Spring/Summer 2011
• Championship
2011 Preview
• Liz Howard chats
to Wexford’s
Claire O’Connor
• Anna Geary
Under the
Spotlight
• Off the Pitch
Camogie Social
Round-Up
• Laura Mitchell
Young Player
of the Year
• J.J. Doyle gives
his verdict on
the upcoming
Championship
season
• And much more!
GET SET FOR SUMMER!
IT’S CHAMPIONSHIP TIME
The Hope Foundation, in partnership with The Camogie
Association, is committed to supporting Indian women
who have never engaged in formal education. Women
born to the slums and streets of Kolkata quite often
never break the cycles of poverty, which makes them
vulnerable to human trafficking and forces them into the
sex-trade, early marriage and low life expectancy.
Message from Madeleine Cummins
Network Coordinator
The Hope Foundation
HOPE delivers training programmes through its Lifeskills
Centre in Kolkata to young women and mothers.
Support at each stage of the process means that families
are supported, communities are changed and more
importantly, women are given choices and independence
to change their own lives.
Few would argue against the fact that the global recession has had
negative consequences throughout the world, and once again those
in direst poverty have been most deeply affected. For these people,
the poorest in our global community, it has meant a stark reduction
in even the barest essentials for living. In many instances this means
the progression from a life of subsistence to uncertainty, insecurity
and quite often, premature death. For all of the underprivileged
people with whom we work, there are no safety nets such as social
welfare; and their survival is often determined by the generosity
and kindness of people like you, in reaching out and responding in
whatever way possible.
Camogie for HOPE is a partnership between The Hope
Foundation and The Camogie Association to help support
the changes necessary for women and children in
Calcutta. Without your support, many lives will remain
unchanged, children may never know the joy of education
and a childhood free from the labour market. We need
you to help make a difference in the world.
As a charity involved with thousands of homeless “at risk” children
in Kolkata, HOPE has experienced such generosity from members
of our global community and this enables us to reach thousands
of children through our many projects. Unfortunately, at this point
in time, the impact of the recession is being keenly felt by HOPE.
While recognising the hardship that you and your family may be
experiencing, I dare to appeal to your goodness in the interests of
the street children of Calcutta whose only objective is daily survival.
HOPE is delighted that The Camogie Association has
“adopted” them as its charity partner for the coming
year and looks forward to working together on a number
of exciting initiatives that will highlight the association’s
values of Inclusiveness, Voluntarism, Respect, Excellence,
Co-operation, and Fair Play; while at the same time
raising awareness and funds to help change the lives of
street and slum children and their families.
It is heart-warming to work with children who have been rescued
from tragic lives of abject poverty and are now thriving and living a
life of dignity as they deserve. Their dreams of being loved and cared
for, having an education, and hope for the future are being realised.
Many vulnerable children who have been forced into the frightening
world of trafficking and child labour have been rescued by HOPE and
are now back with their families and continue to be helped to deal
with their terrible traumas. Without our ongoing support, many of
the children would not reach their full potential – a challenge which
HOPE works towards rectifying on a daily basis.
I would like to thank The Camogie Association and you personally
for taking time to engage with us. On behalf of everyone in Kolkata
who we try to reach out to – Thank You!
The Hope Foundation
3 Clover Lawn, Skehard Road, Cork
Tel: +353 21 429 29 90
www.hopefoundation.ie
Pictured at the Camogie Association & The Hope
Foundation Photocall in Croke Park are, (L-R):
Joan O’Flynn, President of the Camogie
Association, Aislinn Connolly (Galway),
Evanne Ní Chuillín (RTÉ), Elaine
Alyward (Kilkenny), Jacqui Hurley
(RTÉ), and Maureen Forrest, CEO
of The Hope Foundation.
A word from an t-Uachtaran
Joan O’Flynn
Siobhán Ní Fhloinn, Uachtarán, An Cumann Camógaíochta
Last season, more people than ever attended Camogie
matches. This year, the challenge is to continuously
improve and do better again.
The All Ireland Club Finals in Croke Park in March 2011
have set the bar. 5,000 people in attendance surpassed
what anybody believed possible. It was one of the best
attended sporting events in the country that weekend.
We are in the midst of a deep economic recession. Yet,
interestingly, at National and Provincial levels our ‘gates’
are increasing. More people through the turnstiles is
important because it illustrates that:
Camogie offers excellent sporting entertainment and, that
given the right mix of marketing and promotion, there is
broad based community interest in the game.
Sport for all
I’m often asked why women don’t follow women’s sports yet
so many follow men’s sport. I know there are loads of textbooks
that provide a sound sociological explanation for that!
TG4
has
included
coverage of our game in
their Monday night GAA
magazine programme;
RTÉ Radio Sport and RTÉ
TV Sports News and BBC
Sport Northern Ireland is
giving us more air time.
Out of the sofa
and on to the sidelines!
The first time people see a Camogie match it
positively changes their perception of women in
sport. People appreciate that it is unrivalled for
skill, speed, strength and stamina.
That’s why the efforts of many county boards to
locally promote inter county championship and
club matches is so important. The PROs role is
crucial in this.
In my experience when girls and boys grow up watching or
supporting sport played by both sexes then they are more
likely to continue watching sport played by both. If they
grow up just watching or reading about men’s sport only,
then they are more likely to continue watching or reading
about men’s sport only. As adults, parents and community
leaders, we can break that cycle.
This season - in league and championship, inter
county and club - let’s work harder and let’s work
together to build on the progress to date and
reach out further again to new audiences.
Just as men’s sport is not for men only, women’s sport is
not for women only! Sport is for all! Greater community
interest in the game creates lots of other important spin
offs including:
It’s up to all of us:
•More media profile for Camogie and greater player
recognition
•Greater commercial value of the game
•More revenue to invest in the development of the sport
at all levels.
Higher media profile
On the media front we see the gains already. Since the
start of the year:
Three Camogie games were broadcast on Setanta Ireland;
(remarkably, we’ve already more than doubled our TV
output compared to 2010)
The Irish Daily Star have come on board as our National
League partners;
The daily and Sunday press is giving us more column
inches;
The regional print and broadcast media continue their
excellent coverage;
This will serve to create greater broad based
community support for the game amongst
women and men, girls and boys, young and old.
