This weekend sees the start of the European Hurling season in Luxembourg, when teams from Brussels, The Hague, Zurich and the hosts commence battle for the 2009 European Hurling Championship. The Hague will be aiming to retain the title they won last year after a three in a row record by Zurich. However, the hosts, Luxembourg will be exceptionally hard to beat at home, whilst Brussels were very close to glory last year.
The games will be run on a blitz basis with each team playing other before the top two battle it out for the first honours of the season. It is expected that Paris and Munich will join with these four clubs in the remaining rounds.
Points are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc and accumulated over the four rounds of the Championship. Further rounds will take place in May (The Hague), June in Brussels and the Champions being crowned in Zurich in September.
In a historic day for camogie enthusiasts, the very first European Camogie Championship will be played over three rounds (Luxembourg, The Hague and Brussels). On Saturday, teams from Brussels and Luxembourg will be the first two teams to clash in what will be a most sought after title given it’s historic significance. Teams from Zurich and Paris will join in later rounds.
Referees for the day will be Tony Carroll from Offaly, courtesy of the Leinster Council who are twinned with the European Board, and Trevor Keating (Zurich & Clare).
European Chairperson, Eileen Jennings (Paris & Mayo) is looking forward to day and stated “”The establishment of a camogie championship is a reflection of the hard work and commitment of players in various cities and demonstrates the commitment of the ECB to growing our games across Europe””. She added “”We are indebted to Comhairle Laighean and the Camogie Association for their support and look forward to a series of exciting games hosted by Luxembourg, one of Europe’s most progressive clubs””.
“
