I love this time of the year. After work, it’s bright and there’s loads of evening matches on. Even if there isn’t a game on the club will be training and I can watch from the sidelines! Failing that, there’s sure to be a few meetings to keep me busy!
Over the last couple of weeks, myself and SinÚad, our Ard Sti·rth¾ir, have clocked up a few miles. We’ve attended a number of county boards and regional workshops to consult on the proposed new rules for the Camogie Association. We’ve had very useful discussions in Dublin, Croke Park, Wexford and Tullamore and to date 14 counties have attended the sessions. There are two more workshops to go– in Armagh and Waterford.
Following these, Central Council (Ardchomhairle) will revise the draft rules doing our best to take account of the points made by you at the workshops. A second draft of the rules will then issue and Special Congress on 22nd May will vote on the proposals.
GAA Congress
SinÚad and I also attended the annual GAA Congress in Newcastle, Co. Down in mid April. Several of the motions were of interest. These included the motion successfully passed to introduce Go Games for hurling and football players aged under 12. While, this debate is ongoing within Camogie, we are strongly promoting Go Games in our development work.
GAA Congress also considered a motion to introduce match bans as a form of suspension instead of the current system of suspending people for a number of weeks or months. This was referred for further consideration. Within Camogie, our proposed new rules suggest match bans in certain circumstances.
New clubs monitor
One of the best things I’ve heard over the past couple of weeks is the drive around establishing new clubs around the country. Here’s some of what’s happening:
Ballyvarley in Mayo just started… Arklow Rocks in Wicklow on the go…. Burrin Rangers in Carlow recently launched….. St. Joseph’s in Laois getting off the ground …..St. Bridgets in Rochtfortbrige starting up ……Longford Slashers taking part in competition. ….. Mungret and Glenrue in Limerick up and running…… discussions in Carnew, Co. Wicklow ……. Castletown in Laois maybe re-establishing and overseas a new club forming in Indianapolis USA.
There sure is plenty of interest and enthusiasm out there for our game. Let’s keep spreading the word. If each county can establish one new club this year that’d be at least 28 new clubs by this time next year! That’s definitely within our sights. Its more players, more teams, more volunteers, more participation and more fun!
National League Finals
The business end of the National Leagues is over. Congrats to Wexford on a brilliant defence of their Division One and Two National League titles. Well done also to Laois and Tyrone on excellent performances in securing the Division Three and Four titles. You may have noticed the emergence of Camogie TV during the promotion of the Division One and Two Finals? Check it out on You Tube and don’t forget to sign up for the Camogie page on Facebook too. This will provide you with up to the minute scores in key national games.
Next up are the All Ireland under 16 finals on 8th May. Galway, Tipperary, Limerick, Derry, Meath and Carlow will all be vying for glory. Check out the website for details of venues etc nearer the time.
Until May, gach dea mhÚin
Siobhßn NÝ Fhloinn
Joan O’Flynn
Uachtarßn
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