the pressures that might come with it, did not cause him a split-second of thought.
“It’s the challenge that attracted me to it” says Lynch. “A lot of people would say ‘that’s some job to take on’, ‘a tough act to follow’ and so on and so forth but life is all about challenges, so that was the reason I was in the frame for the job and was delighted I got it.
“Camogie is on a high in the county at the moment after winning the three-in-a-row and winning in 2007. There are a lot of young women out there who are anxious and striving to play for the county. We’d be strong… the intermediate would be strong as well so it is something to look forward to.”
He will be meeting with the players in two weeks and hopes that most of this year’s victorious panel will still be available. He will outline plans which will include the commencement of training in January but insists that he won’t be reinventing the wheel.
Far from wanting to distance himself from the previous regime, Lynch was very happy to approach Doyle for advice and insight. Indeed, he was sitting down with his predecessor less than 24 hours after his appointment.
“My firm belief is if it’s not broken, you don’t fix it. I had a good chat with JJ last Tuesday. We went through an awful lot of stuff.
“My first task is not to discommode the players in any shape or fashion. Obviously I can put my own stamp as manager on it but the most important thing is to create the atmosphere and the environment for the girls to hurl in and once I’ve created that we’re in business.
“The girls are hungry for success. The more success they get, the more success they want, which is a wonderful way to think, isn’t it? That’s a fantastic way for a player to think: ‘I never have enough, I want to win more’.
Lynch has brought elements of his previous life as a soccer coach with him to hurling and camogie but there is no great secret, and as he says himself, they would apply to athletics just as easily.
“In every sport, no matter where you go, if the organisation and preparation isn’t right, if the players aren’t fit both mentally and physically, you’re wasting your team. They’re four big areas that I look at – preparation, organisation, mentally fit, physically fit.”
In his day job as a hurling coach, he feels that progress is being made at underage level. He recognises that “everybody wants success straight away” but feels that supporters might have to wait another five or six years before the advances made are transferred at senior level.
The story is very different with the camogie squad though. The manager won’t be given five or six years to deliver. He acknowledges the fact that Wexford will be expected to be at the sharp end of competition once again and that winning an All-Ireland is almost expected at this stage.
“There is only one aim as far as I’m concerned. I will leave no stone unturned in order to achieve that for the girls.
“Really, as a manager, I have got to create the right platform for those girls to hurl in and to be successful and that’s exactly what I intend to do. Their sole job will be to train and hurl and everything else will be looked after for them.
“If you create the right environment for a player, you’ll always get the best results.”
Catch up on the latest Camogie videos
Check out all the latest videos from Camogie Association events such as the 2012 All Stars in association with O’Neills and the recently held Ulster Camogie Awards sponsored by NWP.
Camogie All Stars in association with O’Neills: Check out all the videos including interviews with Ursula Jacob, Katrina Parrock, this year’s special guest Olympian Annalise Murphy and Camogie President Aileen Lawlor.
Myshall, led by inspirational Quirke family collect final honours
Myshall (Carlow) 1-3
Four Roads (Roscommon) 0-3
Conditions ensured that it was never going to be the prettiest game at Donaghmore Ashbourne but the wholly admirable traits of doggedness, grit and determination were in monumental evidence as Myshall won the All-Ireland junior club title for the first time, writes Daragh Ó Conchúir.
It was dark, cold and in the second half, very wet and the defences dominated, with hooking, blocking and adroit flicks very much to the fore.
Niamh Quirke, her mother Nuala and sweeper Marian Doyle were outstanding in the Myshall rearguard and the Carlow girls managed to produce that little bit better finishing in the end to claim the honours.
Overall, it was a success they deserved as Four Roads’ Breda Mannion was the busiest goalkeeper, making three very good saves.
Having said that, Joanne Joyce made the best stop of the day from Donna Kelly at the other end, deflecting the wing-back’s angled drive around the post in the 26th minute. Cáit Kenny converted the 45 to put her side within a point of the winners at the break, trailing 1-0 to 0-2.
Myshall had the better start but the normally reliable free-taking technique of Ciara Quirke – sister of Niamh and daughter of Nuala – left her down on a couple of occasions.
It was Four Roads that opened the scoring though with a Kenny free from their first attack.
Mannion denied Myshall on a couple of opportunities before they found the net six minutes from the interval. Kate Nolan went on a strong solo run and sent a good ball towards Ciara Quirke but once more, Mannion was able for the full-forward’s low shot.
The subsequent clearance found its way to Alison Rushitzko though and her attempt at a point dipped awkwardly for a crucial goal.
The floodlights were turned on at the break and the play remained very congested in the middle third.
