Cumann Camógaíochta Comhairle Laighean

CONVENTION 2018

Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 2018

WESTMEATH

CAMOGIE Dublin, winners of the 2018 Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Final, beating Kerry at Croke Park on 9th September. Photo: iLivephotos.com

Wexford Minor Camogie team celebrate winning the Leinster Minor A Championship Final with a victory over Kilkenny at St Rynagh’s, Banagher, Offaly on 29th July. Photo: iLivephotos.com AGENDA Clár

Date: Saturday, 12th January 2019 Venue: Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow Time: 1.00 pm

1.00 pm Registration of Attendance

1.05 pm Chairperson’s Address

1.20 pm Adoption of Standing Orders

1.25 pm Minutes of 2017 Convention

1.35 pm Matters Arising

1.40 pm Reports • Secretary’s Report • Treasurer’s Report • Development Report • Registrar’s Report • P.R.O’s Report • Árd Comhairle Report • T.H.D.C. Report • Child Welfare Report

2.20 pm Appointment of Tellers

2.25 pm Election of Officers

2.45 pm Fixtures Draw

3.15 pm Date of 2019 Convention

Linda Kenny, Rúnaí.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 3 STANDING ORDERS Buanordaithe

The Proposer of a resolution or an amendment may speak for five minutes.

A delegate speaking to a resolution or an amendment may not exceed three minutes.

The proposer of a resolution or an amendment may speak a second time for three minutes before a vote is taken. No other delegate may speak a second time to the same resolution or amendment.

An Cathaoirleach may, at any time she/he considers a matter has been sufficiently discussed, call on the proposer for a reply. When that has been given, a vote must be taken.

An Cathaoirleach may consider any subject not on An Clár provided she/he receives the consent of the majority of the delegates present.

Standing Orders shall not be suspended for the purpose of considering any matter not on An Clár except with the consent of a majority equal to two-thirds of those present, entitled to vote, and voting.

Page 4 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION MINUTES OF LEINSTER CONVENTION 2017 Miontuairiscí 13th January 2018 Áras Laighean, Portlaoise

Attendance: Patrick Martin, Martin Quilty, Sarah Conroy, congratulated all winners in all grades especially Carmel Carroll, Linda Kenny, Gerry O’Sullivan, Angela Johnstownbridge, Myshall, Meath and Westmeath. She Gahan, Rachel Rogars, Hilda Breslin, Aileen Lawlor, Mary thanked Leinster GAA for their on-going support and she Connor, Joan Dunphy, Delegates from: Carlow x 2, Dublin x thanked Pat Martin for his guidance and Martin Quilty 2, Kildare x2, Kilkenny x 2, Laois x 2, Louth x 1, Meath x 1, her unofficial Assistant Secretary for all his work with the Offaly x 2, Westmeath x 2, Wexford x 2 and Wicklow x 2. referees and fixture organisation over the past year. She thanked, Portlaoise GAA, Carlow GAA for the use of your Guests: Sabrina Larkin, Leinster Growth and Participation pitches without these facilities we would not be able to run Officer. competitions.

Chairperson Pat Martin opened the meeting. He LEINSTER ROLL OF HONOUR 2017 welcomed all the delegates and guest Sabrina Larkin. He Senior – Kilkenny congratulated Leinster counties on their success in 2017 Intermediate – Laois especially Meath and Westmeath. He noted how proud Leinster were of their counties success. There was more Junior – Offaly participation in Camogie in Leinster in 2017, although Minor A Championship – Kilkenny Under 8’s play for free some Clubs are not registering them. Minor A Shield – Dublin Social Media has become a big part of our game, getting Minor B Championship – Kildare Camogie out there and he asked counties to continue in Minor B Shield – Westmeath this work under the guidelines of the Social Media Policy. He individually thanked the Leinster Executive Officers Under 16 A Championship – Dublin who had served on the board with him in 2017. He thanked Under 16 A Shield – Kilkenny Sarah who was stepping down today as Secretary having Under 16 B Championship – Laois been in office for the past five years and wished her well. Under 16 B Shield – Wexford Finally he held a minutes silence for all those members who had suffered bereavements in 2017. Under 16 C Championship: - Kildare Senior Club Championship – Thomastown, Kilkenny Standing Orders: Standing Orders we taken as read by Intermediate Club Championship – Johnstownbridge, Kildare Chairperson Pat Martin. Proposed by Gerry O’Sullivan, Junior Club Championship – Kilmessan Meath. seconded by Meath. Leinster League Division 1: Rathnure Wexford Minutes of Convention 2016: The minutes of the 2016 Leinster League Division 2: St Cillians Offaly convention were taken as read. Minutes were proposed by Leinster League Division 3: Kilmacud Crokes Dublin. Dublin and seconded by Kilkenny. There were no matters Leinster League Division 4: St Claires Kilkenny. arising. May saw the Under 14 Development Blitz in Rathleague, Secretary’s Report: Sarah Conroy, Secretary gave Portlaoise and she thanked Angela Gahan and all a comprehensive report on all events in 2017. She her fellow officers for their assistance in making this

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 5 another successful day out for our Development Squads. short notice and she thanked her for the professional Congratulations to all the winners on the day. Thanks also manner in which she goes about her job. to Portlaoise GAA for allowing us run our Blitz with 5 pitches at our disposal. She congratulated the winners of Under 14 2017 saw some big changes in the National Development Leinster Skills Competition: Aoibheann Mernagh Wexford. team and she thanked Mary O’Connor, Eve Talbot and Caroline Murray for all the work they did alongside Gael Linn was ran in Abbotstown this year and it was the Leinster counties over the past few years. She wished turn of the Juniors. She thanked Patsy Murphy who came them the best of luck in their new careers. She wished on board as our Leinster Manager and to her backroom Sabrina Larkin well in her first full year in the role as team of Johnny Greville, Shane Plowman, Ann Colgan Leinster Growth and Participation Officer. and Mick Ward. Unfortunately we lost out to a strong Ulster team in the Final. Thanks to all the counties for Finally she spoke of how today she stepped down as releasing their players to us and to the players themselves Leinster Secretary having served five years in the role. who travelled to Dublin for the day. She thanked her county Laois and club Camross for their support to her over these years and also thanked her Poc Fáda was again ran in conjunction with the Leinster family. She wished the board the best of luck in 2018. GAA in Beann Eadair GAA in Howth. This year Leinster again made an extra effort and presented each competitor She expressed her sincere sympathy to any member who with their own county crested balls to compete with. suffered bereavement over the past year. Thanks also to Humprey Kelleher and Lester Ryan for making us so welcome on the day and congratulations to Secretary’s Report was proposed by Wexford and our winners: seconded by Carlow. Senior – Faye McCarthy – Dublin Registrars Report: Registrar Linda Kenny gave a very Under 16 – Abbye Donnelly – Meath detailed graphed report of Leinster Registrations in Leinster Registered Club’s per County for 2017 2017. She gave a slide show indicating the numbers and increase in members in Leinster from 2016 to 2017. Linda thanked Sarah for her work over the past few years and County Clubs in Clubs in Clubs in for bringing her on board with Leinster Registrations and 2017 2016 2015 expressed her enjoyment in working with the figures. Pat thanked Linda for her work and expressed the importance Carlow 10 10 10 of registering our Under 8 members for the purpose of Dublin 46 43 42 Insurance. Registrars report was proposed by Westmeath Kildare 22 21 20 and seconded by Laois. Kilkenny 33 31 31 Treasurers Report: Treasurer Carmel Carroll gave a Laois 10 11 10 detailed report on the Income and Expenditure of the Council in 2017. She noted the increase in gate income in Louth 7 6 6 Leinster in 2017 “more people are attending our games”. Meath 16 15 15 Income of €79,135, Expenditure of €74,015 (which included Development funding from 2016). Balance in Offaly 11 11 2 bank as at the 30th of November €57,652. Pat thanked Westmeath 13 13 13 Carmel for coming on board last year and for her work in bringing our Bank Account On-Line. He also thanked her Wexford 38 36 37 for doing gates and for taking abuse from supporters at Wicklow 15 14 14 the gate. He commented that supporters have no issues paying larger entry fees into GAA games. Treasurer’s Longford 1 1 1 report was proposed by Louth and seconded by Offaly. Total Clubs 222 212 211 Development Report: Angela congratulated the winner She noted there was 11 new Club’s in Leinster in 2017 and of the Ball Wall Challenge – Aoibheann Mernagh, Wexford wished them luck in 2018. and the Skills competition – Rebecca Sheehan, Carlow. Angela reported on the extensive Development work She thanked the T.H.D.C. committee of Margaret Sexton, being done within the counties of Leinster. She reported Joan Dunphy, Gerry McGough, Breda Donnelly, Margaret the results from the Leinster Under 14 Blitz and spoke Condell for their on-going work on behalf of Leinster of how the Under 17 Development Blitz hadn’t taken Council, keeping on top of all the rules of the Association place due to lack of Interest. She thanked all the Under takes a lot of time and effort for any Volunteer and over the 10s who participated in half time games throughout the past few years we have built up a strong knowledgeable year. She looked to the future and hoped to reform the committee in Leinster. She went on to thank Martina Leinster Development Committee in 2018. Sabrina Larkin McGilloway the Official Leinster Camogie Photographer. in her part of the report, reported about the participation Martina is always available to Leinster, sometimes at in “Hurl with me Programme”, “Hurl Smart Week” and the

Page 6 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION “Leinster Summer 7s”. She also reported the ongoing work two referees. For games to continue especially at Under being done with the Secondary Schools and the Primary 16 level as they clash with the National League he urged Schools Teacher in Service Training. Finally she looked counties again to make referees available to officiate. forward to 2018. Review: Last year was very challenging due to a lack of Development reports were proposed by Wexford and Officials, abuse to match officials and Leinster Officers seconded by Carlow. on the field had increased. He complimented the County Boards for adhering to pitch regulations but he could not P.R.O. Report: P.R.O. Gerry O’Sullivan presented his say the same for club’s during the club championship. He P.R.O. report starting with the National Media awards thanked Linda Kenny and Carlow GAA for hosting the where Leinster County’s received two awards in 2017. Best Club Finals in Netwatch Cullen Park. He also thanked Programme went to Carlow and the Local Media Award all the Counties for adhering to the fixtures. Finally he went to Wicklow’s local Paper. Web-Site: Traffic on the thanked Pat and Carmel for all their assistance on final website grew by a very healthy 24% with 21,964 sessions days and to Sarah who has helped and guided him for the recorded compared to 12,695 in 2016. The website was past two years, it has truly been a pleasure to work with launched in 2014 and recorded just under 2000 in it’s you. Pat Martin addressed the meeting about the lack of inaugural year. 92% of the users come from Ireland with referees. Fixtures report was proposed by Kildare and the UK, USA, Brazil, Canada, Belgium and Germany next seconded Offaly. in line. 272 individual stories were posted to the website. 57% of the visitors were from Dublin followed by Kilkenny, Leinster T.H.D.C Report: Leinster T.H.D.C Secretary Wexford and Carlow. Joan Dunphy’s report introduced the committee as follows: Chairperson Margaret Sexton, Vice-Chairperson Gerry Twitter: We now have 2,364 follows as opposed to McGough, Secretary Joan Dunphy, Assistant Secretaries 1,959 in 2016. Facebook: The number of likes is at 1,593 Breda Donnelly and Margaret Condell. In 2017 they dealt compared to 1,376 for the previous 12 months. with 49 transfer applications. They received 10 transfer appeals. Six appeal hearings were heard. On Leinster Newspaper coverage continues to grow and he thanked Council’s direction one Investigation Hearing and four red the Irish Independent and the Irish Times for their cards. Finally she thanked the Leinster Secretary Sarah continued reporting on games. He thanked Sarah Conroy Conroy and Chairperson Pat Martin for their on-going and Martin Quilty for producing a match program for all support of the committee and she ended by wishing the finals and also for the professional presentation on the incoming committee the best of luck in 2018. Secretary days of finals. Sarah Conroy thanked the committee for their support to her and thanked them for their prompt response in transfer He concluded by thanking all those who made an input in approvals/rejections. T.H.D.C report was proposed Laois items on the website and encouraged people to continue and seconded by Louth. sending in material. P.R.O’s report was proposed by Dublin and seconded by Wexford. The meeting then broke for refreshments.

Árd Comhairle Report: Árd Comhairle Delegate Election of Tellers: Hilda Breslin sincerely thanked all counties for their Aileen Lawlor and Sabrina Larkin were proposed as support and assistance in her role. Pat Martin thanked tellers by Chairperson Patrick Martin. This was seconded Hilda for attending meetings on behalf of Leinster. Árd by Meath and was unopposed. Voting strength was Comhairle report was proposed Kildare and seconded by established to be 29. Nine Counties with two voting Westmeath. delegates, two Counties with one voting delegate and nine Executive members. Fixtures Report: Martin Quilty gave his fixtures report. There were 118 competitive games of camogie in Leinster Motions: in 2017 which did not include Development Blitz’s. He That the definition of the home club Home Club – noted the drop in games in the Leinster League in 2017 The club with which a player first legally participates in club as opposed to 2016 due to teams giving walkovers. He competition, either league or championship, organised thanked all the clubs who gave us pitches in 2017 and to by the County Board or one of its sub-committees is the referees and officials. We currently have 21 referees designated as a player’s home club. on our list although only 18 officiated in Leinster last year with this number dropping to 11 in the latter part of the Be replaced by: Home Club – The club with which a year. While some counties excelled in sending in referees, player first legally participates in Club activities defined three counties had no referees on our panel. He thanked in Rule 33.8 “All games activities organised for all players the counties who provided Lines people for Finals. aged U12 by all Units of the Association must be: • Child centred • Small sided games • Developmentally Shortage: At the start of the year Martin spoke about the appropriate • Provide all players with meaningful playing shortage of referees and here we are again at the start of time”, League or Championship organised by the County 2018 talking about the same issue. Last year we got one Board or one of its sub-committees is designated as a new referee, Patrick Murphy from Carlow, but we also lost player’s home club.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 7 4.1. Membership of the Association can only be granted Margaret Condell finished by saying that it just seems by a Club or through a National Education Council. unfair that a player can play both grades. Membership is open to all persons who subscribe to the aims and objectives of the Association.The club with which Vote: 13 for – 11 against. a player first legally participates in club competition either league or championship, organised by the County Board Motion 3: or one of its subcommittees is designated as a player’s home club. A Club reserves the right to refuse membership PLAYING RULE AMENDMENT to any person. The decision to refuse membership must comply with relevant equality legislation. Rule No. 9.6 An Treoir Oifigiúil Part 2 2015 A player may: Be replaced by: a. Strike the sliotar with the hurley on the ground or in 4.1 Membership of the Association can only be granted the air. by a Club or through a National Education Council. b. Lift the sliotar off the ground with the hurley or with the Membership is open to all persons who subscribe to the feet or with a combination of hurley and feet. aims and objectives of the Association. The club with c. Catch the sliotar with one hand. which a player first legally participates in Club activities d. Catch the sliotar twice. defined in Rule 33.8 “All games activities organised for all e. Hand pass the sliotar with one hand. players aged U12 by all Units of the Association must be: • Child centred •Small sided games • Developmentally f. Drop the hurley. appropriate • Provide all players with meaningful playing g. Carry the sliotar in one hand for a maximum of four time” League or Championship organised by the County consecutive steps or hold the sliotar in the hand for no Board or one of its sub-committees is designated as longer than the time needed top take four steps. a player’s home club. A Club reserves the right to h. Kick the sliotar. refuse membership to any person. The decision to i. Hand pass the sliotar to score. refuse membership must comply with relevant equality legislation. Amend to Read Wicklow Rule No. 9.6 An Treoir Oifigiuil Part 2 2015 A player may: Wicklow proposed the motion it was seconded by Dublin. a. Strike the sliotar with the hurley on the ground or in the air. Breda Donnelly explained the motion covered the status b. Lift the sliotar off the ground with the hurley or with the of Under 8, 10 and 12 players. With the present definition feet or with a combination of hurley and feet. and rules any players who plays Go-Games are free to c. Catch the sliotar with one hand. move from Club to Club. At Present bigger clubs can d. Catch the sliotar twice. recruit players at Go Games Blitz’s. No one spoke against the motion. Vote: 27 for. e. Hand pass the sliotar with one hand. f. Drop the hurley. Motion 2: g. Carry the sliotar in one hand for a maximum of four consecutive steps or hold the sliotar in the hand for no NEW RULE longer than the time needed top take four steps. Any player who plays in an inter-county higher graded h. Kick the sliotar. league competition is not eligible thereafter to play in a lower graded league competition. Delete i. Hand pass the sliotar to score. Carlow Carlow

Motion 2 proposed by Carlow and seconded by Motion 3 was proposed by Carlow and seconded by Westmeath. Offaly.

Margaret Condell spoke on behalf of Carlow on the Margaret Condell spoke for this motion. She contended motion. The reason for the motion is to stop a Division 1 that the skill level is gone out of Camogie if a player need player from playing at a lower grade later on in the year. to hand-pass a ball to score. The size of the goal has Kilkenny delegate spoke against the motion as some changed since this rule was written and it’s now a clear Counties suffer with a lack of players at the start of the disadvantage to a goalie. No one spoke against the rule year due to Ashbourne etc. amendment.