•to create the opportunity for as many as
possible to enjoy Camogie and to give the
public the chance to appreciate our players’
talent
•to create well attended games with lively and
partisan supporters which are a great part of
the fun and entertainment of any match
•to make sure that Camogie is not one of the
best kept secrets in Irish sport!
We need and want more supporters to be part
of the action – so everybody for the rest of
the year – I’m saying out of the sofa and on
to the sidelines!
See you at the games during the season!
Joan O’Flynn
Siobhán Ní Fhloinn
Uachtarán,
An Cumann Camógaíochta
Wexford ‘ s stylish corner back
talks to Liz Howard
I met up with Wexford All Star corner
back Claire O’Connor in the trendy and
busy La Speranza café bar in Wexford
Town. She is definitely the IT girl, with
perfect features, long dark hair, petite,
graceful, charming, bright, confident
and innately stylish; dressed in black
trousers tucked into black suede boots,
ultra feminine soft grey silk chiffon top,
pearl earrings and a delicate bracelet
with tiny charms marking certain recent
milestones.
It is the sheer vitality, energy and zest
for life that really struck me. She makes
an instant connection and has a lovely
way with words. She had organised
coffee and yummy scones served with
cream and jam, a great way to start!
Claire receives her 2010 All Star Award from Uachtarán na hÉireann, Mary McAleese
and Uachtarán An Cumann Camógaíochta, Joan O’Flynn
Well known as a brilliant player, I wanted
to get to know the person rather than
the player.
Second in a family of six, sisters Aoife, Niamh, Ciara and Eimear “Just look at All Ireland day, nine of the first fifteen on the senior
all play camogie with Rathnure and Wexford while brother Teddy had come through Coláiste Bríde; the intermediate team had
is also a hurler. Her father Teddy played for Wexford and her Mum several players who went there too.”When it came to a career
Ann played camogie. There is a strong work ethic in the O’Connor choice Claire harboured “a desire to let my true inner creativity
home; “My parents are hard working, determined people, growing emerge and pursue a career in the performing arts or in the media
up we always had jobs to do, the value of education was important, but practicality took over and primary teaching was the path she
we are very close, my sisters are my best friends, there was always took. Mary I College in Limerick was a happy time for Claire, “I
craic, music and sport in our home. Sundays were frantic, five loved Limerick, and the people were great, social life brilliant, if
it was only an hour from Wexford I would
sisters getting ready for a match, a puck
around before the game with Dad in the We played tennis at home, still be there”. Mary I team mates included
middle doing a few shimmies, still thinking he with two crates and a Suzanne Kelly, Tipperary, Deirdre Fitzpartick,
Colette Glennon and Elaine Kearns
was marking Eddie Keher, giving tips, words of
piece of twine for the net Limerick,
from Galway; Elaine, sister to Mark and Niall,
wisdom, be honest, do or die, don’t let anyone
down, be in front all the time, possession is and plastic racquets. Great gave up playing camogie “a pity because she
nine tenths of the law”. That was the mantra. for hand-eye coordination was very good.”
Another Wexford star, Michelle O’Leary and helps camogie
On graduation she got a vice principal job
usually travelled with the family, “she was like
in the Gael Scoil in Castletroy, “the biggest
another sister”. The analysis by Teddy on the
learning period of my life; management skills,
way home wasn’t always welcome; best supporter, worst critic! dealing with parents, working within a dedicated team, honing
Apart from her father, Bernie Higgins had a big influence on the my teaching technique, I really gained so much”. After two years
camogie development of the young O’Connor sisters.
teaching in Castletroy, she decided to travel for a year with Michelle
Scoil Bríde Secondary School provided both top class education O’Leary and her sister Aoife taking in the USA, South America, New
and sporting opportunities for girls in the catchment area. Claire Zealand, Far East and Australia, “time out to experience different
states matter of factly “I didn’t find anything hard at school, the cultures”. Where did she like best? “Definitely Melbourne for the
balance between education and sport was perfect”. Teachers living and the west coast of Australia for the serenity”.
Jimmy Guinan and Elva Moriarty gave support to “players who She is now teaching in the Gael Coláiste in Enniscorthy and her
were highly motivated”. She played camogie and football; reaching enthusiasm for the job is so evident. She loves the Irish language
All Ireland Colleges finals in both, captaining teams in both codes. “is cuid d’ár n-oidhreacht í” and thinks the attitude now is more
Teddy O’Connor with daughters l-r; Eimear, Claire, Aoife, Ciara and Niamh.
different sports, all so normal, but
positive towards using the language. In
relation to teaching, “Children are so JJ is a wonderful motivator. To be with abnormal dedication to their
I felt humbled to be in the room,
compassionate, so alert, and so aware,
honest, you’d be afraid of your life sport.
that is a motivating factor”. Claire was
they love you as their teacher, I like to
use a wide range of skills to engage you wouldn’t be playing the next day a recipient of an award at that event.
She adds, “JJ is a wonderful motivator,
with and develop them, reading, drama,
to be honest, you’d be afraid of your life you wouldn’t be playing
sport, dance, singing; where energy goes, progress flows”.
Outside of teaching and camogie, Claire O’Connor is one busy the next day. Twenty-three players have been used already in
person. She and her five siblings sing and play music. The musical the Irish Daily Star League. All the players are so aware of what
talent comes from her Mother’s side. Claire plays piano and guitar. happened in 2008. We were exhausted from having good times;
The group recently won a prize in a local competition. She took that will not happen again. There are fifty players in training, the
best group you could ever meet. We like
the lead role in Beauty and the Beast with St. Michael’s Musical
the O’Duffy Cup.”
Society. Her singing repertoire covers a wide range; Lady Gaga
It was time to go, Claire to meet Paul and
to numbers from musicals to classical. Eddie Flynn of Riverdance
me to the train. It was a most enjoyable
fame and Wexford trainer in 2007 taught her “hard shoe dancing”
couple of hours spent with Claire. Our
to take part in Enniscorthy Jigs and Reels, raising funds for her
players are wonderful ambassadors;
Gael Coláiste.
