President’s August Blog

I had intended to write this two weeks ago after the All Ireland Minor Finals. Then I thought I’ll wait to see how the Gala All Ireland Senior Semi Finals work out. Then last week I thought I’ll wait and see how the Gala All Ireland Junior Final for the Nancy Murray Cup, between Roscommon and Armagh, worked out. That was a stirring draw in Breffini Park, Cavan on Saturday so I thought I better get on with it!

 

August/September is the business end of the season and I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing a series of very exciting and skilful Camogie national championship games at all levels. The standard of Camogie has been very competitive. All the games were outstanding with very exciting finishes to three of them – the Kilkenny v Galway senior semi final; the All Ireland minor B final where Limerick edged a memorable victory and the Nancy Murray Cup final. Not surprisingly, the Gala All Ireland Senior semi finals stand out. There was great sporting action, a great crowd, a great venue in Nowlan Park and great participation from young Kilkenny club players and from a number of the Coillte Development Squads. They all participated in a tribute to the GAA 125th Year at half time in the second senior game.

 

Promoting Underage Camogie in the US
I also had the privilege of attending the Continental Youth Championships in San Francisco in July. Hosted at San Francisco GAA’s new facilities on Treasure Island in the bay, this is a fantastic Gaelic Games tournament involving American born players from under 8 to under 18. In 2010, the Championships move to the New York and Camogie will feature for the first time.

 

County Boards Visits Ongoing
I have undertaken a further series of county board visits including Tyrone, Dublin, Meath, Carlow, Offaly, Antrim and Tipperary.  This is a total of 17 County Boards to date. Visits are scheduled for Donegal, Cavan, Mayo, Armagh and Monaghan. A few issues are common to all meetings – fixtures, relationships within the Gaelic Games family, public recognition of players and playing gear. The playing gear issues raised include:

ò mandatory helmet for all players
ò skorts or shorts debate continues – interesting one this. Varied opinion on both. Shorts, I would say slightly ahead, but only slightly. Cost, comfort and ælook’ all in the pot as discussion points
ò need for more leisure wear that is specifically Camogie merchandise e.g. jersies in range of styles and colours.

 

Camogie Going To The Dogs
Lastly, our great fundraising night is happening on 5th September in Shelbourne Park. Support your sport by purchasing a €50 ticket (provides entry to the race night for two people) and you and/or your club has a chance of winning a €5,000 cash prize. Contact 087 9030755.

 

All Ireland Finals
Check out the website for All Ireland final details – keep 13th September free for a great family day out in Croke Park with national Camogie and hurling titles at stake.

 

Slßn go f¾ill
Siobhßn NÝ Fhloinn
Joan O’Flynn
Uachtarßn

 

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