Linda Kenny stated that Carlow would not have an issue Vote: 19 for, 9 against. with players moving up but not back down. Motion 4: Kilkenny: If this motion passes a player may not get any That players would have the option to wear short or long game time in the latter part of the year if she is not allowed socks when playing camogie. move back down. Westmeath

Page 8 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Westmeath delegate was under the impression that this Under 16 B: motion had been withdrawn but then proposed the motion Round 1: 25th February for discussion. Motion 4 seconded by Meath. Carlow v Kildare Westmeath delegate: This became an issue for Westmeath Wexford v Laois during their All Ireland campaign last year. Meath v Dublin Westmeath v Kilkenny Aileen Lawlor: The National Referees Committee have put forward this proposal to Árd Comhairle. Under 16 C: Round 1: 25th February Wicklow: Is this a player’s choice or a Team Choice. Westmeath: Players Choice. Dublin: Rule says Knee Kildare v Wicklow Socks and uniformly dressed. Motion will need to be Louth Bye rewritten for the rule to be changed. Minor A: Westmeath in conclusion says it was submitted as their Semi Finals: 22nd July players wanted it. Dublin v Wexford Vote: 21 for, 1 against. Kilkenny v Offaly Minor B: ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Quarter Finals: 8th July Hon President: PJ Fulham Kilkenny v Meath {A} Carlow v Westmeath {B} Hon Vice President: Maureen Fulham Aileen Lawlor Dublin v Kildare {C} Marie Woods Semi Finals: 15th July Sheila Wallace Laois v B Mary Connor A v C Chairperson: Pat Martin Senior: Chairperson Tofa: Hilda Breslin Quarter Final’s: 29th April Vice Chairperson: Melanie Dunne Offaly v Kildare {A} Secretary: No Candidate Wexford v Meath {B} Laois v Kilkenny {C} Ass Secretary: No Candidate Dublin v Bye {D} Treasurer: Carmel Carroll Ass Treasurer: No Candidate Semi Finals: 13th May C v B Development Officer: Angela Gahan D v A Registrar: Linda Kenny P.R.O: Gerry O Sullivan Intermediate: Quarter Finals: 6th May Árd Comhairle Delegate: Hilda Breslin Westmeath v Kilkenny {A} Pat Martin thanked the Officers for 2017 for their work and Carlow v Offaly {B} welcomed the new Officers for 2018. Semi Finals: 13th May Child Protection: Children’s Officer Rachel Rogars Dublin v B thanked the counties for their support to her in 2017 and Wexford v A reminded everyone of the new Child Legislation which came into law. She finished by thanking Sarah Conroy for Junior her support to her in her role in 2017. Semi Finals: 13th May Carlow Wicklow Fixtures Draw for Championship 2017: Louth Bye. Under 16 A: Round 1: 18th March Pat Martin then made a presentation of flowers to Sarah Conroy and Martin Quilty. Offaly v Kilkenny Wexford v Dublin. Convention 2018 was fixed for the 12th of January 2019.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 9 Carlow Under 16 Camogie Team – All-Ireland Champions 2018.

Kilkenny, Littlewoods Ireland National League Div. 1 Champions 2018.

Anna Geraghty (Dublin) and Brooke Whelehan Johnstownbridge players celebrating after winning the (Offaly) in action during the Leinster Camogie AIB All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship. Minor A Shield Final. Photo:

Page 10 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION

John LEINSTER SECRETARY’S REPORT 2018 Tuairisc an Runaí

A Chairde, Congratulations to all the winners and well done to all Leinster counties and clubs on their participation across INTRODUCTION all grades. Commiserations to Kilkenny on losing the All It is my honour and privilege as Secretary of Comhairle Ireland Senior Camogie Final. The manner in which you Camógaíochta Laighean to present my first report for represented your clubs, counties and provinces must be adoption at Annual Convention today. This report details commended. the activities that took place under the auspicious of Best wishes to St Martin’s (Wexford) and St Rynagh’s Comhairle Camógaíochta Laighean during the year and (Offaly) in their forthcoming AIB All Ireland Championship reflects on the many elements that involve so many Semi Finals at Senior and Intermediate level. people working together for the promotion of camogie across the province of Leinster. ON THE PLAYING FIELDS Despite the most unfavourable weather conditions for INTERCOUNTY FIXTURES the first quarter of the year we managed to overcome the obstacles and come May, June and July the glorious UNDER 16: sunshine and soaring temperatures added to a wonderful Our Under 16 Fixtures ran from late February to our summer for camogie. Finals day in Portlaoise GAA on May 6th last. In the “A” Championship eight matches were played. These Overall 2018 can be regarded as a very successful year included three round matches and a Cup and Shield for clubs and counties in the Province with National titles Final. In the “B” Championship a total of 18 matches won on the field of play by the following: were played. These included three round games, Cup and Shield Semi Finals and Finals. Despite been hit by some horrendous weather during March we managed to u Dublin won the Liberty Insurance All Ireland Premier complete all fixtures to schedule. We thank all counties for Junior Championship their co-operation in this regard. Congratulations to all the u Kilkenny retained the Littlewoods Ireland National winners and runners up. Many thanks to Portlaoise GAA League Division 1 for the use of their facilities for our finals. Thanks to Jer u Johnstownbridge, Kildare won the AIB All Ireland Donovan, Kilkenny, Barney O’Connor and members of Intermediate Club Championship for 2017 Laois Camogie who assisted on the day with the gate and programme sales. u Kilmessan retained the AIB All Ireland Junior Club Championship for 2018 UNDER 18: u Ratoath won the inaugural AIB All Ireland Special Our Under 18 Fixtures ran during the month of July with Junior Club Championship for 2018 all teams guaranteed a minimum of two matches in u Kildare won the All Ireland Minor B Shield their respective grade. In the “A” Championship only four u Wicklow won the Minor Strike for Glory Development matches were played. These included two semi finals and Competition a Cup and Shield Final. In the “B” Championship a total of nine matches were played. These included round games, u Carlow won the All Ireland Under 16 C Championship Cup and Shield Semi-Finals and Finals. Congratulations u Wicklow won the Progress to Success Under 16 to all the winners and runners up. Many thanks to St Development Competition Rynagh’s GAA, Banagher for hosting our Under 18 Finals. u Congratulations to all Leinster winners at the All- Special thanks to Carmel Carroll for all her work securing Ireland Under 14 Blitz the venue and preparing for the finals in Banagher.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 11 ADULT CHAMPIONSHIPS Intermediate: This year the following clubs represented their counties Senior: in the AIB Leinster Intermediate Club Championship Our Senior Adult Championship commenced on the – Myshall, (Carlow), Cuala (Dublin), Naas (Kildare), 30th of April last. Kildare withdrew after the draw was Young Ireland’s (Kilkenny), O’Moores (Laois), St Rynaghs completed. In total five knockout matches were played. (Offaly) and Buffers Alley (Wexford). In total seven These included two semi finals and Championship Final. knockout matches were played. These included two Congratulations to Kilkenny on winning a very entertaining semi-finals and the Championship Final. Congratulations final against Offaly. to St. Rynagh’s Offaly on winning their first Leinster Club Championship title. Intermediate: Our Intermediate Adult Championship commenced on 6th I would like to thank sincerely Jimmy Walshe and Conor of May last. In total five knockout matches were played. Denieffe, Kilkenny GAA for affording us the use of Nowlan These included two semi finals and Championship Final. Park for the AIB Leinster Senior and Intermediate Club Congratulations to Westmeath on their victory against a Finals. Special thanks to Martin Quilty, Theresa Alyward gallant Dublin side. We wish Westmeath every success as and all the members of the Kilkenny Camogie Executive they now move into the Senior ranks in Leinster for 2019. for their assistance both before and on the day in ensuring a wonderful occasion for all who attended. Junior: Our Junior Adult Championship Final was a straight final Junior: between Carlow and Louth after Wicklow withdrew after This year the following clubs represented their counties the draw was completed. Congratulations to Carlow on in the AIB Leinster Junior Club Championship – Naomh Brid (Carlow), Kill (Meath), Kilmessan (Meath), Raharney winning a very entertaining final against Louth who never (Westmeath). In total three knockout matches were played. gave up on the day. These included two semi-finals and the Championship Final. Congratulations to Kilmessan on winning another I would like to thank sincerely all involved in Birr GAA AIB Leinster Club Championship title and retaining the for affording us the use of St Brendan’s Park, Birr for AIB All-Ireland Junior Championship title. our Adult Finals. Special thanks to Carmel Carroll and her team of helpers including members of the Special Junior: Executive of Offaly Camogie for the smooth running The inaugural Special Junior Club Championship was of our finals in gorgeous May sunshine. introduced this year by the Camogie Association. This year the following clubs represented their counties in INTERPROVINCIAL 2018 the AIB Leinster Special Junior Club Championship – St Kevin’s (Louth), Ratoath (Meath), Delvin (Westmeath) On behalf of Leinster Camogie I wish to thank the and Knockananna (Wicklow). In total three knockout counties who supported Leinster in providing players matches were played. These included two semi-finals and and mentors for this year’s Interprovincial Blitz held in the Championship Final. Congratulations to Ratoath on Naomh Mearnog, Dublin. I am delighted to say we had winning the inaugural AIB Leinster Club Championship twenty six wonderful ambassadors playing for Leinster title and also the All-Ireland title. on the day along with an excellent backroom team of Shane Plowman (Dublin) Frank Mullen (Westmeath), I would like to thank sincerely all involved in Coralstown Sandra Tarr (Dublin), Willie Braine (Dublin) and kit man Kinnegad GAA and Edenderry GAA for affording us the Mick Ward. Special thanks also to Leinster Chairperson use of their facilities for our AIB Junior Finals. We are Pat Martin for all his work with gear and catering for the indebted to both clubs for their continued support. panel on the day. Leinster lost the final against a strong Connacht side having defeated Ulster and Munster in the LEINSTER LEAGUE round robin games. Our Leinster League Fixtures ran from early February to our various finals during April. Once more this competition CLUB FIXTURES proved to be attractive for a range of clubs across Leinster. AIB CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP For the early rounds of the fixtures clubs faced numerous obstacles with very inclement weather. A number of games Senior: were also conceded as club struggled to find pitches. In This year the following clubs represented their counties Division 1 four teams took part with seven games played; in the AIB Leinster Senior Club Championship – Naomh in Division 2 nine teams took part with 21 games played; in Jude (Dublin), Thomastown (Kilkenny) and St Martin’s Division 3 six teams took part with six games played while in (Wexford). In total two knockout matches were played. Division 4 six teams took part and ten games were played. These included one semi-final and the Championship For the record the winners were: Division 1, St Cillians Final. Congratulations to St Martin’s Wexford on winning (Offaly); Division 2, St Brigids (Kilkenny); Division 3 Rower their first Leinster Club Championship title. Inistioge (Kilkenny) and Division 4 The Harps (Laois).

Page 12 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Our Division One, Three and Four Finals were played in 2 final which was agreed between the two participating the National GAA Centre, Abbotstown. The response from clubs. all the players and their team mentors to playing in such a prestige venue was very positive and worthwhile. Many A huge thank you must be extended to all those thanks to Derry and the staff in Abbotstown for affording involved in the Leinster Fixtures Schedule 2018 Leinster Camogie the use of the venue. Thanks also to especially Pat Martin, Hilda Breslin and Melanie Ní Danesfort GAA for the use of their venue for the Division Dhuinn.

Games Played Under 16 Under 18 Minor Adult AIB Club Championship Leinster League 2018 26 13 11 15 44

CROSS BORDER DEVELOPMENT Under 17 BLITZ As part of a new initiative from the National Coaching and Games Committee Leinster Camogie offered to all counties Naomh Eamann, Laois approached Leinster during the an opportunity to participate in a Leinster Under 17 Blitz year seeking permission to run a Development Blitz for day after which players would be selected to go forward emerging adult teams and those clubs who did not have to a Leinster Squad for the All Ireland Interprovincial Blitz sufficient numbers to compete in their respective County in September. As we did not get sufficient entries to run a Championships. Four teams took part Burren Rangers, blitz it was decided to run trials on the same day as the Setanta (Carlow), Naomh Brid (Offaly) and Naomh Leinster Under 15 Blitz. Under seventeen players from Eamann (Laois). Congratulations to the Nicola Kirwan, Dublin, Kilkenny, Offaly, Westmeath and Wicklow attended Chairperson Naomh Eamann and her committee for under the guidance of Jer Donovan (Kilkenny) and his organising the finals in Mountrath. Two excellent games team of coaches. The Interprovincial panel was chosen were played on the evening with a great atmosphere and represented Leinster at the All Ireland Blitz in DCU prevailing. Naomh Brid (Offaly) won the Cup Final and on Saturday, September 8th. (Full details in Development Setanta (Carlow) the Shield Final. Report).

We are fortunate to have Angela Gahan, Development DEVELOPMENT BLITZ DAYS Officer working alongside Sabrina Larkin in Leinster at present. Angela continued to fulfil her role and Under 14 worked to ensure all our development plans were completed in 2018. We thank Angela once more for her All roads led to Portlaoise GAA on Sunday, May 15th for contribution over the past year. our Annual Under 14 Provincial Blitz. In total 21 teams took part in the blitz in gorgeous sunshine. Many thanks to all the players, mentors and parents for their co-operation FÉILE na nGAEL 2018 over the course of the day. Every player who participated in the Under 14 Leinster Blitz was presented with a As we all know Féile na nGael 2018 was hosted by participation medal. Special thanks to our team of referees Connacht with assistance from Westmeath/Longford. who officiated on the day. (Full details in Development Congratulations to the Westmeath Executive and all Report). On the day the Cul Sliotars Wall Ball Challenge the clubs on their excellent work prior to and over the took place with Aoibheann Mernagh (Wexford) in 1st weekend. A Whistle4Féile Programme was launched by Lizzie Flynn to recruit referees which was very successful place, Rebecca Kelly (Carlow) in 2nd place and Sophie also. Well done to all involved. Bermingham (Wicklow) in 3rd place. Many thanks to Jer Donovan for his assistance in running this competition. LEINSTER FÉILE SKILLS Under 15 Congratulations to Kerri Austin, Dublin on winning the Leinster Camogie also ran a Provincial Under 15 Blitz on Leinster Féile Skills competition. Finishing in second 7th of July in Portlaoise GAA. In total six Leinster counties place was Rebecca Kelly, Carlow and in third place took part with Galway also taking part in Division 1. Many Ellen Gunner, Kilkenny. The skill levels on show by all thanks to all the players, mentors and parents for their co- competitors were very high with impressive scoring in operation over the course of the day. Every player who all six skills. Many thanks to Clara GAA, Kilkenny for the participated in the Under 15 Leinster Blitz was presented use of their fantastic pitch and warm up pitch. Thanks to with a participation medal. Special thanks to our team all who officiated during the competition and especially of referees who officiated on the day. (Full details in to chairperson Pat Martin was marking out all the skills Development Report). stations.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 13 POC FADA 2018 Congratulations to Katie Power (Kilkenny) and Sheila McGrath (Westmeath) on winning the Camogie Our Leinster Poc Fada Final took place in conjunction Association / Littlewoods Division 1 and Division 2 Player with Leinster GAA on the Sugar Loaf Mountains, Co. of League Awards for 2018. Wicklow on Saturday, July 14th. All Leinster counties sent representatives. The winner of the Senior event was Tracy Congratulations to all the Leinster All Stars and Soaring McNally, Carlow with the Under 16 Winner Jane Lowry Stars Recipients with special congratulations to Anne from Offaly. Many thanks to Jonathan Tallon, Wicklow Dalton (Kilkenny) on winning the Senior Players’ Player of Hurling GDA, Seamus Hughes, Longford Hurling GDA, the Year Award and Caragh Dawson (Dublin) on winning Culm Carty, National Poc Fada Committee, Hilda Breslin, the Junior Players’ Player of the Year Award. Breda Donnelly, Wicklow and Brendan Cooper, Dublin for their assistance on the day. Well done to both ladies on Congratulations to Carmel Carroll on receiving an Offaly their strong performances in the All Ireland event on the Sports Partnership Award for her contribution to Camogie Cooley Mountains. on Offaly.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Congratulations to Lucan Sarsfields, Dublin on been chosen as the inaugural winners of the Camogie In February of this year the GAA, Camogie Association Association Healthy Club Competition for 2018. and LGFA announced that draft memorandums of understanding have been agreed between the GAA and the Camogie Association, and between the GAA FINANCE and the LGFA. The proposed memorandums seek to Finance is needed to ensure we can be the best in establish stronger links between the three organisations. terms of success on and off the playing fields while also This marked a significant milestone in the Camogie ensuring development plans can be achieved. Thanks Association’s National Development Plan – Our Sport to all counties who returned gates when requested and Our Future 2016 – 2019 and we look forward to further other fees for competitions and referees. Thanks to all developments under this Memorandum of Understanding. who helped with gates at various venues over the year. I congratulate outgoing Uachtarán Catherine Neary and Revenue from gates is very important and we thank all the incoming Uachtarán Kathleen Woods along with our patrons for their contributions. Leinster Ard Comhairle members on their vision and commitment to this important move forward. A sincere thank you must be extended to our highly efficient Treasurer Carmel Carroll for her attention to detail in every aspect of her role. Carmel thank you for 20x20 MOVEMENT your tremendous assistance to me during the past year. The aim of the 20x20 movement is to give increased profiling to girls and women involved in sport at all levels. We want this campaign to stimulate behavioural change CHILD PROTECTION/SAFEGUARDING to ensure that subsequent generations have female role As we are aware at this stage the “Child First Act” was models to emulate as players, athletes, coaches and enacted in mid December 2017 and as and from February referees. Camogie, through the 20x20 campaign, needs 1st, 2018 the Camogie Association in line with the Child to showcase the importance and positive influence sport First Act made it mandatory that the following is in place and physical activity has on girls by increasing media in relation to all those working with underage players ie coverage and increasing attendances at our games and those under the age of eighteen. events. I would encourage everyone to show their support by simply posting #20x20 on your social media platforms — Be Garda Vetted. at every opportunity. — Have completed a Code of Ethics (Safeguarding 1) course in the last three years. — Hold a GAA / Camogie Coaching Qualification. AWARDS

A great honour was bestowed on Margaret Lacey, Oulart All clubs and counties were also asked to complete Risk the Ballagh when she was the recipient of the Camogie Assessments and Safeguarding Statements during the Gradaim an Uachtarán earlier in the year. year. While this increased the work load on club and county Children’s Officers we need to ensure all our Congratulations to all the Leinster Volunteer of Year players are in a safe and enjoyable environment and our recipients who received their awards in Croke Park games conducted in a spirit of fair play. in February alone with three Leinster Media Award Winners – Ann Marie Guinan PRO of Year (Offaly), I compliment the counties who were very proactive in Digital Promotion – We Are Dublin (Dublin) and Special running Foundation and Level One Coaching Courses Recognition – Wexford Camogie4Teens Group. along with Safeguarding I and Safeguarding II courses.