Claire O’Connor is the epitome of
Aside from gaelic games, the Rathnure woman is also a big tennis,
all that is best in young Irish
and particularly a Roger Federer, fan (up to then she was perfect!
people; proud to be Irish
As I’m a Rafa Nadal fan!)
and so positive about
“Federer is so wonderfully gifted, so graceful, he doesn’t
the future of our
self proclaim” however, she does “admire Nadal, it
country.
goes far beyond his skill; his total determination and
attitude”. She also admires Pete Sampras and
Andre Agassi. “We played tennis at home, with
two crates and a piece of twine for the net
and plastic racquets, great for handeye coordination and helps camogie”.
She played in Monaleen while living
in Limerick. To go to Wimbledon is an
ambition for Claire.
The man in her life, Paul White, is
manager of La Speranza who is also
involved in a number of other business
ventures in the hospitality industry.
Paul, from the St. Anne’s GAA club,
played for Wexford, “he is a beautiful
hurler, but a serious injury was followed
by four operations. He is now back
playing”.
Under All-Ireland
How about Wexford camogie 2011?
final pressure
What is the motivation? “I was at the
from Galway’s
Irish Independent Sports Stars dinner
Veronica Curtin
recently. I met so many people from
TARGET AUDIENCEMothers and Daughters not
currently playing camogie
TARGET NUMBERS 10 to 20 mums and daughters
SUITABLE FOR
New clubs (rural and urban)
Existing clubs
The course should run as follows
Aim
The aim of the course is to increase the involvement of parents helping
out with underage coaching and to provide each participant with the
proper coaching information and technique to coach the basic skills
required to play the game.
Coach Education and Skill
Development Programme
This course has been designed with a view to aiding camogie clubs
with 2 key aspects involved in the running of a successful club;
Coach Recruitment and training.
The focus of this programme is Skill development and Coaching.
This course will run one night a week for six weeks and each session
will last 45 minutes.
We see the Mum and Me Programme as preparation for a parent to
attend a foundation camogie coach education course.
Each parent will be encouraged to coach each skill to the child at
home between each session; this will ensure consistent feedback
to the child and reinforce the idea of practice at home.
Also the likelihood of developing poor technique habits is reduced;
therefore the child’s skill development will increase along with the
parent’s coaching confidence.
The course will be held on the same night as underage training
in the club.
Each session will be made up of two halves, each lasting 20
minutes.
MOTHERS The first 20 minutes will be in the meeting room with
their tutor. The 20 minutes will be spent learning the teaching
points of a new skill every week. The tutor will then give the
group a simple unopposed and a simple semi opposed drill to
work on with their child.
DAUGHTERS The first 20 minutes for the children will be
spent with their regular club coach. In this 20 minute training
session the players will be working on simple drills revising and
advancing the previous weeks skill.
MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS For the final 20 minutes of the
course each mother will get a chance to coach the new skill to
their child while the tutor monitors the coaching technique.
Once the technique is perfected both Mother and daughter
advance to the unopposed drill and in turn to the semi opposed
exercise.
At the end of each session the tutor will give each Mother and
Daughter drills to work on between sessions. To ensure that the
coaching technique is consistent a coaching card with the key
coaching points on it will be handed to each Mother to refer
to. Also the likelihood of developing poor technique habits is
reduced; therefore the child’s skill development will increase
along with the parent’s coaching confidence.
For more details
on this programme
please contact your
CAMOGIE REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
or contact
the Camogie Association
01 865 8651
www.camogie.ie
TARGET AUDIENCE Girls aged 14 to 17
TARGET NUMBERS 50 girls (in each programme area)
SUITABLE FOR
Existing clubs (rural and urban)
Aim
Content / Modules Lifestyle
Player Development Programme
This programme is open to all club camogie players of the 14 to 17
year old age group. It is aimed at improving player development,
identifying how sport can improve a player’s lifestyle and career
advancement. It also includes a discussion forum for the players that
gives an opportunity for them to have their views heard and also to
find out how players can be retained in the long term within the sport.
FRIDAY EVENING
This is a more mature programme of player development for this 6.30-7.15
Specialised Coaching from Inter County Players
age group and is more than just coaching at a camp.
(Specialist skills, principles of defence and attack)
It can be run over a weekend or during the week.
7.30-8.30
Specialised Coaching from Inter County Players
Testimonials
95% of participants rated the camp as excellent. Fitness testing,
elite coaching and nutrition were some of the favourite modules
from the weekend. In evaluation of the Player Development
Programme, participants responded as follows:
‘I had a lot of fun and improved my skills’
‘It was great experience to train with different trainers from
different clubs’
‘We were all made very welcome and made a lot of new friends’
‘Nutrition module helped me to understand what to eat and drink
before and after matches.’
SATURDAY
10.30-11.30 Coaching Session from Inter County Players
(Chat with Inter County Players – Career
Advancement / Primary & Post primary Camogie
/ Lifestyle habits etc)
11.45-1.00 Fitness Testing session
1.30-2.30
Health & Nutrition in Sport
Q & A – Why do girls play Camogie?
How to combine school/part time job and
playing Camogie?
Why do girls stop playing Camogie?
SUNDAY
10.30-11.45 Blitz Competition
12.00-12.30 Presentation of Certificates
Q & A with Inter County Players
For more details
on this programme
please contact your
CAMOGIE REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
or contact
the Camogie Association
01 865 8651
www.camogie.ie
Daragh Ó Conchúir looks ahead to the
2011 Camogie Senior Championship
The All-Ireland camogie championships promise to offer just as
much intrigue, excitement and entertainment as they did last
year, when Galway ended Cork’s three-in-a-row bid in the semifinal replay but found a rejuvenated Wexford too strong in the
decider.
They might be an outside bet but perhaps the outfit most likely
to break into the top four is Offaly. Having been beaten by a late
goal by Clare in the 2008 All-Ireland junior final, they dusted
themselves down to win the title the following season and
then were deserved victors in last year’s intermediate decider.
