New Camogie President to be decided in Athlone

The President Elect of the Camogie Association will be chosen from two candidates at this weekend’s Camogie Congress.  The Congress, which takes place in Athlone, will see the successor to current President, Liz Howard, decided between Catherine O’Hara from Antrim and Kildare’s Joan O’Flynn.

Howard has been in the position for two years and will move aside for O’Hara or O’Flynn when they move into the position in 2009.  O’Hara has been heavily involved in Antrim Camogie for the past 34 years and has referred at Inter-County level for several years.  She has held many administrative positions down through the years and is currently Chairperson of the Ulster Council.

O’Flynn is a native of Cork and started her playing career with Fr. O’Neill’s club in East Cork, while she also spent time as a member of the London-Irish Camogie club.  Since moving to Kildare she has thrown herself into the game at all levels and has served as PRO, County Secretary, County Chairperson and has also coached the minor team.  O’Flynn is Chairperson of the National Strategic Plan Committee and has been part of the Association’s Management Committee since 2006.

The congress will also see current President, Liz Howard, outline the importance of social inclusion for all within the family of Gaelic Games.  “”We are in partnership with the GAA and Ladies Football to works towards social inclusion for those who are now part of the island of Ireland.  This is an exciting project and has huge possibilities for everyone within Gaelic Games.

 We must be very aware of the importance of acknowledging and respecting the various cultures and customs that are part of this process.  However, there is another issue that must be addressed.   By and large the family of Gaelic Games caters mainly for middle Ireland.  We have ignored part of our own society – the socially deprived.  If we are serious about social inclusion we must reach out and encourage all to become involved in our Gaelic Games,”” Howard said.

The Camogie Association’s Annual Congress begins tomorrow and continues until Saturday at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone. 

Ends

For further information:
Declan Lee – O’Herlihy Communications – 01 660 2744 / 087 695 7451
Sinead O’Connor – Camogie Association – 01 836 4619 / 087 6405446

“