Page 14 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION I commend Rachel Rogers, Leinster Children’s New clubs were formed in Dublin (Round Towers Lusk, Officer along with all the County Children Officers for Scoil Uí Chonaill, St. James Gaels An Caislean), Kildare ensuring all these requirements were adhered to in (Round Towers, Sarsfields), Kilkenny (Carrigeen), Laois Leinster. I extend best wishes to Roberta Farrell on her (Clough Ballacolla), Longford (Wolfe Tones), Meath appointment as National Children’s Officer. (Moylagh), Westmeath (Ringstown).

PUBLICITY GROUPS WHO ASSIST OUR ASSOCIATION Thanks are extended to the personnel in the many SPONSORS print, radio and photographic media outlets that cover I wish to place on record our sincere thanks and gratitude our games and activities at club, county and provincial to Liam and Neil in Cul Sliotars for their generosity and level. At a time when news is an instant commodity sponsorship and indeed friendship all during the past and the methods of transmission are constantly year. We would encourage everyone to support our changing a special word of thanks is extended to our sponsors. members who make the information of the events available. I would like to thank those involved in an ever increasing social networking world where information CAMOGIE ASSOCIATION STAFF is moving in all directions at incredible speed. Our At National Level I wish to extend my sincere thanks Provincial Facebook and Twitter accounts were very to Catherine Neary, Outgoing Uachtarán, Kathleen active during the year. As with all social media we Woods, Uachtarán, Joan O’Flynn, Outing Ard Stiúrthoir, need to be clued into its management at club, county Louise Conlon, Interim Ard Stiúrthoir, Mary O’Toole, and provincial level and that our national social media Commercial Manager, Roberta Farrell, National policy is adhered too. Childrens Officer, Cian Nelson, Communications Manager, Liz McGuinness, Fixture Administrator, I wish to thank Gerry O’Sullivan, PRO for his excellent Brendan McCabe, Finance Director, Mairead Fortune, work with our website, match reports and his willingness Finance Administrator, Alan Malone, Operations Co- to support and help me with match programme duties Ordinator, Sarah Stanley, Office and Communication for all our finals. Special thanks to Martin Gilloway, iLive Administrator for their help and courtesy to Leinster and photographs for her assistance also. myself during the past year. I would also like to pay a special tribute to Sabrina Larkin, Leinster Growth and Participation Officer for her support in many different THDC ways but most especially with the Summer 7s, Novice Post Primary Schools programme, coaching and We extend a significant thank you to our T.H.D.C. officer training courses. Thanks also to Niall Williams, committee of Margaret Condell, Breda Donnelly, Danny Coach Education and Development Co Ordinator for Gorman, Gerry McGough, Barney O’Connor and his guidance and support and to Lizzie Flynn for her Margaret Sexton for your on-going work on behalf of assistance with referee recruitment. Leinster Council. Our Leinster THDC had a particularly busy year and in my opinion were very fair and I wish Catherine Neary and Joan O’Flynn every good wish professional in all their dealings with transfers, appeals for the future. and disciplinary matters.

STEWARDS / HELPERS & PITCHES REGISTRATIONS A small group of loyal helpers who play an important role I would like to thank all registrars and secretaries who at our games and venues are our stewards. In particular administered the system in their clubs and at county level we owe a special thanks to all who acted as gate collectors and thank those who attended the Provincial training and stewards at venues across Leinster. In order for games evening held in late March. This final registration figures to be played in a safe environment for both players and for Leinster as of 03.12.2018 is supporters it is necessary to put certain rules in place and we need everyone’s support in this matter. Many thanks to my fellow officers who were always available to assist on TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF MEMBERS our final and blitz days. Many thanks to the following clubs Youth 23,886 and counties for making their pitches available for finals Adult Playing 4,000 and training sessions during the year and we thank them most sincerely for their help and co-operation. Adult – Coaches/ 4,194 Administrators/Referees Kilkenny GAA, Portlaoise GAA, Birr GAA, St Rynaghs Social 638 GAA, Clara GAA, National GAA Centre Abbotstown, Coralstown Kinnegad GAA, Edenderry GAA, Danesfort TOTAL 32,718 GAA, O’Hanrahans GAA.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 15 A special word of thanks to all who provided refreshments successful period with many changes along the way. All after games and to those who helped with catering at any his involvement has made Leinster a stronger unit and we of our venues. should be very grateful to him for that. As Pat has served his three year term he steps down as Chairperson today. REFEREES I wish to thank him, his wife Sharon and his daughters Jessica and Sophia for their courtesy to me at all times. I wish to pay tribute to all the Referees in the province for Today under the five year rule Gerry O’Sullivan must the essential job they carry out week in week out for the step down as PRO. Gerry over the past five years has Association. In my first year as Secretary I wish to thank developed and maintained the Leinster website along each and every one of the referees on the Leinster Panel with producing top class programme and reports. Over the for their courteous, co-operation and support at all times. years Gerry has completed all tasks in a very professional I wish to thank Aileen Lawler, Chairperson of National manner and will be missed by us all in Leinster Camogie. Referees Committee for her assistance during the year. I wish Gerry, his wife Mona and family every good wish for Congratulations to all referees who officiated at All-Ireland, the future. National League and indeed Leinster Finals. Today, Hilda Breslin takes over as Chairperson of In 2018 our referee panel included referees from Carlow Comhairle Camógaíochta Laighean and I wish to extend (4), Dublin (5), Kilkenny (2), Kildare (3), Laois (2), Meath my best wishes to Hilda in her term of office. (1), Offaly (3), Westmeath (2), Wexford (3), Wicklow (1). To all my fellow officers Pat, Melanie, Carmel, Hilda, LEINSTER LGFA / GAA Angela, Gerry and Rachel I thank you must sincerely for your outstanding contribution to Leinster Camogie during I wish to extend my thanks to Dominic Leech, President, 2018 and say a special and sincere thanks to you all for Cathal Friel, Secretary and Margaret Brennan, your support to me in so many ways over the year. Administrator for their support and co-operation during the year and their willingness to have a consultation To all those who suffered bereavements during the past process on Fixtures for 2019. year you have our condolences.

I would like to express my thanks to Michael Reynolds and Wishing all involved in the promotion of camogie every all the Leinster GAA staff for their on-going support. success in 2019.

CONCLUSION Go raibh mile maith agaibh. Mise le meas, APPRECIATION I wish to thank the many people who have helped me Is mise le personally carry out my duties as Provincial Secretary this Linda Ní Chíonnaith, year since my election at the reconvened AGM on 13th Runaí. February, 2018.

I want to particular thank everyone for their progressive outlook and pro active approach to all matters undertaken by Leinster Council. The work of county secretaries is thankless and I do hope all counties acknowledge the excellent people we had in the roles across Leinster in 2018 – Debbie Brennan (Carlow), Brendan Cooper (Dublin), Damian McGrath, Ashling Mantle/Annette Corcoran (Kildare), Theresa Alyward (Kilkenny), Olive Cuddy (Laois), Mairead Lynch (Louth), Caroline Halton (Meath), Mairead Haugh (Offaly), Noeleen McCarthy (Westmeath), Kathleen Kehoe (Wexford) and Mary O’Neill (Wicklow).

I would like to thank all the County Executive members for their support during the year. It was great to meet so many new people across the year.

I wish to thank Leinster Chairperson Pat Martin for all the help and support he has given me over the past year. He as chairperson has guided the Province through a very

Page 16 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Independent Accountants Report to the members of An Cumann Camógaíochta Comhairle Laighean

Cuntais Áirgid

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 17 An Cumann Camógaíochta Comhairle Laighean

Income Account for the year ended 30th November 2018

Page 18 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION An Cumann Camógaíochta Comhairle Laighean

Expenditure Account for the year ended 30th November 2018

THANKS

I would like to say a big thank you to all the counties, county boards and clubs for their cooperation during the years by covering gates etc as it made by job a lot easier.

To my fellow executive members who were always available to assist in any task required, especially our secretary Linda and chairperson Pat who were always available at the end of a phone even at unsociable hours.

As some of you are already aware, I will not be putting my name forward for treasurer for the coming year, but I want to wish whoever the incoming treasurer is the very best and I will always be at the end of a phone to give any assistance required.

Thank you all again, Carmel Uí Cearbhaill, Ceisteoir.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 19 An Cumann Camógaíochta Comhairle Laighean

Balance Sheet as at 30th November 2018

Page 20 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2018

UNDER 14 BLITZ

The annual Leinster Under 14 blitz day took place on the 13th May in Rathleague, Portlaoise. Congratulations to all teams who participated, a total of 21 teams took part in the competition.

DIVISION 1

æ DUBLIN BLUE æ KILKENNY AMBER æ OFFALY æ WEXFORD PURPLE All games 15 minutes aside

10.30 Pitch 1 Kilkenny Amber 1-4 v 0-1 Dublin Blue 10.30 Pitch 2 Wexford Purple 0-11 v 1-3 Offaly

12.00 Pitch 1 Wexford Purple 1-5 v 2-5 Dublin Blue 12.00 Pitch 2 Offaly 1-4 v 3-2 Kilkenny Amber

13.30 Pitch 1 Kilkenny Amber 2-5 v 3-3 Wexford Purple 13.30 Pitch 2 Dublin Blue 0-9 v 1-0 Offaly

DIVISION 1 CUP FINAL 15.00 Pitch 1 Kilkenny Amber 3-5 v 1-6 Wexford Purple

DIVISION 1 SHIELD FINAL 15.00 Pitch 2 Dublin Blue 1-4 v 3-1 Offaly

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 21 DIVISION 2

æ DUBLIN WHITE æ KILKENNY BLACK æ LAOIS BLUE æ WEXFORD GOLD All games 15 minutes aside

11.15 Pitch 1 Dublin White 1-1 v 4-1 Laois Blue 11.15 Pitch 2 Kilkenny Black 0-9 v 0-2 Wexford Gold

12.45 Pitch 1 Kilkenny Black 2-4 v 2-1 Laois Blue 12.45 Pitch 2 Wexford Gold 3-3 v 3-1 Dublin White

14.15 Pitch 1 Dublin White 0-1 v 1-4 Kilkenny Black 14.15 Pitch 2 Laois Blue 3-8 v 2-1 Wexford Gold

DIVISION 2 CUP FINAL 15.45 Pitch 1 Kilkenny Black 1-5 v 3-2 Laois Blue

DIVISION 2 SHIELD FINAL 15.45 Pitch 2 Wexford Gold 4-3 v 3-3 Dublin White

DIVISION 3

æ CARLOW RED æ KILDARE æ MEATH GREEN æ WESTMEATH MAROON All games 15 minutes aside

10.30 Pitch 3 Kildare 1-1 v 2-5 Carlow Red 10.30 Pitch 4 Meath Green 11-11 v 0-0 Westmeath Maroon

12.00 Pitch 3 Meath Green 0-3 v 2-5 Carlow Red 12.00 Pitch 4 Westmeath Maroon 0-2 v 4-6 Kildare

13.30 Pitch 3 Kildare 1-4 v 0-3 Meath Green 13.30 Pitch 4 Carlow Red 5-2 v 0-3 Westmeath Maroon

DIVISION 3 CUP FINAL 15.00 Pitch 3 Carlow Red 6-5 v 2-2 Meath Green

DIVISION 3 SHIELD FINAL 15.00 Pitch 4 Kildare 9-5 v 0-4 Westmeath Maroon

Page 22 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION DIVISION 4

æ CILL DARA æ LAOIS WHITE æ MEATH GOLD æ UIBH FHÁILÍ æ WICKLOW BLUE All games 15 minutes aside

10.00 Pitch 4 Cill Dara 1-1 v 2-2 Meath Gold 10.00 Pitch 5 Uibh Fháilí 2-1 v 1-3 Laois White 10.30 Pitch 5 Wicklow Blue 1-2 v 1-1 Laois White 11.00 Pitch 5 Meath Gold 0-3 v 2-1 Uibh Fháilí 11.30 Pitch 5 Cill Dara 3-2 v 0-2 Wicklow Blue 12.00 Pitch 5 Meath Gold 2-0 v 3-3 Laois White 12.30 Pitch 5 Uibh Fháilí 4-0 v 1-0 Cill Dara 13.00 Pitch 5 Meath Gold 0-1 v 4-0 Wicklow Blue 13.30 Pitch 5 Cill Dara 0-0 v 3-3 Laois White 14.00 Pitch 5 Uibh Fháilí 3-0 v 1-1 Wicklow Blue

DIVISION 4 SHIELD FINAL 15.15 Pitch 5 Laois White 4-5 v 1-2 Meath Gold

DIVISION 4 CUP FINAL 15.45 Pitch 5 Uibh Fháilí 3-6 v 2-1 Wicklow Blue

DIVISION 5

æ CARLOW GREEN æ LOUTH æ WICKLOW YELLOW æ WESTMEATH WHITE All games 15 minutes aside

11.15 Pitch 3 Carlow Green 3-1 v 0-2 Louth 11.15 Pitch 4 Wicklow Yellow 3-2 v 0-1 Westmeath White

12.45 Pitch 3 Carlow Green 5-7 v 0-1 Westmeath White 12.45 Pitch 4 Louth 2-0 v 4-1 Wicklow Yellow

14.15 Pitch 3 Carlow Green 4-5 v 0-1 Wicklow Yellow 14.15 Pitch 4 Louth 3-2 v 0-2 Westmeath White

DIVISION 5 CUP FINAL 15.45 Pitch 3 Carlow Green 3-4 v 2-2 Wicklow Yellow

DIVISION 3 SHIELD FINAL 15.45 Pitch 4 Louth 3-4 v 1-0 Westmeath White

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 23 UNDER 15 BLITZ not go ahead due to various reasons; however, a number of girls participated in a selection process to represent This year an Under 15 Blitz took place in Portlaoise on the Leinster in the Under 17 Provincial All-Ireland. 7th July. Seven teams took part in the blitz and there were two divisions. Hopefully next year we will see the number of teams entering increase. The All-Ireland blitz took place in DCU Sports Grounds. The Leinster team were beaten in the final by a very good A great day was had by all. Munster team. Well done to all involved.

Results: Results

Division 1 Kilkenny Amber beat Galway Round 1 Munster beat Leinster Division 2 Kilkenny Black beat Carlow Round 2 Leinster beat Ulster Round 3 Leinster beat Connacht

Skills Competition Final Munster (1-7) beat Leinster (1-3) The Leinster Féile Skills Star competition took place in Clara, Kilkenny on the 16th June. Well done to all Mini Games participants. Congratulations to Kerri Austin, Dublin who Congratulations to all Under 10 players who played in won the competition. the mini games during half time at some our Leinster fixtures. Under 14 and Under 15 Thank you to all counties who organised and hosted Under 14 and Under 15 blitzes during the summer. — Mile buíochas to all who helped in any way organising or hosting these events.

Under 17 Angela Gahan, The Under 17 blitz due to take place on the 7th July did Leinster Development Officer.

Left: The Leinster Under 17 team who took part in the DCU Interprovincial Blitz. Photo: Dave Barrett. www.davbar.com

The Wicklow team who won the Progress To Success Under 16 All-Ireland Development.

Page 24 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION REGISTRAR REPORT 2018

It is my privilege as Acting Registrar of An Cumann Camógaíochta Comhairle Laighean to present my report for adoption at Annual Convention today. This report details the registration figures within Leinster for the past season.

I would like to thank all club registrars, county secretaries and registrars who administered the system in their clubs and counties.

NUMBER OF COUNTY CLUBS 2018 TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF MEMBERS Carlow 10 Youth Members 23,886 Dublin 50 Full Adult Playing Members 4,000 Kildare 23 Full Members Adult Coaches/ Kilkenny 34 Administrators/Referees 4,194 Laois 10 TOTAL 32,718 Longford 2 Louth 7 Meath 17

Offaly 11 These figures represent an overall increase in membership within the province Westmeath 14 of 1908 from 2017. Currently in Leinster there are 232 clubs. Wexford 39 New clubs were formed in Dublin (Round Towers Lusk, Scoil Uí Chonaill, Wicklow 15 St. James Gaels An Caislean), Kildare (Round Towers, Sarsfields), Kilkenny (Carrigeen), Laois (Clough Ballacolla), Longford (Wolfe Tones), Meath TOTAL 232 (Moylagh), Westmeath (Ringstown).

Linda Kenny, Acting Registrar, Comhairle Laighean.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 25 PRO REPORT 2018

The 2018 season built on the progress of the past and saw News Releases a number of innovations like the Regional Junior Novice News releases covering fixtures and results are distributed Camogie Days with over 200 participants and Poc Fada most weeks and the coverage of results, in particular over the Sugar Loaf. in the Irish Times and Irish Independent, is becoming more consistent and we thank those newspapers for their On a national level, media attention was improved and the support. game continues to grow. The new 20x20 strategy will also add a boost to the efforts of so many.

An amount of information is circulated and the Leinster Council endeavours to keep its units and members fully informed through meetings, direct communication, mainstream media, as well as through the Council’s website and social media.

CAMOGIE ASSOCIATION MEDIA AWARDS

The overall presentation met high standards and it was most encouraging to note that in 2018, three national Camogie Associationmedia awards were claimed by Leinster counties – Best PRO went to Ann Marie Guinan (Offaly), Best Digital Promotion – We are Dublin and Down Memory Lane the Special Recognition Award went to Camogie4teens Public relations is not all about the present and the future. (Wexford). This was the 12th year of the awards. The road travelled so far is also hugely important as this Congratulations to all concerned. fine photo of the Louth team of a few years ago! This featured on the website in April 2017 which John Duffy of Website – www.leinstercamogie.ie the St. Annes club forwarded. A good idea for other clubs Traffic on the website passed the 20,000 mark for the and counties to consider. second year in a row with 20,702 sessions recorded compared to 21,964 in 2017. Match Programmes Match programmes were produced for all Leinster finals Twitter – Twitter – leinstercamogie and many thanks to An Rúnaí Linda Kenny for her This medium now has 3,148 followers up 33% from 2,364 input and design skills which always ensured that the in 2017. programmes were of a high quality. The Wicklow County Board is to be commended for a Facebook – officialleinstercamogie very colurful poster promotion which reflects very well on The number of likes is now at 1,822 compared to 1,593, the county and its endeavours to raise participation and up 18% compared to the previous 12 months. awareness.