Their belief is sky high and early indications are that they are
not overawed by mixing it with the cream of the crop. Joachim
Kelly is a very astute manager and with a Irish Daily Star League
Division 1 campaign behind them, you’d back them to ruffle a
few feathers before the campaign is out.
Last year’s big four remain the likeliest though. Cork are
These three counties are certainly in contention to be presented another team with a new manager and Joe O’Brien is coming
with the O’Duffy Cup next September, as are Kilkenny, who in at a time when the squad is in transition. The incomparable
Mary O’Connor has decided to call it a
reached the final as a young team in 2009
day. So too have Rachel Moloney and
but were overpowered by Wexford in last
Tipperary
will
be
looking
Joanne O’Callaghan, while Aoife Murray is
term’s semi-final.
to
force
themselves
back
considering her future. Work commitments
Tipperary will be looking to force themselves
back into the top four under new manager into the top four under look like ruling Cathriona Foley out and with
John Lillis, who has assimilated some of the new manager John Lillis, Sarah Hayes, Una O’Donoghue and Emer
Dillon absent last season; the Leesiders are
county’s young guns into his squad during
who
has
assimilated
shorn of an incredible amount of ability and
the league. One of those with a very bright
future is Sarah Fryday, a star of Tipp’s run some of the county’s experience.
to last year’s All-Ireland U16 final and the young guns into his One massive plus though is the return of
Corkery from her travels and with the
Clonoulty-Rossmore teenager hasn’t looked
squad during the league Briege
batteries recharged after what was a muchout of place. With Claire Grogan adding her
needed break for the all-action dual star, she
experience and free-taking accuracy, the
is likely to introduce a dynamism that was missing last year.
Premier will look to be more competitive than last season.
Dublin have a new boss too in Denis Murphy but they have With Gemma O’Connor and Rena Buckley continuing to lead the
struggled in the top tier of the league. It is all about building way and young players such as Joanne Casey likely to continue
experience for the Metropolitans though and playing a game improving, you know that Cork will be there or thereabouts.
under lights at Croke Park will stand to them in time.
Clare put it up to a number of teams in last year’s championship
and while the league has been more difficult, there are players
to return and in Claire McMahon and Chloe Morey, they have
individuals who would grace any team.
Ann Downey is sure to have Kilkenny more focussed than ever.
She could never have thought as she collected the O’Duffy Cup
in 1994 that no other Kilkenny camogie captain would have
walked those Hogan Stand steps at the end of any of the next
16 championships.
Getting to the final two years ago with a young team was seen
as a significant achievement and while the occasion might have
gotten the better of them, one felt that 2010 might be their
year. Losing the league final against Wexford seemed to set
them back though and while they reached the All-Ireland semifinal, they rarely looked like emerging from that clash with the
Model County women with their dreams intact.
The younger contingent should learn from that though and any
team with Ann Dalton, Lizzie Lyng, Michelle Quilty and Aoife
Neary in their ranks must be respected.
Wexford were a driven unit last year, knowing that their 2008
success would be dismissed as a one-off if they didn’t put
another title with it. They were convincing winners in the end
and having also taken league honours, while the second team
reached the intermediate final, it is clear that the Model County
is now the super power of camogie.
Judging by their form in the league they retain the hunger to do
it all over again. The failure to follow up last
were a driven time around is certainly a motivating factor.
Galway were left shattered by last year’s
performance at Croke Park. This year will Wexford
prove to be a big test and the Connacht side unit last year, knowing Doyle has managed to maintain his team’s
winning ways in the league despite the
received an early boost with the news that
Veronica Curtin and Therese Maher have that their 2008 success fact that many of his best players are only
decided to continue. Not alone do they would be dismissed as making sporadic appearances from the
bring a wealth of experience – Curtin is the a one-off if they didn’t bench or being taken off early to give others
an opportunity. He has a tremendous crop to
only member of the panel who played when
put
another
title
with
it
choose from, particularly when you take the
the westerners won their only All-Ireland in
aforementioned intermediates into account.
1996 - but they remain two of the side’s best
players. Indeed the decision not to start Curtin at full-forward in If just a couple of those can be assimilated into the team and a
last year’s decider, having played so well there throughout the nugget or two unearthed, they will be very difficult to beat. They
season, backfired badly. Having said that, such is her ability and will be difficult to beat anyway, especially with Doyle easing the
athleticism, that she can play anywhere in the attacking unit.
likes of the Leacys, Katrina Parrock, Kate Kelly and Una Jacob
Jessica Gill is back to full fitness, having not started any game
until last year’s All-Ireland final, while Brenda Hanney earned
the player of the match gong when she captained Killimor to the
All-Ireland senior club victory at Headquarters at the beginning
of the month. Hanney spoke of how important a psychological
barrier it was to break for a Galway team to win at Croke Park
and that could help the county team.
back into proceedings, to ensure their freshness.
They look too physically strong, too tight defensively, possess
too much firepower and are too driven to be overturned. The
only fear is that they might believe that themselves and perish
at the hands of complacency. It doesn’t seem likely though.
JJ Doyle
WEXFORD
Wexford Senior Camogie Manager J.J. Doyle shares his thoughts on Wexford’s
All Ireland win in Croke Park in 2010 and gives us an insight on the way he sees
the All Ireland Senior Camogie Championship unfolding in 2011 writes Mary Burke
In the run up the All Ireland
Final last year, JJ recalls that
the team were trying not
to think about what would
happen if they won and
were focused solely on the
match itself.
“When the match was over
it was an amazing feeling, all the work that was put in came to fruition.
It was a great sense of relief and satisfaction and every emotion that
you can think of was there on the day,” said JJ.
At the beginning of 2010 there was a belief that the talent was in
Wexford. After winning in 2007, but with championship not going as
well in 2008 & 2009, the evidence suggested that the county were
not too far away from success. They were beaten in the semi-final
stage twice and it was just a matter
of possibly fresh voices or a different
approach - and of course a bit of luck
that would see things go right for the
Leinster side.