We had to wait until the 46th minute for the half’s opening score, Sinéad O’Brien taking a pass from Kenny before finishing well to bring the sides level.
Instead of prompting a push towards a second title in three seasons for Four Roads, that equaliser actually inspired Myshall to move up another gear with three points in two minutes to secure the silverware.
Tara Wilson restored the Carlow side’s lead before Ciara Quirke rifled over a tremendous score on the run from a tight angle on the left.
Less than 60 seconds later, team captain, Katherine Foley grabbed the sliotar over her head, turned and fired an unerring shot over the bar to open a three-point gap and her celebration confirmed what we all felt; that in these conditions, a three-point lead would be hard to peg back in ten minutes.
As it happened, hard though they tried, Four Roads never really looked like snatching the goal they needed and it was Myshall who prevailed.
Scorers – Myshall: A Rushitzko 1-0; T Wilson, C Quirke, K Foley 0-1 each
Four Roads: C Kenny 0-2(1f, 1 45); S O’Brien 0-1
Mum & Me
Development News Round up
Tutor Training
Eamon O Shea, Manager of the Tipperary senior hurling team took the Camogie tutors for a practical session on Saturday November 24th in St.Brigids GAA and Camogie club in Dublin. 24 participants took part in the practical session which covered among other areas decision making and creating space.
The tutor group also reflected on the past year and what went well and what can be improved for the coming year.
Mayo News
The North Mayo camogie players (from Crossmolina and surrounding areas) played Castlebar on Saturday last in Castlebar. This was the club’s first main blitz to play in and all the girls enjoyed the occasion. 22 girls from the North mayo area played on the day with help from their mentors Nicola Hopkins, Seamus Hurley and Margaret Waters Roland. For more information on camogie in Mayo please contact Caroline Murray on cmurray@camogie.ie
Donegal National School Development
Donegal Cuman na mBunscoil held the group stages of their U12 Hurling and Camogie indoor blitz in four venues last Thursday November 29th. The winners of each blitz now qualify for the finals scheduled to take place next Thursday in Burnfoot with the winners of the blitz going on to represent Donegal in the Ulster finals. Congratulations to all schools who participated. For more information contact Yvonne Byrne: 087 6235855/yvonne@camogie.ie
Hurling And Camogie Join Forces
Cavan Hurling And Camogie Join Forces For An Indoor Camogie And Hurling Workshop.
Cavan Hurling and Camogie coaches joined forces last Wednesday November 28th to attend a coaching workshop on how to introduce Catching, Lifting and Striking skills to their Indoor sessions in their clubs. There was a great turn out with 23 coaches from 12 different club areas attending. The workshop showed coaches how to include these vital ‘outdoor’ skills through FUN small sided games in an indoor environment and was delivered by Ger Gribben, Regional Camogie Development Officer for Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath and Paul Divilly Regional Hurling Development Officer for Cavan and Fermanagh. Both Ger and Paul would like to thank the coaches for there interactive participation throughout which led to a very enjoyable session for all! For more information contact Ger Gribben at gerard@camogie or 0872733847.
Mum & Me
Truagh Camogie Club, Co Monaghan – Complete ‘Mum And Me’ Initiative
Truagh Camogie Club in Monaghan completed the Camogie Initiative ‘Mum and Me’ on Thursday night. The programme was run over a series of Thursday evenings and targeted the mothers of young members of the club. Over the programme the Mums were given tips, from Ger Gribben Camogie Regional Development Officer on how to practice and help coach their children at home. 25 Mums and kids have been involved over the last few weeks and the club hopes to run the programme again in January 2013 to help kick start the new season!
On the Ball 2012
Interviews with Ursula Jacob, Development News, and much more is now available in On the Ball 2012 now available on camogie.ie
Coming up
Ursula Jacob (Wexford) will collect her Irish Times/Irish Sports Council Woman in Sport award for the month of September at this year’s award ceremony on December 20th in the Shelbourne Hotel.
Also, Entries are now invited for the Pan Celtic tournament and see camogie.ie for more information on this.
GAA Coaching Conference:
Coaching Adults: More than the sum of our parts
Some of the top names in Gaelic Games coaching will be involved in the GAA’s annual National Games Development Conference – “Coaching Adults: More Than the Sum of Our Parts” – which will take place on Saturday January 12th in Croke Park.
This is the 10th annual Conference, and aims to address issues related to the adult player that are of most concern and interest to members of the GAA community.
The cost of attending is €50 and further information on registering to attend the Conference can be obtained by phone at 01-8658625, by emailing gamesdevelopment@gaa.ie
or at www.gaa.ie.