Page 26 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Daragh Ó Conchúir Offaly Sports Partnership. The work that the likes of Linda The service provided by Daragh ensures a very good and Carmel do year in year out forms a huge part of the supply of match reports,previews, features and post-match public image of the Association and is the key reason why comment and offers a great source of material for the the game enjoys such goodwill. Comghairdeas. website. Inpho.ie, Sportsfile.com and iLivePhotos.com. The Camogie Association is to be Míle buíochas Daragh. Conclusion Gabhaim mo bhuíochas do gach éinne. Lean ar aghaidh Officer Awards leis an obair suntasach. Many thanks to all who contribute During the year Linda Kenny who won a Setanta award items - please keep up the good work and forward material in Carlow and Carmel Carroll was also honoured by the to [email protected] – Go raibh míle maith agaibh. Gerry O’Sullivan, PRO.

Wicklow Promotion Poster 2017.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 27 LEINSTER T.H.D.C.

Committee Members: Margaret Condell, Breda Donnelly, Danny Gorman, Gerry McGough, Barney O’Conner, Margaret Sexton.

Due to a number of conflicts the role of chairperson and secretary rotated around the committee in 2018.

On behalf of the above committee I wish to submit the following report to Leinster Convention for 2018.

Transfers: 46 Transfer Appeals: 4 Appeals from Individuals / Clubs: 6 Disciplinary Hearings: 2 Red Cards: 3 Appeals Ruled Out of Order: 8 No of Meetings: 8

On behalf of the Committee I would like to thank Pat Martin and Linda Kenny for their ongoing support to Leinster THDC.

Margaret Condell, Acting Secretary.

Page 28 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION NOMINATIONS 2019 Ainmniúchain

Position Outgoing Nominee Hon President PJ Fulham

Hon Vice Presidents Maureen Fulham Aileen Lawlor Marie Woods Sheila Wallace Mary Connor

Chairperson Patrick Martin Hilda Breslin, Kildare Dublin (Chairperson Tofa) Vice Chairperson Melanie Ní Dhuinn Melanie Ní Dhuinn, Wexford Wexford Nominated By Meath, Wexford

Secretary Linda Kenny Linda Kenny, Carlow Carlow Nominated By Carlow, Dublin, Meath, Offaly, Wexford and Wicklow

Treasurer Carmel Carroll Carmel Carroll, Offaly Offaly Nominated By Dublin, Meath, Offaly, Wicklow

Development Officer Angela Gahan Angela Gahan, Wexford Wexford Nominated By Dublin, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow.

Registrar Linda Kenny (Acting) Linda Kenny, Carlow Carlow Nominated by Meath, Wicklow

PRO Gerry O’Sullivan Gerry O’Sullivan, Dublin Dublin * Has served five year term

Ard Comhairle Delegate Hilda Breslin Patrick Martin, Dublin Kildare Nominated by Carlow, Dublin, Laois Aileen Lawler, Westmeath Nominated by Meath, Westmeath and Wexford

Children’s Officer Rachel Rogers Appointed Position By Executive Dublin

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 29 COUNTY SECRETARY REPORTS 2018

CARLOW

A Chairde, 2018 has been a very busy first year for me as secretary of Carlow Camogie. While it has been a learning curve I have enjoyed every moment of it.

Well done to all teams who took part in the various competitions throughout the year and congratulations to all the championship and mini league winners.

ROLL OF HONOUR WINNERS RUNNERS UP SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL Myshall Mount Leinster Rangers JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL Naomh Brid Muinebheag 12 A SIDE SENIOR FINAL Myshall Mount Leinster Rangers SENIOR LONG PUCK Tracy McNally Naomh Brid UNDER 21 BLITZ Mount Leinster Rangers Muinebheag MINOR 15 A SIDE C’SHIP FINAL Muinebheag Myshall MINOR 12 A SIDE C’SHIP FINAL Ballinkillen St Mullins UNDER 16 15 A SIDE C’SHIP FINALS ‘A’ Mount Leinster Rangers Myshall ‘B’ Muinebheag Naomh Brid UNDER 16 12 A SIDE FINALS ‘A’ Burren Rangers St Mullins ‘B’ Ballinkillen Setanta UNDER 16 LONG PUCK Catherine Kavanagh Mount Leinster Rangers UNDER 14 15 A SIDE CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS ‘A’ Myshall Muinebheag ‘B’ Ballinkillen St Mullins ‘C’ Naomh Brid Mount Leinster Rangers UNDER 14 FEILE Skills Anna Murphy St Mullins UNDER 13 AUTUMN LEAGUES ‘A’ Muinebheag Ballinkillen ‘B’ Burren Rangers Mount Leinster Rangers ‘C’ St Mullins Setanta UNDER 12 MINI LEAGUE FINALS ‘A’ Naomh Brid Mount Leinster Rangers ‘B’ Ballinkillen St Mullins ‘C’ Myshall Setanta ‘D’ Carlow Town Kildavin Clonegal ‘E’ Muinebheag Burren Rangers

Myshall won the Senior Championship and went on to represent Carlow in the Leinster Intermediate Club Championship while Naomh Brid won the Junior Championship and represented Carlow in the Leinster Junior Club Championship. Congratulations to both clubs on great performances on the day against strong opposition from both St Rynaghs and Raharney. Congratulations also to Muinebheag on winning the All Ireland Regional Féile na nGael and to Setanta on winning the Cross Border Development Tournament. Congratulations also to Myshall and St Mullins who represented Carlow at Féile na nGael in Connacht.

I would like to thank the Fixtures committee for all their hard work in compiling fixtures, organising games and appointing referees during the year. Your work is invaluable so many thanks Ger, Linda and Jenny.

Page 30 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION

COUNTY TEAMS Under 14: I had the privilege of been involved with this team from our Intermediate: first session in Kildavin GAA complex and what a wonderful Our second year in the Intermediate ranks was again a experience. Again in 2018 numbers were excellent. Our learning curve but the team retained its intermediate status Red and Green squads were victorious at the Leinster in league and championship. To all the players great credit Under 14 blitz in May. The squads also competed in a must be given as they never gave up over the year. Many number of blitzes in Cork and Limerick which the mentors thanks to Mark Brennan, Eanna Holland, Andrew Gaule, felt were hugely beneficial to the squads. Our All Ireland Tracy McNally, Georgina Kelly, Brian Treacy and Margaret Under 14 Blitz preparations went very well and both teams Condell who devoted so much time to the team. I would were in very good shape heading to the annual blitz. Our like to personally thank Mark Brennan for his significant Red Squad competed for the Sophie Brack Cup and won contribution to Carlow Camogie over the past four years the title after a thrilling semi final and final. Our Green and wish him all the best in any future role. squad competed admirable for the Michael Kennedy Cup against many of the counties first teams. Junior: Congratulations to our Junior team on winning the Leinster Many thanks to James Connolly (Burren Rangers), Junior Championship. These girls gave a great display in Liam Kelly (Muinebheag), Brian Lawler (Naomh Bríd), the Leinster final in Birr and it is testament to the dedication Edel Jordan (Myshall), John Joe Martin (Mount Leinster these players have for the game of camogie and their Rangers), Ber Murphy, Patrick Murphy (Ballinkillen) for all willingness to wear the county jersey. I wish to sincerely their time and dedication. thank Ger Power and Tracy McNally for recruiting all the panel members and Seamus Kelly and Niamh Doyle who A special word of thanks to Liam and Louise Kelly for all were involved in the training of the team. their tremendous work with sponsorship and fundraising. In total 55 girls from nine clubs were represented on the squad during the year and if these girls remain together Minor: and continue to work hard on their camogie it is very likely Our Minor team went into the All Ireland Minor “B” that they will be in Croke Park again one day competing grade for the first time in 2018 and acquitted themselves for All-Ireland glory. very well against strong opposition from Down, Meath, Laois and Roscommon before reaching the All Ireland Poc Fada / Féile Skills: Semi Final against Antrim. In this semi final the girls Tracy McNally, Naomh Brid won the Carlow Senior Poc produced a great display and only in the final quarter Fada competition and went on the win the Leinster title did Antrim pull away to win. Our Leinster Minor “B” on the Sugar Loaf Mountains. She then went forward to campaign was testing in many respects this year and represent Leinster on the Cooley Mountains at the All we were unfortunate to meet the two strongest teams Ireland event. Catherine Kavanagh from Mount Leinster Westmeath and Laois in the round stages. Many thanks Rangers won the Carlow Under 16 Poc Fada competition to Mary Nolan, Elaine Kavanagh, Georgina Kelly and and represented Carlow in the Leinster competition. Mark Brennan for their work with this group of players Congratulations to Anna Murphy St Mullins on winning the during the year. Féíle Skills competition for the second year in a row and to Rebecca Kelly Muinebheag who finished second in the Under 16: Leinster Camogie Féile Skills competition. Rebecca Kelly The team began training for the 2018 season in early also finished in second place in the Leinster Wall Ball December. While the numbers were excellent we Challenge at the Leinster Blitz. Congratulations girls. unfortunately did not get enough numbers to enter two teams into the Leinster championship. The management Adult Volunteer of the Year: team agreed to enter one team but kept the 35 plus girls Congratulations to Edel Jordan, Myshall on winning the who had committed to the panel which saw a wide 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award and was presented with representation of players from nine of our ten clubs. her award in Croke Park in February. A fine Leinster Championship campaign resulted with the team reaching a first ever “B” Championship final Thanks: against Dublin. The girls gave a magnificent display I wish to place on record our sincere thanks and gratitude and were unlucky in the end not to take the title. Megan to Sean Swan and Carmel Reddy for their generosity and Conran was named Player of Match in this final. sponsorship and indeed friendship all during the past year. We would urge all clubs, their members and supporters to The competitive games in Leinster stood to the girls support our sponsors. come the All Ireland Championship campaign with the girls winning the All Ireland “C” Championship in I would also like to thank all club members, county players late August. I would like to thank Pat English, Michael and county board officers who supported and gave of O’Brien, Brian Lawler, Jenny English, Michelle Kelly, their time for our three day bag packing at Tesco, Carlow Kate Nolan, Orla Kenny and James Doyle for their time and those who sold tickets for our Development Draw and dedication throughout the year. I would like to thank in February. Thanks also to all the businesses that took them for their support with sponsorship and fundraising advertisements in our county final programme and gave over the year. prizes for fundraising activities.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 31 Thanks is extended to the personnel in the many print, I would like to thank our Sub Committees – Fixtures and radio, TV and photographic media outlets that cover our THDC, Leinster Delegates and to all our referees for games and activities at both club and county level. giving up their time during the past year.

I wish to express thanks to Sean Campion, Chairperson, I would like to thank all the officers of Leinster Council and Michael Doran, Secretary and Ronan Dempsey, the staff in the Camogie Association for their assistance and Operations Manager Carlow GAA for their support during support over the past year. I would like to particularly thank the past year and in particular in making Netwatch Cullen Sabrina Larkin and Niall Williams for all their assistance in Park and the Netwatch Carlow GAA Training Centre a busy year with coaching courses and workshops. available for both club and county fixtures along with a training facility for our county teams. Thanks also to I would like to thank the Club Secretaries for all your help Carlow IT for the use of their facilities and their Partnership and assistance throughout the year and to my fellow agreement. Thanks also to Kathleen Mullins and Vinny officers of the Carlow Camogie Board for all of your hard Lambe from Carlow LGFA. Thanks to all the clubs who work and patience during the year. provided us with use of their indoor and outdoor facilities over the past year. To all those who suffered bereavements during the past year you have our condolences. Thanks to our loyal stewards in particular Eamon Dowling and Johnny Lomax. Thanks also to Billy Brooks for all his To anyone I omitted to thank in this report I apologise. assistance at the Training Centre in Fenagh. A special word of thanks also to all who provided refreshments after Is mise le meas, games and to those who helped with catering at so many Debbie Ní Bhraonin, venues. Runaí.

DUBLIN

This will be my last report as Runaí of Dublin Camogie I think we must look at all as I have now served five years in this position. Rules options in the best interests brought in some years ago by the Association means of all our players. Sometimes that no person can serve more than five years in the one change is difficult to achieve, position and no more than ten years in any role within the but to continue doing Executive. It is however my intention to allow my name the same things and expecting a different outcome is go forward for one of the other positions on next year’s unrealistic. What worked five to ten years ago is now Executive should I get the required nomination. The rule totally outdated. We also need to look at the number of is probably a good rule because it allows for new people competitive games played during the season. This might to step forward and have a meaningful say in the running involve creating smaller leagues/championships grades. of Dublin Camogie. There is a lot of people out there with Doing nothing in tackling this problem is not an option. It is new and interesting ideas as to which direction Dublin going to take a concerted effort by the Executive and clubs Camogie should go over the next five to ten years. With in order to reach a balance which is in the best interests over 10,000 registered members, Dublin Camogie is on an of our playing population. If change was easy, we would upward curve. In order to cater for these growing demands have done so a long time ago but life is never that simple. it is necessary to attract the right people so that this growth There is a lot of people out there with views on how best is sustained and nurtured. Before looking at specific areas to tackle this issue and we would welcome all suggestions I would like to make a few general comments about the in this respect. If we are to continue to prosper and thrive current state of Dublin Camogie and address a number of then we must “think outside the box”. I am aware that issues which are a cause for concern. members of the current Executive are currently exploring all options in relation to playing games and it is hoped Player welfare is of particular concern. As an Association that these can be rolled out over the coming months in we have to take a serious look at how we promote our preparation for the start of the 2019 season. games, when we play games and allow for recovery between games. We are all aware of the current demands The next “sticky issue” is that of our Minor competitions, being placed on players. How we achieve a balance is or to be more precise, the lack of a meaningful Minor something which we seriously need to address. In order to League. It is a well known fact that we lose a lot of girls make changes it will be necessary to look at a number of around this time and it is also a known fact that girls who options. Traditionally we don’t play games during the best leave camogie, very rarely come back to camogie in later months of the year (June/July) because of holidays etc. years. Given that we know these facts, one would assume

Page2018 LEINSTER32 CAMOGIE CONVENTION 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTIONPage 5 that resolving this issue would be an easy fix. Sadly this brought a whole new dimension to the various squads. is not the case, but I would be confident that we can make Dublin are so lucky to have people of this ability guiding serious inroads into this problem, but this will only be our youth through the juvenile ranks in preparation for achieved with the co-operation of all clubs. Traditionally what hopefully, will be a glittering adult career with Dublin we break our season into sections – February to March/ Camogie. April to June and September to November. Traditionally our Inter County squads (all grades) are in National Under 16 County League action during this period and this occupies most John Murphy took charge of this group of players weekends during this period. As a result we cannot consisting of an A and Under 16 Reserve panel. All the commence our adult leagues until the start of April each Counties with “second teams” were placed in a group year. During the period February – April we run subsidiary along with the A panel in the All Ireland series. This meant competitions such as Cup games. What if we try and get that both teams either played at home or away against the the buy in from clubs that League games at Minor/Adult same Counties. This ensured that both teams travelled as are played without their County players. Radical, yes, but a unit, where ever possible. Leinster still operated an A & County players are well catered for around this time and B groups in the traditional sense. our club players are left on the sidelines. It is around this time each year that “Minors” drift away from camogie. Dublin commenced their Leinster campaign on 25th Some players around the age of sixteen (16) can easily March. Our A panel took on Wexford with our B panel transition to adult leagues, but more often than not a lot travelling to Meath. Both panels registered wins. Next of girls need to stay in their own age group for an extra up were fixtures against Kilkenny. The B panel hada year. I have spoken to a number of clubs about this issue resounding victory but our A panel came up slightly short and over the Christmas period I am going to see if I can with a two point loss. Our next outings were games against put a proposal together which could be presented to Offaly and Westmeath with both squads registering wins. clubs. At the end of the day, clubs will vote on this issue. I Our B panel were left with a semi final against Laois which would stress that this is not an “easy fix” as the proposal they won comfortably on a scoreline of 5-15 to 2-3. This will suit some clubs and not others. I have looked at how ensured that both our A and B panels contested Leinster other counties tackle this issue and it would appear that Finals on the 6th May. Having narrowly lost to Kilkenny our counties such as Kilkenny/Cork do not place as much A panel were keen to atone for this defeat. Unfortunately emphasis on Leagues as we do in Dublin. If we can get this was not to be with Kilkenny running out winners by girls through to adult, then we have a “fighting chance”. A 2-12 to 0-10. So, it was left to our B panel to bring home short-term loss for a long-term gain. a “bit of silver ware”. Their opponents in the B final were Carlow. This was an evenly contested final by two fine Under 12 School of Excellence sides but a number of goals in quick succession finally got If you want something done well, then ask a busy person. us over the line. Enter Niall Daly (Lucan). Niall looked after our Under 14 Academy in 2018, but volunteered to take our School of In the championship our A and Reserve panel travelled Excellence at the start of November. When one considers the long journey to Cusack Park to take on Clare in the that the S of E caters for approx 160 girls this might give first round of the championship. Both squads had victories some indication as to the level of commitment required to over their opponents with our A panel winning on a score look after this enthusiastic bunch of girls. Luckily for Dublin line of 1-14 to 1-07. Our reserve panel had to work a little Camogie, Niall gathered around him lots of willing helpers harder but came away with a three point victory (2-9 to 2- without whom this S of E would not have been possible. 6). Next up was another long trip to take on the “Rebels” This squad had four sessions, two in Abbotstown and two (Cork) on 22nd July. Our A panel found the going fairly in the Park. These budding young players are the future tough against a very strong Cork team, losing by 10pts. of Dublin Camogie and this is an introduction as to what Our reserve squad fared somewhat better with a hard lies ahead. Not all of these players will go on to represent earned draw against their opponents. Round 3 saw their County but the additional skills picked up during both our squads have home advantage against Kilkenny November will hopefully help them when they return to on 29th July. Our Reserve squad opened proceedings their clubs. Of course, a big vote of thanks must also go against Kilkenny in O’Toole Park and had a fantastic to the very many parents which attended these sessions, victory against the “old rivals”, eventually winning on a some of whom would be involved in coaching within their score line of 1-13 to 2-3. This put additional pressure on own club. We hope that the parents/mentors will also have our A panel to keep pace with our Reserve squad winning gained an valuable experience. sequence. Not to be out done our A team started off really strongly and continued this trend for the remainder of the Under 14 Academy/Development/Under15 game. At the conclusion of the game our A team had four Development points to spare over a gallant Kilkenny side. Dublin 1-13 Lead mentors Niall Daly (Academy), Ambrose Curry – Kilkenny 2-3). (Development) and Alan Buckley (Under 15 ) took charge of these three Development squads. They surrounded Next up was a semi-final spots against Galway. Based themselves with a lot of enthusiastic and knowledgeable on results from the other side of the draw we knew both selectors. It is quite amazing that each of our lead mentors squads would have a difficult task to beat either Galway have incredibly busy and active club lives yet each side. Sadly our fears were fully realised with both of our