Kilkenny, amongst others will be the main worry for Wexford this year
and with a new breed of players coming through who have won Under
16 & Under 18 titles and All Ireland School wins recently, J.J. sees them
as the team to watch in 2011.
“Cork and Galway, two strong teams, who are always there, they tend
not to worry about leagues except when it comes to championship
they always seem to have it down to a tee, with preparation, which
comes from years of experience of being in All Ireland finals.
It’s also great to have a new team in the senior championship. Offaly
who are new to the senior ranks are going well in the league. For a
team that has come through from Intermediate, it will be a tough year
for them at this level, but also interesting to see how they progress.
Tipperary is another one to watch and having beaten Cork in the first
round of the league will be a huge boost for them. Seven weekends
in a row during the summer of championship Camogie, it will be very
competitive; but this is what all teams want at this level.”
Seven weekends in a row during the
Summer of Championship Camogie.
It will be very competitive; but this
is what all teams want at this level.
“The coming year will be a new
experience, as defending All Ireland
Champions, Wexford will have to
step it up, to a new level. After
coming from under the radar last year Wexford will be no surprise to
people this year. They majority of the girls have won their second All
Ireland in the last four years and the danger for the coming year is that
things may get a bit complacent, “ commented Doyle.
So, what will the double winners need to do?
“Wexford will have to avoid complacency and be more focused. It’s
always harder to defend a title and win a back to back, more so than
winning your first title. It certainly gives you great respect for the
Kilkenny Senior Hurling team on how they and other teams can win
four in a row, to keep the enthusiasm and the energy going, it takes a
lot from players and managers to win an All Ireland title” said JJ.
“Wexford are back and both the management and players are ready to
give it a go for 2011 and with a new level of expectation on the players,
which was not there last year. They main pressure may be put on by
the players themselves as they want to win back to back titles. This will
be the real challenge,” continued Doyle.
Preparations are going well according
to Doyle who feels it is an added
advantage to have both Senior &
Intermediate teams train together.
“Wexford will have a full complement
of players available for selection
from last year’s All Ireland winning
team, with the exception of Caroline
Murphy who is working abroad. We
are still experimenting with players through the course of the league,
an added advantage of having both the Intermediate & Senior teams
training together.”
The Marshalstown native acknowledges that 2011 will be a tougher
season than ever and feels that last year’s defeated opposition Galway
will be highly motivated.
“They have great experienced players. Players that deserve to win an
All Ireland and following last year’s defeat they will be more motivated
than ever to make amends.”
Championship 2011 is shaping up to be exciting and with more
teams in the chase for the O’Duffy Cup and hot on the tails of the
Model County it will be difficult to predict. Naturally, Doyle hopes
that Wexford will come through and sample the winning Croke Park
experience once again.
The final whistle of the Championship
blows at Croke Park and it’s celebration
time for JJ Doyle and Katrina Parrock
Linda Mellerick turns the spotlight on Cork’s All-Star Wing-Back
Anna Geary was called up to the Cork senior camogie panel in August 2003 as
a young sixteen year old after Cork won the minor All Ireland title. Her debut
came in 2004 when she came on as a substitute in the All Ireland final against
Tipperary, a final Cork lost. Anna recalls the moment ‘I came on at half time and
played out of position at full forward. I learned a hard lesson that day about
senior intercounty Camogie - it is not for the faint hearted’.
Anna secured a first team place in 2005 at left wing back and won her first
senior All Ireland title.
To date, the likeable Milford club player has won 3 senior titles, 3 All Stars
(2005, 2006, 2010), 3 All Ireland minor titles (one as Captain) and 5 U-18
Munster championships (the competition went to All Ireland status the year
after Anna became over age).
Anna was a member of the renowned St. Mary’s of Charleville which dominated
the Colleges scene in the last decade and amassed an incredible haul of All
Ireland titles, as she recalls ‘I think I have
about 23 All Irelands in total be it with
county school or club and I hold each one
dear to my heart’.
wealth
of experience having
won County titles with Glen Rovers and
holding a position as selector with the Cork Minor hurlers in 2008
and 2009.
How will events transpire under his regime? ‘Every time there is new
management there is always a little apprehension. What will training be like?
Will there be cuts and new additions to the panel? Will I be fortunate and get
my place on the first 15? When new management comes in, in essence it is a
clean slate, everyone is starting from scratch trying to showcase their skills and
prove themselves as a senior intercounty player. It’s good because it brings that
competitive edge to training and how you train is ultimately how you play’.
What are Anna’s thoughts on the format for this season’s championship? ‘I
thought the amount of games last season was good in one sense because it
gives an opportunity to test the strength of the panel. I do wonder why the
league doesn’t adopt the championship
format; more games earlier in the season
would stand to teams, particularly new
teams that are making their debut at
senior level. This year’s championship
format does seem to expect a lot from
players. Seven championship games in
a row has never been done before. I am
sure they have their reasons for laying out the championship in this way but it
does seem a little daunting to go out seven Saturdays in a row and give it your
all and that’s not even taking into account the effect travelling to games has
on the body’.
No matter how good a year is going,
when you lose, it always makes you
question the way you did things
2010 didn’t go quite as planned as Cork’s
bid for 3-in-a-row failed once again.
From the outset of last season’s national
league Cork didn’t look comfortable and
it was no real surprise when Galway defeated them in the championship semifinal replay. Anna puts her spin on events, ‘I suppose no matter how good a year
is going when you lose it always makes you question the way you did things.
However, when you win you remember everything as running smoothly and
according to plan. If you look at 2010 in black and white terms Wexford were
more prepared than us for the league semi-final. We came back from it though
and when we met them in championship we showed our character and pride
in the Cork jersey to run out victorious in a hard fought battle. If you look at
the Galway All-Ireland semi-final and replay, it look two full games to separate
the sides and even at that it was only by a single point. I think we lacked the
killer instinct against Galway - we could have put them away, despite them
probably being the better team on the day. They fought to the very last whistle.
Sometimes mind over matter can see you through’.
Cork has a relatively new management set up in place this year, Lillian Zinkant
the only remaining link to 2010. Joe O’Brien manages the side and comes with a
‘From my point of view, the club championship will ultimately suffer. At the end
of the day, club is where your career starts and ends. It is a pity that it will have
such a negative effect on the club championship, there is a fear that interest
will be lost and we need the keep promoting camogie at this level to ensure the
continuity of the game’.
Who does Anna feel will be Cork’s main threat this season?
‘I think with the format of the Championship we will need to take each game
as it comes and not underestimate any opposition because we need as many
wins as possible to make it to the last four. But that is the beauty of sport; it
is so unpredictable at times you just hope that you are on the right side of it’.
So it’s down to business for this young star who is recognised as one of the
more senior players in the squad and one others look to for inspiration.
Her final say as we end our chat?
‘I must say that some of the people I have had the honour and pleasure to play
with from U14 to senior level still remain close friends. It’s a great feeling to
wear your county jersey and represent the people of cork’.
Contesting posession with Cora Hennessy of Tipperary
Anna proudly displays her All-Star award
with Paul Beecher
and Seamus McAleenan
All-Ireland Colleges Senior A Final
All-Ireland Colleges Senior C Final
Loreto Kilkenny 4-10
St Patrick’s Maghera 1-06
Castlecomer CS, Kilkenny 4-02
St Pius X College Magherafelt 2-05
Loreto Letterkenny retained their All-Ireland Colleges’ Senior
camogie title in Trim, equalling the feat of another Kilkenny side
St Brigid’s Callan in 2008-9.
Five of the six forwards and both midfielders hit the target while
overall they closed out the threat posed by Maghera’s key players
and controlled the game to capture the Post Primary Senior A title
at Trim on March 12th.
St Patrick’s J Bradley, M Quinn, A McElwee, R Ferguson, G Ní
Chatháin, A Ní Chaiside, D O’Neill, T McElroy 0-1, K Kielt 0-2
frees, G McNicholl (C) 0-3 frees, C Moran, S Quinn, N McKenna, S
Kearney 1-0, M Kelly.
SUBS C McCloskey for G Ní Chathain, D Quinn for D O’Neill, G Ní
Chatháin for C McCloskey.
Loreto K Maher, M Walsh, T Brennan, S Buggy, K Holland, G Walsh,
N Maher, N Byrne 0-1 free, A Curtis (C) 0-2, S-A Quinlan 1-1, C
Phelan 2-3, 0-1 free, A Nolan 0-1, O Hanrick 1-1, E Comerford, A
Murphy 1-1.
SUB L Fitzpatrick for A Nolan.
Referee Dermot Connolly (Galway).
Sport can often be cruel. That was the case for St Pius X Magherafelt.
After coming back from a 10 points’ deficit to level with a Sinead
Conlon point in the 56th minute, they looked to be on course to
snatch a victory that their play deserved. However, Castlecomer
burst forward during the second minute of added time and Edel
Coonan pulled a beautiful ground shot into the Magherafelt net.
Castlecomer N Murphy, K Nolan, A Brennan, R Comerford, N
Walsh, O Walsh (C), M Nolan, A cass, K Comerford, E Coonan 2-0,
M Mansfied 0-2, 0-1 free, M Daly 1-0, L Finn, M O’Neill, T Agar (1-0
own goal). SUB K Dowling for L Finn.
St Pius X Niamh McGuckin, Laura Gribbin, Laura Wilson, Shaunagh
Devlin, Sarah Cassidy, Caoimhe Glass, Kellie McNabb, Maggie
Hagan, Dania Donnelly (C) 0-4, Ciara McNabb, Rebekah Forbes 1-0,
Ciara Donnelly, Dervla McGuckin, Aimee Devlin 1-0, Sinead Conlon
0-1. SUBS Nicola Crilly for C McNabb, Leona Browne for L Gribbin.
Referee Donal Ryan (Dublin)
All-Ireland Colleges Senior B Final
Grennan College Thomastown 4-10
St Louis Ballymena 3-03
The star of this Colleges’ All-Ireland B final in Trim was Kilkenny
Senior panellist Kelly Hamilton, with good support from Jane
Cullen and her defence and midfield. Kelly opened the scoring
and, in general was very accurate from placed balls, totalling 6
points, but it was her 21st minute goal that clinced this game for
Grennan College.
Grennan College N Bolger, S Whelan, M hayes, C Gantley, N
Quigley, J Cullen, J Carroll, R O’Carroll, M Farrell, S Carroll (C), K
Hamilton 1-6, 0-6 frees, L Walsh, E Donnelly 0-2, A Lannon 1-0, N
Donnelly 2-0.
SUB K Walsh for L Walsh, H Gantley for E Donnelly.
St Louis N McCloskey, N McQuillan, L Elliott, K Bradley, M Lynn, S
Woulahan, E McGarry, N Doherty, S Devlin, K Duffin, A McAtamney
(C) 0-2 frees, C Drain, C McIntyre, A Kelly 1-1, C Bartley 1-0.
SUBS R McNaughton 1-0 for C McIntyre, A Kearney for M Lynn.
Referee Paul Beecher (Dublin).
All-Ireland Colleges Senior D Final
St Declans, Kilmacthomas 1-08
Mercy, Roscommon 0-08
All-Ireland Colleges Junior A Final
St Patrick’s Maghera V
Loreto, Kilkenny or Loughrea, Galway
(fixture not finalised at time of going to print)
All-Ireland Colleges Junior B Final
Presentation, Thurles, 3-06
Coachford, Cork 2-05
All-Ireland Colleges Junior C Final
Maryfield College, Dublin 2-08
Coláiste Dun lascaigh, Tipperary 1-07
All-Ireland Colleges Junior D Final
Abbey CC Waterford V
Heywood CS, Abbeyleix
(Final in Nolan Park on 26th March)
Eoghan Cormican chats to
2010 Young Player of the Year
Laura Mitchell
2010 was a special year for Killimordaly and
Galway camogie player Laura Mitchell. Not alone
was she an integral part of the Galway camogie
team that captured the Counties first All-Ireland
minor title, the midfielder was awarded Player of
the Match in the final for her outstanding display.