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 33 panels being soundly beaten by eventual All-Ireland a team travels long distances it always ensures that the winners Galway. home team have a slight advantage. A battling draw was as good a result as we could have hoped for. A six point I would like to put on record the County Board’s sincere win over Laois ensured that we remained in contention for thanks to John Murphy and his group of selectors. This League playoff. A home victory against Armagh rounded group of people put in a huge amount of time and effort off our League campaign and ensured that we finished into preparing both panels, starting this time last year. 2nd (a point behind Kilkenny) in the group standings. This Everyone attached to our Under 16 panels are actively set us up for a League semi-final against Westmeath, who involved at club level, so their involvement with County beat us the previous year (2017) in the Premier All-Ireland squads are all the more note worthy. Championship. Our League semi-final was scheduled for Clane in mid April. Our girls performed very well against Minor County Westmeath, but the greater experience was enough to Robbie Lewis and Joe Leonard took charge of this panel see them win by five points. Still our League performance in 2018. Minor All Ireland Championship starts in February was better than we could have expected and ensured that each year, so there is added pressure to “hit the ground they entered their All-Ireland series in great heart. Another running” without the” safety net of a League” prior to the defeat to Westmeath in the Leinster Championship did start of the Championship. Being drawn in what was nothing to dampen their moral. considered the more difficult side of the draw, including Cork, Wexford and Galway certainly didn’t leave any room Time for the girls to return to Club league games before for error. An opening game away to Cork on the 18th starting preparations for their All-Ireland Championship. February could have been kinder to us, but that’s what In this series we were drawn against Armagh and faced us. Sadly, on the day Cork were just too strong Roscommon. A facile victory over Armagh (Dublin 0-22 for us. We never really did ourselves justice and Cork Armagh 1-8) ensured the girls picked up from where they were deserving winners on a scoreline of 0-12 to 0-4. left off in the league. A tricky away trip to Roscommon on With a six day turnabout until our second fixture against 22nd July was our next assignment. Over the last couple Wexford it was important to put the disappointment of the of years Roscommon have proved a bit of a “boggy team” Cork game behind us. Another away game on the 24th for Dublin. With this in mind our selectors ensured that February against Wexford would hopefully get our season the girls took nothing for granted. Our opponents proved “back on track”. This proved a lot more rewarding and we difficult to break down in the early stages of the game, but eventually ran out comfortable winners 0-4 to 0-11. With upon resumption of the second half, Dublin began to get a home game against Kilkenny, the competition certainly to grips and forged clear to record a 2-9 to 0-5 victory thus wasn’t getting an easier, but at least we would go into this ensuring a semi-final spot in the All-Ireland against Offaly. game on the back of a victory. From the outset Dublin laid This panel were playing good flowing camogie by now and down a “marker” and took the game to Kilkenny. This was we went into the Offaly game in fine spirits knowing that one of Dublin’s best performances and showed just how a good performance would see them into an All-Ireland much talent there was in this team. A scoreline of 1-15 to Final. Quickly into their stride our girls took control and 0-2 was a fair reflection on the team’s performance. Going established a commanding lead at half time. The second into the last group game against Galway, we knew a half proved equally as effective for the “girls in blue” and victory over this team would most likely see us into the All- at the conclusion of the game we had a winning margin of Ireland Semi-Final. Sadly we couldn’t match the intensity 15 points on a scoreline of Dublin 3-12 to Offaly’s 1-3. So of a superb Galway team. (Galway 4-8 – Dublin 0-3). This now the way was clear for Dublin to wipe away the misery loss saw our journey come to an end as far as All-Ireland of the 2017 defeat to Westmeath. Standing in our way was success was concerned. On behalf of the Executive I wish the team from the “Kingdom” (Kerry). Dublin would pay to thank all our Selectors attached to this team. every respect to this Kerry team as they had achieved a league victory over us only a few years ago. Premier Juniors (Intermediate) Another excellent year from our “Premier” team culminating Playing in an All-Ireland Final in Croke Park can prove in an All-Ireland victory over Kerry in Croke Park on a score very daunting but having reached this stage in 2017 we line of 1-12 to 0-6. To put this victory into perspective we felt that this experience would stand to us in this year’s must go back to the start of 2018, when they competed in final. Sunday 9th September wasn’t long coming around Div 2 of the league. Drawn in a group including Tipperary, and a date with destiny. Preparations had gone well with Kilkenny, Kildare, Derry, Laois and Armagh this looked last year’s player of the match Aoife Bugler back from like proving difficult given the fact that this was the first injury, having played her first full game in the semi-final time in this grade. An opening League victory albeit by the victory over Offaly. Having a full panel to choose from with minimum margin over Tipperary, ensured that this squad the exception of Ciara Buchanan (St Finians) certainly got off to the best possible start and this was quickly ensured that we took to the field in great shape. As in the followed up with a comprehensive victory away to Kildare. case of most finals both sides started off to ensure that Round 3 of the league saw us up against Kilkenny and mistakes were not made but as the first half entered the this was to prove a difficult assignment. However the girls second period both teams began to play open camogie. rised to the occasion with the game eventually finishing Dublin began to get the better of their opponents as the level. Honours shared and an excellent day’s work. Next first half drew to a conclusion. Going into the break Dublin up was an away game to Derry on 25th March. Anytime had a four point advantage. The second half went along

Page 34 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION the same lines as the first with Aoife Bugler securing the time we got the better of them with a five point victory first goal ten minutes into the second half. This gave Dublin (3-14 to 3-9). This was the start Dublin needed as our a bit of “cushion” and they proceeded to hold the upper next outing in the Championship was an away trip to hand to the final whistle. Great joy and happiness then Cork on 24th June. We travelled with expectations of a took place on the field with Emer Keenan (Keno) making a good performance and for the first half we matched Cork wonderful speech as she accepted the “Kay Mills” trophy score for score. Unfortunately we could not maintain the on behalf of Dublin. Much credit must go to the manager, intensity in the second half as Cork went on to score a Shane Plowman and his trusted selectors Ann Colgan and comprehensive victory. (4-15 to 2-3). So, this left us “one Willie Braine. I must also pay tribute to the numerous “guest from two” with an away trip to come against Meath in coaches” who helped out throughout the campaign. In fact early July. Our trip to Trim proved worthwhile and moral at the team’s recent medal presentation in the Ballsbridge was restored with a nine point victory over the “Royals”. Hotel, David “Dotsy” Callaghan took a lot of the credit for This was quickly followed up with an away victory over getting the girls across the line when he guested at one of Wexford. (0-13 to 1-14). our coaching sessions prior to the final. This left us in a position whereby a win over Tipperary in Senior County Parnell Park on 22nd July in the last group game would At the end of 2018 we lost the services of David Herity. put us into 2nd spot in the group and face the 3rd placed David had put a huge effort into improving this group team in the other group. Without doubt this was a game of players during his two years as Senior Manager. which we should have won. We lead from an early stage Results would suggest that he improved this squad of with the girls playing some brilliant camogie. However players from the time he took over from Shane O’Brien. Tipperary had their time of supremacy and reduced the On behalf of Dublin Camogie I want to sincerely thank deficit and with minutes to the final whistle drew level. David and his selectors for the work which they put into We had a number of clear cut chances to put the game this group of players. Upon his departure he certainly left “out of sight” but we failed to capitalise on the amount of Dublin Camogie in a very healthy state. We wish David pressure, missing easy scores. Before the game ended every success in his new role as Kildare Senior Hurling both sides exchanged scores and so the game finished Manager. level on 13 points apiece. This left us in 3rd place in our own group and facing the second placed team in the other Back in early 2018 Dublin commenced their League group, which turned out to be Kilkenny. campaign with an away game to Limerick on 14th January. This was a game we could and should have won. We did The game was scheduled for the Limerick Gaelic Grounds most of the running but Limerick came strong in the latter the following week. A large travelling support travelled to stages of the game to snatch a draw. (2-12 apiece). Our Limerick to support the “Girls in Blue”. Unfortunately, we next outing was against Kilkenny in Parnells GAA on the didn’t play up to expectations against Kilkenny and they Astro. The first half was even enough but Kilkenny pulled ran out easy winners. In 2017, we reached the semi-final away in the second half running out convincing winners. of the All Ireland and this year we only reached the quarter- (3-17 to 3-5). In early February we travelled the short final stages which would suggest that 2018 was not as distance to Trim to take on Meath in Round 3. A tough successful as 2017. However a closer look at the result enough game but we eventually ran out five point winners will quickly show that between league/championship we on a score line 0-15 to 0-10. Round 4 saw us away to actually won more games in 2018. Although disappointed Waterford in Carriganore WIT. A victory here would have that we couldn’t reach the highs of a semi-final spot in set us up for a good finish in the league, but Dublin had a 2017 we were happy that further progression was made in bit of an “off day” with Waterford running out easy winners 2018. I would like to sincerely thank David, John Matthews, (1-13 to 1-7). A home game to Clare would be our final Michael O’Grady, Sandra Tarr, David Curtain and Laura group game and after a good battle with the “Westerners” McCague for their support during 2018. we finished strong beating Clare by five points (1-12 to 0-10). Sadly this left Dublin just outside the playoff stages for Summer/Autumn Camps a semi-final spot. The league proved a good competition Earlier this year we ran a number of very successful for Dublin to try out various players in different positions. Advanced Summer/Autumn Camps attended by hundreds of girls aged between 13/16. This was run by our Leinster Championship saw us get a bye in round 1 with Development Committee. None of this would have been Offaly waiting for us in a Leinster Semi-Final. We had high possible were it not for a number of Clubs/People. A huge hopes of making it to a Leinster Final, but on the day thanks to the clubs who made their facilities available for Offaly were just too good for us and eventually won by this purpose. On the Northside we had St Finians and three points on a scoreline 2-8 to 1-14. Fingallians and on the Southside Thomas Davis made their brand new facilities available. The County Board Once Leinster was no longer an option we could start to wish to thank the Executive and members of all three prepare for our All-Ireland Championship. We had approx. clubs for their hospitality and help in ensuring that these five weeks before our first round fixture against Offaly. Camps were very enjoyable. In addition I would also With Offaly victory over us the previous month (Leinster like to thank the players of both our Senior/Intermediate Championship) we were determined to reverse this result. teams who coached on these camps. Last but not least, I On the 9th June Offaly travelled to Parnell Park and this would like to thank Jacquie Brett (Fingallians) for the huge

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 35 amount of work that went into organising these camps, always very well looked after. Where would we be without from organising registrations to actually taking part in a Greg.....nothing is ever too much trouble for him and we number of coaching sessions. Her admin skills did not have come to look upon Greg as “one of us”. Finally, none go unnoticed. I would also like to thank the Camogie of this would be possible if it were not for the support of Association for their help and support in running these Dave Feeney (Facilities Manager). Dave is one of life’s events. gentlemen and is always willing to go “above and beyond” to help in any way possible. An incredible person to deal Dublin Under 14 Blitz – Naomh Mearnog with and he will be sadly missed as his term as Facilities Once again we ran our Under 14 Blitz in Naomh Mearnog Manager will shortly come to an end and we wish him in July of this year. Naomh Mearnog once again made well in his future career. Dublin Camogie is indebted to their excellent facilities available and without their support everyone in Parnells GAA. this event would not be possible. Dublin Camogie would like to thank the Executive (Naomh Mearnog) and many Abbotstown volunteers without whom this event would not be possible. On behalf of Dublin Camogie, I want to sincerely thank From a personal point of view, I would like to single out both Derry and Tony (Abbotstown) for making their Colum Delaney (Camogie Secretary Naomh Mearnog) for excellent facilities available, sometimes at very short ensuring everything went like clockwork during the build notice. I have lost count of the number of times I have up and on the day itself. An event which caters for over gone over to Abbotstown on the spur of the moment and 700 girls plus supporters would not be possible were it I have always received a warm welcome and both have not for the support of a lot of people. With nine pitches in gone out of their way to facilitate all requests from Dublin action from 10am to 4pm, any number of problems could Camogie. arise, but Naomh Mearnog are used to hosting events of this size and ensure that nothing is left to chance. I would Leinster Secretary (Linda Kenny) also like to thank the mentors & players from the thirty Before concluding this report I want to place on record four teams from all over the Country for taking part in this both my personal and Dublin’s appreciation to the Leinster Blitz. With the possible exception of the All-Ireland Blitz, Secretary, Linda Kenny (Carlow). Being Secretary of a our Blitz is one of the biggest in the Country. Finally, could County is demanding enough but being Secretary of I thank members of our own Executive and the twenty a Province brings with it a whole new set of demands. referees needed to run this event. Linda is the ultimate professional and an outstanding administrator and Leinster are fortunate to have someone Philly McMahon (S & C Coach) of her capability managing their affairs. Dublin look In September of this year Dublin Camogie appointed forward to working again with Linda in 2019 and thank her Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams/Dublin Football) most sincerely for the way she approaches her role as as S & C coach for all our Development/County Squads. Leinster Secretary. Philly brings with him a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch. Dublin Camogie look forward to working with Dublin Executive Philly in his gym located just off the M50. We intend to Finally I would like to place on record my sincere thanks make his premises as the focal point for Dublin Camogie. to the members of the Dublin Executive who have helped As well as working with our squads, Philly is anxious to work with club mentors so that his experience can be and supported me in the role of Runaí, Dublin Camogie. brought back to all clubs. Dublin Camogie look forward to As my term finishes at this year’s AGM I want to wish the a very productive and successful partnership with Philly incoming Runaí every success in the year ahead. Dublin and on behalf of Dublin camogie I want to wish Philly our Camogie is constantly evolving and 2019 promises to very best wishes on his recent engagement. bring its own set of demands, but I am confident that the members of the Executive will embrace these issues and GAA deal with these in a productive manner for the benefit of I would like to thank John Costello CEO (Dublin GAA) and all. his staff for their continued support in making their County Grounds (Parnell Park/O’Toole Park) available at various times throughout the year. It is important that our County Brendan Cooper, teams play in the best facilities available. We look forward Runaí. to their continued support in the year ahead.

Parnells GAA Over the last number of years we have built up a fantastic relationship with Parnells GAA, Coolock. Most if not all our squads have used their facilities over the last number of years whether playing games or using their club facilities for various functions. All Parnell GAA staff have made us feel “so at home” and I want to single out a number of people for special mention. In the restaurant, Louise, Rutha and Peggy have always ensured that we

Page 36 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION KILDARE

Another year has come to an end. What can I say about finished in first place. Kildare this year. Well, Kildare had a rocky start, with Well done girls. From Kill the new county board coming along we only had two Annette Corcoran and Trina positions filled. It took awhile but I was happy to take on Temple took third place. the role of Secretary, and I was happy to have Annette Congratulations girls. along side me. I also want to congratulate Kildare Camogie had good and bad times, it was our three inter county players of the year – Melissa unfortunate that the Senior Camogie team had a bad year. Lyons, Clane (Adult Player of the Year), Emma Cully, With everything that happened they still managed to keep Athy (Minor Player of the Year) and Hannah Goodfellow, their heads high and played every match they were asked. Naas (Under 16 Player of the Year). Myself and Annette had the pleasure to play alongside some amzing and talented players. Hopefully with a new I would like to thank each and every club member and season coming up the girls will be back on track. players for all they put into their clubs. Each club should be proud of you. 2019 I feel is going to be the year of I want to congratulate Abby Tarrant from Leixlip for her Kildare Camoige. performance in the Under 16 Leinster Poc Fada competition where she represented Kildare and finished in 3rd place. Thank You to everyone on the Board for all the hard work She was also victorious in the Kildare GAA Under 16 Poc you do behind the scenes. Fada competition held at Naas racecourse. Four of our girls also took part in the Poc Fada in Killmessan. From Ashling Mantle, Johnstownbridge Tanya Johnson and Siobhan Hurley Secretary, Kildare Camogie.