To crown a memorable year, the Galway senior
panelist and holder of three All Ireland medals was
chosen as the Camogie Association’s ‘Young Player
of the Year’ at the All Stars banquet at the City West
Hotel. She spoke to “On the Ball” about All Ireland
success, the lack of recognition for camogie players
and future aspirations in the maroon and white.
Firstly, when did you begin playing camogie?
When I was six I joined the club but I cannot
remember when I didn’t have a hurl in my hand.
What was your earliest achievement on the
field?
I was in second class and we won a national
schools final. It was a replay. I was put in full
forward, it was a very tense match and I remember
our local shopkeeper telling me before the match
she would give me a bag of sweets for every goal I
scored. I was happy out that evening. How long have you been playing inter county
camogie and how does it differ from playing
with Killimordaly?
I started when I was twelve with the U-14
county team. Going from senior county to club
makes club seem so simple, but having said that
when you come up against some of your county
teammates it can be a great challenge.
How did it feel to be part of the first Galway
team to win an All Ireland minor title and then
to be awarded player of the match?
I was playing with a very good bunch of girls,
hopefully we will all be there in ten years
time with a couple of senior All Irelands to our
name. We work very well as a team and with
everyone playing their own part it made our win
that bit easier. So naturally, when I was awarded
player of the match, I felt I owed each and every
one of the girls a huge thank you. Obviously it was a huge honour to be recognised
as the best young camogie player in 2010. What
were your thoughts on the night to be sharing
the stage with players such as Kate Kelly,
Katrina Parrock and Mary Lacey?
I don’t suppose I ever felt as nervous in my life. I
didn’t for a second think I was going to be the one
they would pick and, as you can imagine, it was
like a dream come true when they called my name.
What players would you look up to and, in
saying that, what advice would you give to
young camogie players?
On the Galway panel we have some outstanding
players like Ann-Marie Hayes, Orla and Niamh
Kilkenny and leave it there to Brenda Hanney who
did Trojan work with her club this year bringing
them to Croke Park. The only advice I can give to
young players is start young, give it every free
second you have, do the simple things right and
never miss a training session. What would be your ambitions for 2011 and
indeed after that?
My ambitions for 2011 would be firstly to repeat
our minor achievement and to go all the way in
Croke Park in the senior this year. After that who
knows, maybe we will be heading for three-in-arow.
Your experiences of Croke Park last September
and how did that day contrast with the minor
victory in Thurles?
Obviously it was a huge disappointment to lose
after all the work we had put in throughout the
year but it will only drive us on even further this
year. I felt so sorry for the older girls who had been
there before and lost, and even though I was one of
the younger players it was still devastating for us.
Thurles on the other hand was the sort of match I
enjoy, one that you have to fight hard to win and
coming out on top made it all the more rewarding.
We knew we could do it but Clare didn’t make it
easy for us. Do you believe inter-county camogie players
get enough recognition for the amount of work
they put by comparison with hurlers?
No, the girls put in as much, if not more work and
I feel that if they had more attendance at matches
it would drive them on even further. Hurlers are
treated like royalty and a good hurler could even
be presented with a car, do you think a camogie
player would ever be thought of in the same light?
Achievements
County U-13 A championship 2002
All Ireland U-14 inter-county blitz 2006
3 All-Ireland U-14 inter-county blitzes 2007
Club U-14 B championship 2007
Club Minor B championships 2007, 2010
County intermediate championship 2007
Club intermediate Connacht final 2007
Club under age player of the year 2007
Schools junior player of the year 2008
All-Ireland U-16 final 2009
All-Ireland intermediate final 2009
Gael linn intermediate final 2009
Senior Connacht final 2009
All-Ireland minor final 2010
All-Ireland minor final 2010 Player of the Match
Young Player of the Year 2010
Laura receives her 2010 Camogie Young Player of the Year award from the President of the
Camogie Association, Joan O’ Flynn and Cormac Farrell, Marketing Director of O’Neills
Engagements
Claire Grogan, Tipperary star and arguably one of the greatest
camogie players ever and Portumna and Galway hurling star Damien
Hayes became engaged recently. Damien usually reserves his best
performances when playing Tipperary! Now where will they live?
Great rumours that Tipperary farmers across the Shannon from
Portumna are selling sites to Galway hurlers at knock down prices!
WEDDINGs
Love is definitely in the air down Wexford way; tying the knot this
year are Coleen Atkinson and Eugene Clune. Coleen is a member
of the Wexford Intermediate team. Another star player Josie Dwyer
announced her engagement to John Breen.
Brid Boylan, the Cavan dual star player announced her engagement
to Paul Murphy at Christmas, a sparkling diamond ring and a smile
to match are on display at Camogie Headquarters where Brid is the
efficient Office Administrator.
Up Derry way Jane Carey and John Kearney got engaged. Jane has
lots to celebrate as Eoghan Rua won the All Ireland Intermediate Final
in great style in Croke Park when they defeated The Harps.
Congratulations and happiness to all . . .
Births
Welcome Baby Eoghan McGuinness
Wexford wing back Aine Codd McGuinness gave birth to Eoghan on
January 11th. Proud parents Aine and Monaghan man Michael took
him along to Piercetown to see his first camogie game when Wexford
played Clare earlier this month. Baby Eoghan will clock up many
camogie miles to see his Mum in action. She made a return to the
Wexford team on March 21st.
Three stunningly beautiful camogie brides. Eimear Brannigan,
Therese Maher and Paula Bruen were the essence of elegance, style
and happiness recently; the guys were cool too!
Wedding bells rang for Eimear Brannigan, the former Dublin All Star
and Sunday Game camogie analyst married soccer star Ollie Cahill
from Tipperary. Ollie has been drawn into the camogie family in other
ways; he trained St. Vincent’s senior camogie team.
Therese Maher, the Galway star centre forward and David Donohue
walked down the aisle recently.
Paula Bruen a dual player with St. Bridget’s in Dublin married Killian
Kirrane. Paula is Financial Controller in camogie Headquarters.
AWARDS
Clare
Awards a plenty for camogie people recently; Wexford centre back
Mary Leacy was the recipient of an Excellence in Sport Award at a
gala charity dinner in the Burlington. These awards are organised
by The Links Golf Society. Other recipients include Rory McElroy,
Katie Taylor, Grainne Murphy, Lar Corbett, Bernard Brogan.
Clare Camogie Board honoured Brendan Noonan from the
Kilkishen club with the Volunteer of the Year Award. This was
the first year of the Awards.
Ger Hickey, Chairperson of Feile na nGael 2010, Mary Hogan
Sec Clare Co. Board and member of Féile Committee and
her son Declan, Secretary of Féile na nGael Committee were
recognised by Clare Camogie Board for their contribution to
making Féile such a success when Clare hosted in 2010.
Wexford
Staying in Wexford, the GAA Supporters Club honoured Eileen
O’Brien who was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her contribution
to camogie. Eileen is President of the Wexford Camogie Board.
JJ Doyle was recognised for his role as Wexford Manager
winning the Manager of the Year Awards at the 2010 All Stars.
The Wexford Camogie Player of the Year went to flying forward
Katrina Parrock. Her Mum Liz accepted the award as Katrina
was on Ashbourne Cup duty playing on the WIT winning team.
Kildare
Kildare GAA honoured Regina Gorman with Camogie Player of
the Year Award, Regina had a storming year at full back for the
Lily Whites. Regina was also selected on the Soaring Star team
2010. She is Fixtures Co-Ordinator at Camogie Headquaters.
Galway
Brenda Hanney from the All Ireland Club Champions Killimor
received the Connacht GAA Senior Camogie Player of the Year
Award. Her Dad Michael accepted on her behalf as Brenda was
preparing in the all Ireland club semi-final against Oulart.
Laura Mitchell was the Galway Young Player of the year
recipient, adding to her Camogie Young Player of the Year title.
Brenda Hanney was also the recipient of the Connaught Tribune
Camogie Player of the Year.
Niamh Kilkenny was the Galway Bay Camogie Player of the Year.
Waterford
Stylish player and Poc
Fada Champion Patricia
Jackman was chosen as
Munster GAA Council
Camogie Player of the
Year 2011. She was also
a 2010 Soaring Star
winner.
Tipperary
County champions Burgess Duharra received the Annerville
Camogie Award. Club Chairman Donie Nealon, inspirational
team captain Eimear McDonnell, Tim and Eilish Maher and Ray
Deering PRO accepted the award on behalf of the club.
Antrim
Rhona Torney
gave sterling
performances at
corner back for
Antrim during
the year, the
Ulster GAA
Writers voted her
Camogie Player
of the Province
2010. This added
to her Soaring
Star Award.
CAMOGIE IN AUSTRALIA Camogie Dates 2011
Michael Cusacks GAA,
Sydney, NSW
March
26-27 National Congress
Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast
31All Ireland Minor A & B
Championship Finals;
All Ireland Minor C
Championship Semi Finals
Michael Cusacks GAA Club is steeped with
history, tradition and above all passion for the
Irish Gaels based in Sydney. Michael Cusacks is
Sydney’s largest GAA club with teams across the
four Gaelic codes – Camogie, Hurling, Men’s &
Ladies Football.
April
August
The camogie season begins with pre-season training mid January and there
are a number of camogie tournaments throughout the year:
February 13th
Melbourne 7’s tournament
March 5th
NSW Camogie tournament
March 27th
Central Coast tournament
April – July
NSW League
July – October
NSW Championship
This year, 2011, has given us a fresh start with a whole new panel of girls!
Michael Cusacks camogie, so far, consists of camóg’s from every corner of
Ireland… Derry, Down, Armagh, Antrim, Dublin, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford,
Dublin, Cork & Galway and we are hoping to expand on that.
If you are interested in joining this growing club our contact details are:
Phone: +61 406 159 482
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michaelcusacks.com
Or find us on Facebook and Twitter
FACEBOOK
Follow Camogie on
Facebook.com and become a fan of our page! Event
information, fixtures, results and camogie photographs
are all on Facebook so click on to www.camogie.ie and
follow the link to Facebook.com!
E-ZINE
The Camogezine is out monthly so click on
to www.camogie.ie to subscribe or go through Facebook.com
to subscribe as well
03Irish Daily Star National
League Div 1 Semi Finals
09 2nd Level Col Junior Finals
17Irish Daily Star National
League Division 1 & 2 Finals
23U-16 A,B,C Championship
Semi Finals
24Irish Daily Star National
League Division 3 & 4 Finals
06All Ireland Premier Junior
Championship Playoffs;
All Ireland Junior A
Championship Playoffs
07All Ireland Junior B
Championship Playoffs
13All Ireland Senior
Championship Semi Finals
May
20All Ireland Intermediate,
Premier Junior & Junior A
Championship Semi Finals
07U-16 A,B,C Championship
Finals
21All Ireland Junior B
Championship Semi Finals
15 Gael Linn Jnr Interprovincial
28All Ireland Junior B
Championship Final,
All Ireland Minor C
Championship Final
June
11Beginning of Senior &
Intermediate Championships
29Beginning of All Ireland Minor
A, B & C Championships
July
17All Ireland Minor A & B
Championship Semi Finals;
All Ireland Minor C Playoffs
24All Ireland Minor C
Championship Quarter Finals
30Poc Fada, Annaverna
Mountain
September
11All Ireland Senior,
Intermediate & Premier
Junior Championship Finals,
Croke Park
17All Ireland Junior A
Championship Final
November
05 Camogie All Stars
CHAMPIONSHIP 2011
Tune into
RTÉ The Sunday Game for coverage of the Camogie Championships
rounds while the All Ireland Finals will be broadcast live on RTÉ 1
The Camogie Association thanks the Communications & Website Committee, all contributors, Sportsfile Photography
Agency and Caroline Quinn Photography for the production of ‘On the Ball’ Spring/Summer 2011 edition