KILKENNY

2018 was once again another very busy and successful did very well in the Finals year for Kilkenny Camogie. I would like to congratulate all in Portlaoise. There was four the participants in the various competitions over the year. divisions running and Kilkenny For players there is nothing more special than winning a schools came out on top in Division County Final with your club and I’d like to congratulate all 1, 2 and 3. All three had qualified of our winners this year and hope you really enjoyed the from the Regional Day held in Ferns occasion. To all 33 of our clubs, these games would not be for schools in the South East who possible without your hard work and commitment. I would currently do not compete in Leinster like to thank everyone for your co-operation over the year Post Primary structured competition. and encourage you to keep up the good work. One of the Kilkenny also had three out of four clubs highlights of the year was the participation of so many contesting the Leinster League club finals, well done to children in the half time Go Games at our Kilkenny Senior all involved. matches in Nowlan Park and Ballyragget and at John Lockes Park for our County Finals. Thanks so much to the On the county scene our development squads once again clubs and children for taking part, hopefully these are days performed very well, massive congratulations to all the that they will remember. I would also like to thank Tom players and mentors involved, While our Under 15A squad Britton of Marble City Travel for their ongoing sponsorship did win their All Ireland development blitz, an All-Ireland of our club competitions, it is very much appreciated. title for Under 16 and Under 18 has been eluding us for a number of years now, hopefully those fortunes will change The year started with Thomastown retaining their Leinster in the coming season, many thanks to the management club title; unfortunately they went out of the All Ireland teams for all age groups. competition at the semi final stage. With this seasons upcoming Leinster Club Campaign in full swing I would It was with regret during the season Jer O’Donovan our like to wish both Young Irelands (Intermediate) and development officer resigned due to work and family Thomastown (Senior) the best of luck in their respective commitments, which serves to prove that these voluntary competitions. positions are hugely time consuming and cannot be taken for granted. Jer has made great improvements in the Congratulations to all our Primary and Post Primary development structure over the last few years in Kilkenny, school and Féile winners, including Skills Star and Poc let’s hope we can build on what Jer has achieved and Fada winners, the Post Primary development blitz was a strive further to improve in the coming years. I would new initiative this year run by Leinster Council. Kilkenny also like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors of

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 37 our underage gear, Gaeltec Utilities, McGuire Haulage, I would like to thank my fellow officers and members Sam McCauley, Westcourt Electrical, Quirke’s Pharmacy, of our THDC, Finance, Fixtures and Development sub Glanbia, Intosport and the Samaritan’s; their generosity is committees, at times we had a very trying and frustrating very much appreciated. year, but this is compensated by the joy our game brings to so many people. I would like to acknowledge your Well done to Áine Fahey and her management team, in patience, hard work and commitment in your roles. their first year with Intermediate team, they had some very good wins, and gained a lot of experience over the season, I would also like to give a special mention to two officers best wishes to them going forward. Congratulations to our Martin and Roseanna who have to stand down from their Seniors on reaching the All-Ireland Final in which we were current positions on the executive as they have served pipped at the post for a second year in a row by Cork. five years in their roles, both have carried out their Again a sincere thank you to Ann Downey and all her back responsibilities exceptionally and bring with them a wealth room team for their ongoing hard work and commitment of experience and knowledge, which I hope won’t be lost with this team. In addition I would like to congratulate to the County Board. As Chairperson Martin acted above our All Star winners and Ann Dalton on her Player of the and beyond the call of duty and has been an outstanding Year award, which is a wonderful achievement, all were support to me and all involved in Kilkenny Camogie. It has well deserved. I would like to acknowledge our county been a pleasure working with them both and wish them sponsors Glanbia and Intosport for their continued well in their future endeavours. support of our game and our players. Finally I would like to welcome any new incoming officers To Jimmy Walsh and Kilkenny GAA, our referees, match to the County Board for next season and wish the best of officials and all the clubs that allow us to use their pitches luck to everyone in 2019. for neutral and county games, a sincere thank you, the running of the county board would not be possible without Theresa Aylward, the co-operation of so many people. Rúnaí.

ROLL OF HONOUR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS 2018 Category Championship Shield League ACL Under 14A St. Brigid’s James Stephens N/A N/A Under 14B Tullaroan/St. Anne’s Young Irelands N/A N/A Under 14C Carrickshock Windgap N/A N/A Under 14D St. Fiachra’s Mullinavat N/A N/A Under 16D St. Brigid’s N/A Thomastown N/A Under 16B Clara Mooncoin Danesfort N/A Under 16C Ballyhale Paulstown St. Lachtain’s N/A Minor A Not played yet N/A Piltown N/A Minor B St. Claire’s N/A St. Claire’s N/A Minor C Ballyhale N/A Graiguenamanagh N/A Under 21A Not played yet N/A N/A N/A Under 21B Tullaroan N/A N/A N/A Junior O’Loughlin Gaels Graiguenamanagh Thomastown O’Loughlin Gaels Junior B Blacks & Whites N/A N/A N/A Intermediate Young Irelands Not played yet Not played yet Rower Inistioge Senior Thomastown Not played yet Not played yet Thomastown

U12 CHAMPIONSHIP CUMANN NA MBUNSCOIL WINNERS 2018 Group 1: St. Lachtain’s Roinn A: St. Canice’s National School Group 2: Tullaroan Roinn B: Gowran National School Group 3: O’Loughlin Gaels Roinn C: Bunscoil McAuley Rice, Callan Group 4: Danesfort Roinn D: St. Beacons National School, Mullinavat Group 5: Windgap

Page 38 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION LAOIS

I was elected as secretary at Laois Camogie AGM on 20th team of Manager Brendan Lowry November 2017. (Camross), selectors Olivia Byrne (Camross), Pat Collier (Camross), COUNTY TEAMS Robert Jones (St. Brigids), Liam Tynan Intermediate: (St Brigids). My first role as secretary was to form part of an interview panel for the Intermediate Manager Role. David Dunning For the All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Championship the panel was the successful candidate along with his panel of came out top of their group having won all games against mentors: David Hughes (Assistant Manager), Fiacra Meath, Roscommon, Carlow and Down. Unfortunately Foran (Selector), Eanna O’Neill (Nutritionist) and Mary they were beaten by a very strong Westmeath team in the Conroy (Player Liason/Selector from O’Moores Club). Semi-Final.

In January 2018 Aisling Burke, Camross, was announced In the Leinster Minor ‘B’ they were beaten by Westmeath. as captain with Rosemarie Bermingham (O’Moores) and This put them in the shield semi-final v Carlow, which they Laura Dunne (St Brigids) as joint Vice-captains. came out of comfortably. They went on to play Meath in the Shield Final with Clodagh Tynan (St Brigid’s) lifting the In Division 2 Laois had wins over Kildare, Derry and cup on a win of 4-09 to 0-08. Armagh. They lost out to Tipperary, Dublin and Kilkenny. The panel had a team bonding night in Derry on 10th This finished the year on a good note for the minors. March. Thanks to Brendan, Olivia, Pat, Rob, Liam. Thanks also to Stephanie England, Ballaghmore Physio who was physio It was unfortunate that Laois were in the Leinster Senior for the team for the year. Championship which is quite a high grade. They lost out to a very strong Kilkenny team who went on to contest in Under 16: the All Ireland Senior Final. Under 16 trials started alongside minor trials in January under manager Richard Oxley and mentors Olivia Byrne The Intermediate Team held a race night during the year (Camross) and Teresa Reilly (Portlaoise). Richard had to in Humes Pub to raise funds for the team. Thanks to step down due to work commitments. This led to Olivia Patrick Delaney who was M.C. on the night. Thanks also Byrne stepping up as Manager, Teresa Reilly continued to those who helped out on the night and thanks to Stapo as selector and Mick Boyhan joined them as strength and Brown for having the race night in his pub. conditioning coach. For the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship the team had a heavy defeat in the first round away to Cork. Next In the Leinster Under 16 ‘B’ group they had wins over game was a draw at home to Carlow. Unfortunately in Wexford and Kildare but lost out to Carlow. They went on the weeks that followed this game David Dunning made to play Dublin in the semi-final but unfortunately lost out the decision in the best interests of Laois Camogie to to Dublin. step down as manager due to breakdown between management and players. In All-Ireland ‘B’ Championship they lost out to Offaly and Armagh. Even though they beat Meath and Kildare it We are grateful to Owen Drennan who stepped in until wasn’t enough to get out of the group. the end of the season along with Pat Delaney and Mary Conroy. The team drew with Derry at home which meant Thanks to Olivia, Teresa and Mick for their commitment to they needed a strong win against Down which was not to this team. Thanks also to Stephanie England, Ballaghmore be and Laois bowed out of the All-Ireland Championship Physio who was Physio for the year with Under 16s. leaving this team with no silverware for 2018. Under 14: We once again were eligible to receive the WGPA Grant Laetitia Lyons Delaney (Camross) Development Officer for the Intermediate Team which is a huge benefit. took on managerial role of this panel along with Joe Conroy (O’Moores), Padraig Henderson (The Harps), Pat Thanks to all management who were involved with the Gaughan (St Lazarians) and Damien Fitzpatrick (Naomh Intermediate Team in 2018 and to Miriam Harrison, Physio Éamann). They also had help from a few mothers along and her team of Physios. the way when needed.

Minor: There were two panels in 2018 with a total of 54 girls Minor Trials started in January under Manager Richard involved. They attended numerous blitzes throughout the Oxley and selector Olivia Byrne. Panels were announced year including the Leinster Blitz where the Blue team won in February. Due to work commitments Richard had to the Cup final and the White team won the Shield Final. step down which paved the way for the new management They also attended eight other blitzes.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 39 The girls took part in a fundraising trek of Slieve Bloom Well done to The Harps who won John West Feile Div. 3. Mountains to raise money for gear. Well done to O’Moores who won John West Feile Div. 4. COUNTY COMPETITIONS AND ROLE OF HONOUR: Féile Competiton was split into Division 1 and Division 2. Laois Féile Skills Winners: Division 1 comprised of teams from Camross, Portlaoise, 1. Grainne Delaney (Camross) St Brigids, St Lazarians, The Harps. Division 2 comprised 2. Lucy O’Connor (The Harps) of teams from Clough Ballacolla, CRG, Naomh Éamann, 3. Eimear Hassett (St Brigids) O’Moores. Laois Poc Fada Winners: Division 1 Winners: The Harps (beating Portlaoise) Senior: Niamh McClearn (The Harps) Division 2 Winners: O’Moores (beating Naomh Éamann) U16: Jade Bergin (The Harps)

LAOIS ROLL OF HONOUR FOR 2018 Intermediate Championship: O’Moores (O’Moores 1-11, Camross 0-12) O’Moores went on to beat Cuala (Dublin) and Buffers Alley (Wexford) but were beaten by Young Irelands (Kilkenny) in the Leinster Semi-Final Intermediate Shield: St Brigids (St Brigids 1-16, The Harps 0-4) Division 2: The Harps (The Harps 2-9, St Brigids 0-11) Minor Championship: St Brigids (St Brigids 4-19, Portlaoise 1-4) Minor Shield: O’Moores (O’Moores 7-3, NaomhÉamann 1-2) Under 16 ‘A’: Portlaoise (Portlaoise 6-7, The Harps 2-2) Under 16 ‘B’: O’Moores (O’Moores 1-8, St Lazarians 0-3) Under 14 ‘A’ The Harps (The Harps 4-9, O’Moores 2-2) Under 14 ‘B’ Naomh Éamann (Camross 1-5, NaomhÉamann 0-8) Replay: (Naomh Éamann 4-4, Camross 3-4) Under 14 SHIELD Clough Ballacolla (Clough Ballacolla 5-2, Banrion Gaels 1-2) Under 12 ‘A’ Naomh Éamann (Naomh Éamann 1-7, The Harps 3-1) Replay: (Naomh Éamann 2-8, The Harps 0-4) after extra time Under 12 ‘B’ St Brigids (St Brigids, Portlaoise) Under 12 SHIELD: Banrion Gaels (Banrion Gaels 2-2, Clough Ballacolla 2-1) Under 10’s All 10 Clubs took part in eight blitz’s during the year with county blitz finishing the year on Saturday 29th September in Mountmellick Under 8’s All 10 Clubs took part in seven blitz’s during the year with county blitz finishing the year on Sunday 23rd September in Clonad Under 6’s Five clubs took part in seven Under 6 blitzes during the year (Camross, Clough Ballacolla, Naomh Éamann, O’Moores, The Harps). End of Year County Blitz was on Saturday 15th September in Errill.

REFEREES: also to St Fintans GAA Mountrath for allowing so many Well done to Alan Doheny who was referee for All Ireland club semi-finals and finals be played there. Thanks also Premier Junior Final between Dublin and Kerry. to Clonad and Trumera GAA clubs for allowing our county teams use their facilities throughout the year. Thanks to all our referees in 2018. It would be great to see more referees get involved in refereeing Camogie games. AWARDS: Congratulations to Mary Keating (O’Moores) on being PITCHES: selected as Camogie Payer of the Year 2018 by Laois Thanks to all our GAA Clubs for allowing us the use of their GAA. facilities during the year especially Laois GAA as it was an honour for our County girls to play matches in our county Congratulations to Mary Conroy (O’Moores) who was grounds and it was a great honour to have our Intermediate awarded Laois Camogie Volunteer of Year earlier this County Final played in O’Moore Park also. Special mention year.

Page 40 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Congratulations to Teresa Keenan (Camross) who To any member or club who suffered bereavements during has recently been awarded this year’s Laois Camogie the year I offer my condolonces. Volunteer of the Year and will receive her award at the awards ceremony in Croke Park in January 2019. On my own behalf, I would like to thank my fellow officers who have helped and very often gave me guidance. I don’t SPONSORSHIP: want to name anyone because I am sure at some stage I Thanks to everyone who gave sponsorship this year called on everyone’s help. I would however like to mention whether as money, gear, food, water, fruit, etc. It is a long Rosie Dunne, former PRO who stepped down during the list and we will send out thank you letters to everyone. If year who was also a great help with advice and who was I have overlooked anyone, my apologies but if you let me greatly missed on the Laois Camogie scene. I would also know I will forward a thank you letter – Declan Keenan, like to thank Linda Kenny, Leinster Secretary who was Michael Dowling, Specsavers, Apple Green, Gerry always at the end of phone, no matter the hour of the day Browne, Rosie O’Gradys, DS Sports, Medals N Trophies to help me out. 4U, Lock N Fix. On a final note due to work and personal commitments I Thanks to Ryans Bar, Portlaoise for sponsoring the table am not seeking re-election but will always be on hand to quiz, thanks to those who sponsored a box/tee for Golf help where I can. Classic, thanks to those who sponsored the Intermediate Race night and to those who sponsored the U14 Trek. I wish Laois Camogie the very best for 2019 and hopefully we will see more silverware coming our way. CONCLUSION: Thank you to the players who trained and played in all weather this year, from wind and rain to snow and heatwaves where the ground was so hard it was creating Is mise, havoc with injuries. Thanks to all parents for driving girls Olibhe Ní Chuddaigh, to training and matches. Rúnaí.

LOUTH

During 2018 Louth Competitions included Under 12, Under Féile for the first time, to 13, Under 14, Under 15, Under 16 Leagues as well as the Blackrock’s Poc Fada at the Adult League, 9-a-side League and Adult Championship. raft race, all clubs are making big efforts to ensure our game Under 12 League was won by St Kevins is never far from the minds Under 13 League was won by St. Kevins of our youngsters, who have so many other options to Under 14 League was won by St. Kevins choose from in terms of hobbies and interests. Events Under 15 League was won by St Kevins like St. Annes Winter League, St. Fechins hosting Dublin Camogie stars at their end of year presentation and the Under 16 league was won by St. Kevins huge drive from St. Brides to bring out their entire parish to support their girls on county final day, are the reason Senior League Plate was won by St. Annes that a growing number of juveniles are choosing camogie Senior League Shield was won by St. Brides as their code each year. Thank you to all involved at club level and I hope you will continue to find the energy and Senior League Cup was won by Castleblayney drive to pursue another action-packed year of camogie in Senior 9-A-Side was won by Castleblayney 2019 so that our game can continue to thrive in Louth.

Senior Championship was won by St Kevins At adult level, we made a decision at the beginning of the Well done to all the teams involved in the competitions. year to invite additional clubs into our leagues and we saw the participation of Killeavy and Castleblayney for the first 2018 saw huge development work at both club and time. There were some challenges in communicating with county level. I would like to recognise the club volunteers new teams and fulfilling a larger number of fixtures than who worked tirelessly all year to promote our game, not usual. However, there was also much positive feedback, only through running Under 8 and Under 10 blitzes and with players relishing the opportunity to play against participation in county board competitions, but through new opposition, which freshened up the competition. extra initiatives too, that haven’t gone unnoticed but don’t Going forward, we will need to discuss players’ and clubs’ always get the recognition they deserve. From St. Kevins preferences for 2019 to ensure all our adult clubs can attending the Guinness World Record largest camogie participate in our competitions and to afford opportunities lesson in Croke Park, to Mattock Rangers attending to play in competitive matches.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 41 We worked hard at Board level this year to promote up- game could go ahead. At our county board meeting in skilling of coaches in 2018. At the very end of 2017, we September, I was accused by a fellow board member that ran a foundation level coaching course to prepare new in doing so, I had gone beyond my remit. I don’t believe coaches for the year ahead. In May, we hosted a Summer I went beyond the remit of my role and furthermore I Series coaching workshop, aimed at coaches at Under contacted the chairperson the next day to request that an 12 level, which was well attended by the clubs. A second apology be given at our October meeting. This was not foundation level course was completed in September. The followed up on. For these reasons, I have decided not to next area that requires urgent attention is the training and continue in the secretary role in 2019. up-skilling of referees. I hope that our members will make a big drive to recruit participants from hurling and camogie I would like to thank all the clubs who let us use their clubs for a Young Whistlers Referee course ahead of the facilities for our final days, for county board meetings 2019 playing season. I would like to say a huge thank you and for training courses during the year. It has been to Maria, who worked tirelessly this year in the recruitment great to serve the board and take an active role in the of referees. It is a very difficult job and her thoroughness administrative side of Louth camogie in recent years. I am and continuous efforts to recruit referees was a vital very proud of what we achieved in terms of development at component in ensuring our competitions ran as smoothly county level. We could not have achieved this without the as possible. support of individuals who took on roles as co-ordinators, mentors and coaches, and of the clubs and players at Louth was well represented at Congress, Croke Park large, who drove things forward with their enthusiasm and and Leinster meetings throughout the year. Thanks to all commitment. officers who travelled to these meetings. Another area in which we continued to build upon last year’s success, was I would like to wish the incoming committee all the best the PRO role that was carried out by Seamus Capplis. for 2019. Seamus continued to work with the club PROs to ensure a camogie presence in the pages of the local newspapers. Warren Matthews was also enlisted for his photography Is Mise, at finals and his involvement, sometimes at no charge, Mairéad Ní Loinsigh, deserves recognition also for the role it plays in promoting Rúnaí. our players and clubs on social media etc.

The children’s officer role this year was busier than most people realised, with Áine having a very busy schedule of meetings to address issues that arose at a wider county level. Her work alongside children’s officers of the GAA and LGFA boards is vital in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our youth members. The drive for all clubs to be compliant with the new Safeguarding laws and GDPR regulations added extra work to club and county children’s officers this year and thanks to all the children’s officers for their efforts in this regard.

The biggest day of the camogie calendar in any county is the senior championship final and in 2018, this was a major triumph in Louth. The game was one of the most hotly contested in recent years and a huge well done must go to the players, management and supporters of St. Brides and St. Kevins for the big effort they put in both on and off the pitch to ensure the final was a major success. The board really appreciates the work all clubs put in to assisting with programme production, providing umpires and lines people on the day and publicising the game to achieve the record attendance that we saw at St. Mary’s, Ardee on the 15th September. Congratulations to victors St Kevins who went on to represent Louth in the Leinster Junior club competition and to St. Brides on a great year of camogie.

As always, there were challenges in 2018.

The issues that arose surrounding the re-fixture of the Under 16 final were very difficult to resolve. I left no stone unturned in trying to resolve the issues so that the

Page 42 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION MEATH

2018 has been a very busy first year for me as secretary of Meath Camogie. While it has been a steep learning curve, I have enjoyed every moment of it. We have had ten meetings since the 2017 AGM.

Congratulations to all teams who took part in the various competitions throughout the year.

ROLL OF HONOUR Competition Winners Runners-Up Under 13 Not Completed Under 14A Na Fianna Killyon Under 14B Dunderry Kiltale Under 14B Shield Drumree Donaghmore/Ashbourne Under 15 Not Completed Under 16A Not Completed Under 16B Not Completed Minor Not Completed Div 3 League Not Completed Div 2 League Not Completed Div 1 League Not Completed Junior Championship Clann na nGael Donaghmore/Ashbourne Intermediate Championship Ratoath Kildalkey Senior Championship Kilmessan Na Fianna

Kilmessan won the Senior Championship in Meath It has been an honour to work with a panel of dedicated, and went on to represent Meath in the Junior Club All loyal and committed players. They trained and played as Ireland Championship. They will compete in the Leinster a unit, one team and their behaviour both on and off the Championship final on the 28th October where they will pitch was impeccable. face Raharney of Westmeath. Best of luck to Kilmessan. We had a panel of 35 and attendances for training was Ratoath also went on to represent Meath in Leinster in the always in the high 20’s. Average attendance over 28 newly formed competition the Special Junior. They have sessions was 24.78. Twelve clubs were represented. All reached the final and will face Delvin of Westmeath in the 35 players were given match time. We tried to use our final on the 28th October. Good luck to Ratoath. five substitutes at every opportunity to give all players an opportunity to play for Meath. Any panel member who I would like to thank the Fixtures committee, for all their could not attend always contacted us with an explanation. hard work in compiling fixtures, organising games referees Missing panel members were generally attending grinds etc during the year. Their work is invaluable. which is to be expected in their Leaving Cert year, and some girls had part time jobs. COUNTY TEAMS Senior: The All-Ireland series opened with narrow losses to Laois The first year in the senior ranks was always going to and Carlow. Unfortunately it was evident from these two be difficult. To the girls credit they never gave up. Many games that Meath Camogie is falling behind at this level. thanks to John Davis, Christine Fagan, Christy Mangan, First touch, passing and overall game play was not at the Teresa Clince and GT Troy who devoted so much time level expected for this “B” competition. Many coaching to the team. I would like to personally thank John Davis sessions were conducted over this period, covering basic for his significant contribution to Meath Camogie. He has skills that should have been taught at Under 14 level at been a pleasure to work with over the past year. I wish him the latest. all the best in any future role. Another loss to Down followed, who we had to play Minor: without nine of our players due to a clash with a I would like to thank both Meath Camogie County Board schools All-Ireland football match. We finished the and its Camogie clubs for appointing myself as Meath All-Ireland series with a comprehensive win over Camogie Minor manager for 2018. Roscommon.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 43 What is of more significance is that neither Laois or players and to spread the representation of players from Carlow who topped our group made it to the All-Ireland as many clubs as possible. Final. The All-Ireland finalists and the Shield winner came from the other competition group. Our experience in the Leinster Championship proved to be a steep learning curve for the players as there was a We were unable to participate in the Leinster Blitz, we big step up in intensity from club games. Results against were scheduled to play in the Leinster championship on Dublin, Westmeath and Kilkenny didn’t quite go as we had a Sunday and could not field a team in the blitz on the hoped but we were very happy with the girl’s ability to Saturday, without having to ask several girls to play both learn from their experiences and improved performance days, which would be very unfair on them. after every game.

The Leinster series began in the summer with a narrow We went into the Leinster Shield semi-final for the first loss to Kilkenny B, following this we had an improved time with a full panel to choose from and we were quietly display and win against Kildare. Kildare had won the confident of putting in a performance to show how much All-Ireland 2018 Shield. This win qualified us for the work the girls had been putting in. The game against Shield Leinster final against Laois the following weekend. Kildare proved to be the highlight of our year. Despite The five day camogie rule was implemented, and going seven points down during the game, the girls championship matches were cancelled. However, two showed great character to come out top on a score line clubs organised a challenge match during this period and of 3-9 to 3-7. Unfortunately our preparation for the Leinster used their county players. The three matches in seven final was disrupted due to the majority of the panel having days for these players was too much and it was evident to understandably commit to their exams. on the pitch against Laois, where we lost again. This was very unfair on the girls in question and for the panel The performance against Kilkenny would have made in general. I would like to see the clubs and the Meath every person involved with Meath Camogie immensely Camogie County Board protecting players and not letting proud as for three quarters of the game, we proved to these situations happen. be the better team only for the concession of three early goals which unfortunately we could not claw back. The Although the above mentioned losses were disappointing, final score Kilkenny 3-8 to Meath 0-8 left us in high spirits the minor panel have shown great progress this year. going into our All Ireland preparations. Perhaps the best compliment is that the Meath Senior Camogie management requested challenge matches Our preparations for the All-Ireland had begun well. against the minor panel. During this series of games, Unfortunately a number of players withdrew from the panel the minors played with great determination and pride, so having been put under pressure to prioritise their club much so that a significant number were asked to join the commitments. This has been a major problem for Meath senior panel, 12 players in total. Camogie over the years and will continue to be so until every club is forced to throw their full support behind every aspect of Finally, I would like to thank my management team of Aoife the county set up. Serious consideration has to be made over Maguire and Paul Davis for their assistance this year. A their participation in club competitions within the county. special thanks has also to be extended to Eilish Devine whose dedication and commitment to Meath Camogie Due to the withdrawals from the panel the All-Ireland goes above and beyond the call of duty. It would have competition was a disappointing experience for all been a far more challenging task this year without Eilish’s involved. The remaining girls gave 100% to the jersey involvement in the management team structure. and improved performances after each game they were never realistically able to give a true representation of their I would also like to wish the Meath Minor players of 2018, abilities. Laois, Armagh, Kildare and Offaly are further and the Meath Camogie County Board the very best for down the road regarding their player development and 2019 and the years ahead. strength and conditioning programmes. It is something that certainly needs to be looked at going forward. Despite Best Regards results not going as well as we hoped, our sole intention John Davis Jnr was the progression in player development.

Under 16: Up to a dozen players made great progress throughout We began training for the 2018 season on the 16th the year and certainly have the potential to represent December 2017 with 29 girls in attendance and a further the county at a higher level. I would like to thank Gerry 13 girls made their intentions known that they had Keoghan, Caroline Halton, Michelle Boyle and Ciara intended to try out for the team. Over the next 10 weeks Donoghue for their time and dedication throughout the we had nine sessions between challenge matches and year. I would like to thank the County Board for looking training sessions to give all 41 girls a chance to state after us so well all year with buses, food and gear. Finally, their case. Unfortunately we did not get enough numbers I would like to wish all the girls the very best of luck in at trials to enter two teams into the upcoming Leinster their future sporting careers. championship. As a management team we agreed to enter one team into the championship with a panel of 30 Shane Mooney, Under 16 Manager

Page 44 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Under 15: Féile na Gael: Meath Under 15 had a very good season this year. We Na Fianna and Kilmessan represented Meath in the Féile participated in four Blitzes and played two challenge na Gael which was held in June in Galway, Roscommon matches. The girls played the Louth Under 16 team in and Westmeath. Killyon represented Meath in the a challenge and won well, the second challenge was Regional Féile in Kildare and Kiltate represented Meath in against Kildare which Meath also won. We hosted a very the Regional Féile in Monaghan. successful Blitz in Meath in May. This was held in Kiltale and the Meath girls brought home the Shield. We attended Poc Fada: the Carlow blitz in June, the girls put in a great effort on Amy Farrelly of Clann na nGael won the Meath Under the day and returned to Meath with another Shield. We 16 Poc Fada competition and represented Meath in the attended the Wexford blitz also in June and with only Leinster competition. Emily Mangan represented Meath in 15 girls available and playing in very high temperatures the All Ireland competition. Congratulations to both girls. the girls did really well to get to a Shield final by beating Wexford but lost out to Dublin in the final. The girls Adult Volunteer of The Year: received runner up medals on this occasion. They were a Christine Fagan from Boardsmill represented Meath at the credit to their county and showed great resilience to play Volunteer of The Year in Croke Park. five games (with no subs available) against very tough competition from Clare, Kilkenny, Wexford and Dublin (all I would like to thank our Sub Committees: Fixtures, Division 1 and 2 teams). We were unable to participate in THDC, Development and Fundraising Committee, Leinster the Leinster blitz due to lack of numbers. Delegates and to all our referees for giving up their time.

We attended the All Ireland Blitz at the end of July and I would like to thank the Club Secretaries for all your help had a very successful day. We were in Division 3 (Meath, and assistance throughout the year and to my fellow Armagh, Carlow, Donegal, Kildare and Wicklow). We officers of the Meath Camogie Board for all of your hard came out top in our group and went on to beat Armagh work and patience during the year. in the semi-final. We reached the Cup final where we lost out to Carlow but the girls put in a great performance and You have all been very patient with me as I have settled were delighted to receive an All Ireland silver medal for into the role. If re-elected, I look forward to working with their efforts. We appreciate all the support received from you all again over the next twelve months. I would also County Board to facilitate attendance at the Blitzes. The like to pay tribute to Christy Mangan. He has been an squad also really appreciate the new training tops which excellent chairperson of Meath Camogie and I wish him they received. all the best in the future.

We are grateful to Navan for use of their facilities for Caroline Halton, training. We acknowledge all the support received from Runaí parents/guardians throughout the season. We were privileged to work with such a talented and dedicated group of girls who really showed commitment to their own development and we wish them all every success in their future and hope they will continue to play camogie for many years to come. Gary Cole and the Under 15 Management team

Under 14: I would like to thank all of my mentors – Caroline Ging, Barry Doherty, Georgia O’Halloran, Freda Ní Laoire, Donal Connell, Eddie O’Brien for all of their time and effort they put into the team. I would also like to thank Anto O’Neill for all the training he did with the girls. I would like to thank Navan Mahoney’s for the use of their pitch all year. I would like to thank all of those who gave sponsorship towards gear for the girls. I would like to thank Caroline Halton for all her help in organising buses, food and gear for the girls. I would like to thank Meath Camogie Board for all of their help and support. I would like to thank the parents and all the girls for their commitment all year. We participated in a number of blitzes throughout the year. The main ones were Kildare Blitz, Wicklow Blitz, Meath Blitz, Wexford Blitz, Leinster Blitz and the All- Ireland Blitz. Thomas Duignan, U14 Manager

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 45 OFFALY

2018 has yet again been a busy year in Offaly Camogie! There was 11 monthly meetings between January and November: 3rd January, 7th February, 7th March, 4th April, 2nd May, 6th June, 4th July, 8th August, 5th September, 3rd October, 7th November.

ROLL OF HONOUR 2018 GROUP WINNER RUNNER-UP Under 12 A1 Tullamore St Rynaghs Under 12 A2 Shinrone St Cillians Under 12 A3 St Sinchills K/K Under 12 B1 Birr Lusmagh/Drumcullen Under 12 B2 Naomh Bríd Kinnitty Under 12 End of Season Shinrone St Sinchills Under 13 League A K/K St Cillians Under 13 B St Sinchills Tullamore Under 13 C Naomh Bríd Kinnitty Féile A Birr K/K Féile B St Rynaghs St Cillians Under 14 A Birr K/K Under 14 B St Cillians St Rynaghs Under 15 A St Rynaghs St Cillians Under 15 B K/K Lusmagh/Drumcullen Under 15 C Tullamore Naomh Bríd Under 15 D Kinnitty St Sinchills Under 16 A Birr K/K Under 16 B St Cillians Tullamore Under 17 A Shinrone K/K Under 17 B St Cillians Kinnitty Under 17 C Naomh Bríd Tullamore Under 17 D St Rynaghs Lusmagh/Drumcullen Minor A Minor B St Cillians K/K Junior St. Cillian’s K/K Senior St. Rynaghs Shinrone Senior League Div 1 St Cillians Senior League Div 2 Lusmagh/Drumcullen

St. Rynagh’s won the Division 4 All-Ireland Shield at Féile. St Rynaghs throughout this year should also take pride St Rynaghs won the Offaly Senior Championship and went from competing with a top tier club as Rynaghs. We wish ahead to represent Offaly in the Leinster Championship in St Rynaghs every success going forward and be assured the Intermediate grade. I’m delighted to say that Offaly that you have the support of all clubs within the county. have a club who are Leinster winners beating Young Congratulations to St Cillains who won the Senior Leinster Irelands for the first time ever at Intermediate level. St League. Another great achievement for an Offaly club! Rynaghs are now in the All-Ireland semi-final. This is the first time that an Offaly club has achieved such success We are all looking forward to a separate Junior and Senior and we are extremely proud of their endeavours so far championship in 2019 which will only assist in developing this year! We are assured that not only will St Rynaghs do the game even further in Offaly and to raise standards. We Banagher, their club, the players, management and the are also looking forward to Clara being established in the supporters proud but also Offaly. It is also testament to the new year. It’s fantastic that Camogie is being developed fine standard of Camogie in Offaly. Every club who played further in the county.

Page 46 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION I would also like to thank everyone who sat on the fixtures set out a vision at the beginning of 2018 and full credit committee throughout the year my heartiest gratitude. You to them all. Our Under 14s competed in several Blitzes had the thankless task of compiling fixtures, organising over the year. Thank you to the counties for hosting and games, referees, pitches throughout the year for inviting Offaly to the various Blitzes throughout the year. competitions from Under 14 to Senior level. It is always a great occasion to play for your county. The Under 14s also attended the All-Ireland Blitz where the A COUNTY TEAMS team was beaten in the semi-final by Kilkenny and the B team reached the All-Ireland Final but lost to Derry. Firstly, I would like to pass on my appreciations to all of our management teams in 2018. As you can see Offaly are competing well throughout the Senior: Mike Wall, Ger Walsh, Richie Power, Ann Hoctor, various age groups which can only strengthen and give our Ray Delaney, Jessie Barr and Physio Nick Lawlor. players vast amount of experience. It is also a compliment and an indicator of good standards that the Under 16s and Junior: Declan Loughnane, Mark Hoctor, Ann Dolan, Juniors were defeated by the overall winners. Great work Minor: Robbie Bergin, Liam Bergin, Mary Shanahan, girls and we look forward to even better things from all of Pauline Kilmartin. our teams in 2019. Under 16: Tom Mulrooney, Liam Byrne and Mary Shanahan. Thank you to every single one of our managers, coaches, selectors, physios/first aiders in 2018. Their commitment Under 14: Barry Kinsella, Declan Fogarty, David Dillon, throughout the year has been second to none and the Albert Nevin, Maggie Lynch. mantle must be taken up by our incoming managers in 2019. Offaly will have a Under 15 and Under 16 county Underage: panel in 2019. We are excited by what our 2019 county Cormac Ginty, Aoife Kelly, Brendan Hanamy, Elaine managers will offer, and we wish them and their teams Dermody, Karen Brady, Mary Wyer, Sheila Sullivan, Ann the very best of luck in 2019. I also want to thank all the Marie Guinan, Enda Hughes, Sean Murphy, Benny Wyer, players who dedicate their time to training, matches, gym Bobby Cushin, Carol Dillon, Cormac Moylan, David Dillon, sessions etc. It is an honour to wear the Offaly jersey, but Kevin Carey, Mairead Devery, Sarah Cleary, Barry Kinsella, it also takes dedication to be able to do so. We’re very Ronnie Byrne, Declan Fogarty, Maggie Lynch, Sabrina lucky to have so many enthusiastic players across all the Larkin, Alana Roddy, Michaela Morkan, Linda Sullivan. grades who as you can see have accomplished so much this year. For our senior squad, this was their third consecutive year to be in a Leinster Final and unfortunately, victory was I also wish to thank Christy Todd and the Faithful Fields for denied to them by the narrowest of margins, one point. use of their fabulous facilities throughout the year. It really We are sure that this will only serve as motivation and is a centre for excellence and we look forward to working that 2019 will be the year that a Senior Leinster trophy with Christy in 2019 and using them even more. will be brought back to Offaly. Offaly were also unlucky not to have won in Tipperary which would have secured Risk Assessment and Courses: a quarter-final place for them but 2018 wasn’t their year. The Children’s First Legislation came into place in Ireland We have full faith that with the same management team in February. This made it now mandatory for all coaches in place and the commitment from players ever present to be garda vetted and to hold a safeguarding 1 course. that 2019 will be a far more successful year for the senior Thanks to Rita’s hard work over the last 4 years we did squad. Congratulations to Siobhan Flannery and to Roisín not have as much work to do as other organisations may Egan for receiving All Star nominations. Siobhan was the have had to do. Notwithstanding, Offaly ran numerous joint fourth top scorer of the competition and Roisin won safeguarding 1 courses as well as four foundation courses Player of the Match on the 14th July against Tipperary. and a Level 1 course. The work will continue in 2019 and it will remain on the agenda for the foreseeable future The Junior team reached the All-Ireland semi-final in 2018 and audits will begin again very shortly!!! Thanks Rita for and were defeated by Dublin who went on to win the All- all your work this year and for handling any CWO issue Ireland Junior championship. Congratulations to Shannon which came before you with such professionalism. Touhey on receiving a soaring star nomination. A number of courses were organised for 2018 which Our minor team competed well in the All-Ireland included goal keeping, coach and referee education, championship and were defeated by Wexford in the Under 11, Under 12, Under 13 games and coaching Leinster Shield Final. development and School of Excellence, TY coaching courses in Birr and Mucklagh, Summer Camp and The Under 16 team also reached an All-Ireland B semi- an Easter Camp for teenagers to name but a few!!! I final and were defeated by five points by Antrim who went think everyone will agree when I say that Cormac has on to win the All-Ireland B championship. revolutionised the role of Development Officer. He always has coaches and players in the foremind. Cormac has This was the first time that Offaly had two Under 14 county such passion and drive to always improve the standards teams, which proved to be a huge success. The managers in Offaly from a range of issues. Offaly Camogie were very

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 47 lucky to secure you as a Development Officer and we all would have managed to get through the first six months are looking forward to seeing what you have lined up for without her help. To replace Carmel will be impossible 2019 because knowing Cormac they will be professional because Carmel is irreplaceable, and her experience and and extremely beneficial for coaches and players alike! advice will be sorely missed. Carmel is so considerate Keep up the great work! and kind and thinks of problems before they even arise. My only hope is that Carmel only takes a sabbatical and Sponsorship: returns to us very soon. None of my words will do her A huge thank you to Dáire and Niall in Rudd’s for all their justice but I think everyone sitting here knows how crucial help and continued support of Offaly Camogie in 2018. Carmel is to Offaly Camogie. Carmel, personally, I am very sad to see you go! Whoever replaces you will have big A huge thanks also to our sponsors of our club boots to fill but I know that Carmel will give her assistance championships; PT Electric for sponsorship of the Under any time that she requires it as that is the type of person 14 championship, Sean O’Meara from O’Meara sliotars as that Carmel is! the sponsor of the Under 16 championship, Hynes School of Motoring as the sponsor of the Minor Championship Go raibh mile mhaith agaibh! and Nick Lawlor (HQ physio) as the sponsor of the Junior Thank you to all the clubs who work so hard to keep and Senior Championship. everything going and are the backbone of Offaly Camogie. Thanks for your assistance, support and co-operation Sponsorship is very important to any organisation and throughout the year. Thank you also for the use of your without the people above Offaly would be in a very difficult facilities throughout the year. position financially. A big thank you to all our helpers especially those on Accolades: gates; Francis and Carmel, to Séan, Mary and Ann Marie for photos and match reports. February’s meeting opened with a presentation to the Offaly Volunteer of The Year for 2018 – Mary Brady. I would also like to acknowledge my fellow executive Congratulations were extended to Mary and thanks for members. Each of them are always on the end of the all her work with both St Sinchills club and Offaly over the phone when I have a query or in times of trouble. Each of years. them work very hard in their positions. I must also pass on my heartiest congratulations to Thank you to out THDC members also who have an Colaiste Naomh Cormac Under 16 and Under 18 teams extremely important job in upholding the rules of our for winning Leinster titles and also Colaiste Phobail Ros association. Cre. I would also like to thank the Leinster secretary; Linda, for Shannon James, Grace Cashen and Tracey Kelly who all her assistance and support throughout the year. attended trials and were chosen to play for the Leinster Under 17 panel who came very close to winning the Thank you all for your support, co-operation and your interpro final. patience. As you can see from my report, Offaly Camogie relies on a lot of people to work so effortlessly. The danger Well done to Cayla Fletcher and Roisin Pinches who with having an extensive list of thank you’s is that you omit came 4th and 5th in the Leinster Feile Skills in June. someone so my sincerest apologies if I have done so. The Poc Fáda was also held with Jane Lowry being the I also wish to pass on my condolences for those of you Under 16 winner and Michelle Glesson the senior winner who lost loved ones through bereavement throughout the in Offaly. Jane and Michelle went on to represent Offaly year. in the Leinster Poc Fáda where Jane won the Under 16 competition. Jane went onto secure 3rd place in the I want to wish the incoming executive the best of luck for All Ireland Poc Fáda. What a fantastic achievement! 2019! Congratulations also to Faye Mulrooney who won the All Ireland Skills competition. I want to wish you all and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and successful new year. A huge congratulations to our very own treasurer; Carmel Go raibh mile maith agat. Carroll who will be receiving Offaly Camogie Sports Partnership of the Year award. Well deserved!

Treasurer: Mairéad Ní hÉachach, It would be extremely remiss of me if I was not to talk Runaí, about one particular woman who is ‘Offaly Camogie’. I Cumann Camogaiochta Uibh Fhailí. was extremely saddened when Carmel told me early in 2018 that this would be her last year as Treasurer. When I became secretary in May of 2016, Carmel was a huge source of assistance and support to me. I don’t think I

Page 48 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION WESTMEATH WESTMEATH

INTER COUNTY COMPETITIONS which was followed by a win away to Carlow. The next round saw our girls Under 14: This year continued with noncompetitive blitz draw with Antrim in Antrim, this was days for our county Under 14 panel. Two teams took part followed by a win at home to Wexford CAMOGIE in the Leinster blitz day in Portlaoise on 13th May and and they finished off the round stages one team travelled to Carlow in July for another blitz. Two of this competition with a historic one point victory away teams fielded in the All Ireland blitz day in Dublin on 8th to Cork. This set up a semi-final date with Dublin who we September with both competing well. The full squad took played in Clane on 22nd April. This time our girls etched part in the parade in Croke Park at the All Ireland Finals. out a comprehensive 3.10 to 1.6 victory which set up a Thank you to Laura Heffernan, John Weir, Caroline Carton, rematch with Cork in the Littlewoods League Division 2 Martin Tourish, Mags Daly, Jimmy Greville and Olive Weir Final which was played in Freshford, Co. Kilkenny on 29th who helped out with blitzes and training during the year. April. Unfortunately, our girls never really got going on the day and we came out again on the wrong side of a one We invited players born in 2005 and 2006 who are eligible point game with a scoreline of Cork 0-8 Westmeath 1-4. to be part of our Under 14 Development Squad 2019 to Special mention must go to the members of the team take part in six weeks of winter training starting on 6th who had also been members of the Minor team who had October. This was very successful with a good turnout suffered a one point loss in the All-Ireland final the day of girls representing 11 different clubs. We thank in a before. particular way our coaches John Weir, Donie Carey, Kevin Reihill, Aisling Egerton, Fiona Keating, Emma Broughan The Leinster Intermediate Championship started with and Laura Heffernan who gave up their time to coach the a game against Kilkenny at home. A win here saw girls on a Saturday morning. us through to play Wexford in the Leinster semi-final. However, due to Wexford withdrawing from the competition Under 16: Our Under 16 team started their Leinster at the last minute, we were now straight through to play campaign with a win against Kilkenny B. This was followed Dublin on Saturday 26th May in Birr. We were victorious with a loss against a strong Dublin B team. The final group on a scoreline of 2-13 to 0-5 and our captain Mairead game saw our girls overcoming Meath at home which set McCormack was awarded player of the match for the up a semi-final pairing with Carlow. This game which did final. not go our way on the day however and Carlow proceeded to the Under 16 Leinster Final. The team then played three The All-Ireland series was next and this was our first rounds of the All-Ireland series which resulted in defeats season playing in the All Ireland Intermediate Competition. to Derry and Waterford and a comprehensive win over Buoyed by an impressive League Campaign, we faced Down. Thank you to Laura Heffernan, Paddy Maloney and Kildare on 16th June in our first game which was played Ciaran Glennon who worked with this team this year. in Cusack Park. Westmeath came out on top with a strong 6-13 to 2-5 victory. Next up was a visit to The Ragg in Minor: Our Minors had a very successful All-Ireland series Tipperary where we let a half time lead slip and finished with wins recorded against Armagh, Derry and Kildare. A with a two point loss at the final whistle. Our next opponents loss to Antrim set them up with a semi-final pairing against were Kilkenny who we faced in Kinnegad and a win here Laois where they came out on top with a scoreline of 1.14 to left us with high hopes as we travelled to Ballinalsoe for 0.6. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side when we faced our game against a strong Galway side on 21st July. This Antrim on 28th April in Drogheda for the All-Ireland Minor B proved to be a very tight match with our girls unlucky to Cup Final where victory was snatched from our grasp in the finish the match again that elusive point down. Our final dying moments of the game finishing with a one point defeat game was at home to Antrim which the girls again ratched for our girls on a scoreline of Antrim 3-13 to Westmeath up a convincing victory but unfortunately this was not 3-12. Congratulations to Hannah Core (Raharney) who was enough to see us through to the knock out stages of this awarded player of the match for this final. competition.

Their Leinster campaign saw this group of girls play Carlow A big thank you to everybody who worked with our in the Leinster Quarter Final before a semi-final pairing Intermediate team this year especially the backroom team with Laois. This set them up for the Leinster B Cup Final of manager Johnny Greville and selectors Jimbob Baker, this time against Dublin who they defeated on a scoreline Jimmy Greville and Frank Mullen. of 5-16 to 2-7. We thank Jimmy Greville and Mary Glynn for all their work with this group of players this year. Leinster League: Well done to Castletown Geoghegan who contested the Leinster League Division 3 final against Intermediate: Our Intermediate team started their The Harps (Laois). After a very tight semi-final against Littlewoods Division 2 League Campaign on 18th Athy (Kildare) which went to extra time, the Laois team February with a comprehensive win at home to Down proved too strong for Castletown on the day. Well done

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 49 to the Castletown Geoghegan team and management for Abbotstown to represent Westmeath in the national progressing in this competition. competition. Congratulations to Nicole on a fine display of skill and talent. Leah O’Brien (Brownstown) and Holly CLUB COMPETITIONS Dowdall (Clonkill) were our runners up and went on to represent Westmeath at Leinster level. Under 6/8/10 Camogie 2018: Go games continued again this year for this grade. All clubs hosted a blitz day Under 14 Camogie Championship 2018: We adopted a throughout the year. The final blitz was due to be held similar format to our Under 12 competition for this competition in Cusack Park in early September but unfortunately this year with teams being divided in two groups and each inclement weather made this impossible. Our Under 10 team playing five games. Teams were graded on a league league proved to be a huge success again this year with basis with the top two in each group qualified for our A semi- some very skillful games being played. Raharney defeated finals, the next two in each group entered B semi-finals and Clonkill in the A final, Crookedwood defeated Drumraney final two in each group entered C semi-finals. Raharney in the B final and St Oliver Plunketts were victorious in the defeated Clonkill in the A final, St Munnas/Delvin defeated C final against St Munnas. Brownstown in the B final and Castletown Geoghegan defeated Lough Lene Gaels in the C final. Under 12 Camogie Mini League 2018: Three blitzes were held before we ran an Under 12 mini league. Teams were Under 16 Camogie Championship 2018: This divided in two groups and each team played six games. competition was also split into two groups with teams Top two in each group qualified for our A semi-finals, the being graded in a League basis. The A final saw Raharney next two in each group entered B semi-finals and the beating Clonkill, B final was a victory for Cullion/ remaining teams in each group entered C competition. Castlepollard against St Munnas/Delvin with Longford Raharney won the A competition defeating Clonkill in the winning the C final against Brownstown. final, Cullion/Castlepollard won the B competition defeating Lough Lene Gaels in the final and the C competition saw Minor Camogie Championship 2018: This year we Delvin beating Crookedwood in the final. Well done to all played a 15-a-side competition and clubs who were thirteen teams who took part in this competition. unable to field on their own were amalgamated. The final of this competition was played on Friday 23rd November Under 14 Féile na nGael Competition 2018: Westmeath and ended up all square on the fulltime whistle. The replay were invited to be part of a group of counties hosting the of this final is fixed for this Friday night at 8pm. We wish John West Féile na nGael which was held 8th – 10th both teams the very best of luck in the replay. June 2018. Nine Westmeath clubs hosted teams for Féile. Raharney played in Division 2, Clonkill and Castletown Senior League 2018: Clubs were graded and divided into Geoghegan in Division 4, St Munnas/Delvin and St Division 1 and 2 for the league. Eight teams participated Oliver Plunketts in Division 5, Cullion/Castlepollard and in Division 1 and 6 teams in Division 2. Lough Lene Gaels Crookedwood in Division 6 with Brownstown, Drumraney, defeated Castletown Geoghegan in the Division 1 final Longford and Wolfetones competing in Division 7. while Clonkill were victorious over Delvin in the Division Raharney were victorious in the Division 2 Shield while 2 final. Longford captured the Division 7 Cup. Well done to all teams for representing our county so well on this national Junior Championship 2018: Six teams participated stage. The weekend was an opportunity for us to show our in this competition. Delvin defeated St Brigids in the county at its best and the teamwork and community spirit final played as a double header with our senior final in shown in clubs all across our county was second to none. Kinnegad on 22nd September. Well done to Sarah King (Delvin) who was named player of the Match. Delvin then As part of the preparation for Féile weekend, we had the progressed to play in the Leinster Junior B Competition. pleasure of welcoming our Uachtaran Kathleen Woods to Cusack Park on 9th May. As an executive, we thank both Senior Championship 2018: We had seven clubs the clubs who brought girls in for this visit and the people competing in our senior championship with the final being who came in to help out on the day. Kathleen Woods played in Kinnegad on Saturday, 22nd September in a was very impressed with the welcome she received from double header with the Junior final. After a very exciting everybody in Westmeath Camogie. game Raharney defeated Clonkill and were crowned Senior County Champions for 2018. Congratulations to Apart from our players we also had a number of referees in Raharney and well done to Amelia Shaw (Raharney) action over the weekend with John Dermody (Lough Lene who won player of the match on the day. Raharney then Gaels), Barry Nea (Clonkill), Jimmy Greville (Raharney) progressed to play in the Leinster Junior Competition. and Kevin Reihill (St Munnas) all officiating on the Sunday at All-Ireland Féile Finals. Leinster Club Junior Camogie Championship 2018: As county champions Raharney represented Westmeath Under 14 Féile Skills 2018: Nicole Mullen (Raharney) in the Leinster Club Junior Championship. They defeated won the Under 14 skills competition and travelled to Naomh Bríd (Carlow) in the first round which set up a final

Page 50 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION pairing with Kilmessan (Meath). Unfortunately luck was not Referees: I take this opportunity to thank all referees who on their side and they lost out once again by the narrowest have officiated at our games throughout the year. As we of margins. Well done to Raharney on representing all know the games cannot proceed without the referee. I Westmeath so well in this provincial competition. also take this opportunity to thank and congratulate our inter county referees John Dermody (Lough Lene Gaels) This year saw the introduction of a Leinster Junior B and Barry Nea (Clonkill). Both referees represented competition and our Junior Champions Delvin were their Clubs and County with outstanding success and eligible to take part here. They overcame St Kevin’s of officiated at numerous games throughout the season. Louth in the semi-final to set up a Final pairing with Congratulations to John Dermody who refereed his Ratoath (Meath) unfortunately Ratoath proved to be too second All-Ireland Final this year taking charge of the strong for the Delvin side on the day. Well done to Delvin Intermediate All-Ireland Final between Cork and Down. on representing Westmeath so well in this provincial competition. Volunteer of The Year: Olive Weir (Raharney) was our worthy winner of our Volunteer of The Year Award. We Poc Fada Competition 2018: Our Poc Fada competition congratulate Olive on this award which is deserving was run off at both senior and Under 16 level. Our Under recognition of all her hard work for The Camogie 16 competition had competitors from Brownstown, Association both at club and county level over a number Raharney, Lough Lene Gaels, St Oliver Plunketts, St of years. Brigids and St Munnas with the title going to Ellen Shaw (Raharney). Louise O’Connor (Brownstown) saw off Westmeath Sports Awards: Westmeath Camogie were challenges from competitors from Castletown Geoghegan honored to be awarded the September 2017 Sports Star and Clonkill to claim the senior title. Both girls went on to of the Month award in recognition of their All-Ireland represent Westmeath in Leinster. Well done to Louise who Premier Junior title win. This was enhanced at the Awards finished second in the Leinster competition. Ceremony on 23rd February 2018 in The Mullingar Park Hotel where the team was presented with the Overall Soaring Star: The year finished on a high with two of our Westmeath Examiner Sports Star of the Year 2017 Award. Intermediate players being nominated for Soaring Star We take this opportunity to thank all of our local medial for Awards at the Camogie All Stars Event in City West on 3th their ongoing support and promotion of our game both at November. Pamela Greville (Raharney) and Aoife Higgins club and county level. (Lough Lene Gaels) were both nominated for awards. Unfortunately, neither girl picked up an award on the night Development Courses: During the year we ran a number but we take this opportunity to congratulate both girls on of courses which were well attended. Thank you to Sabrina receiving nominations and being recognised amongst the Larkin, Lizzie Flynn and our Westmeath Development best players in Ireland for the 2018 season. Both girls are Officer Laura Heffernan who organised same. fantastic ambassadors for their clubs and county. February – Whistle for Feile Referee Course April – Foundation Coaching Course Littlewoods Player of the League: Sheila McGrath (St April – Player Retention Workshop Munnas) was awarded the Littlewoods Division 2 Player of the League at a ceremony in City West on 4th May. Easter Camp: We ran our inaugural Westmeath Camogie This was a fitting and well-deserved award for Sheila who Easter Camp from Tuesday 2nd to Thursday, 5th April. shone in all of our matches this year. This proved to be a very successful camp and we thank Clonkill for the use of their facilities both indoor and WGPA Player of the Month: Mairead McCormack outdoor. The success of this camp was due in no small (Castletown Geoghegan) was awarded the WGPA way to the dedicated coaches who gave up their time to Player of the Month for May for her fantastic displays work with the girls. The girls had a lot of fun and learned in the Westmeath Jersey. Mairead proved herself to be valuable skills over the three days which will stand to them a true leader this year as captain of our Intermediate as they progress through the ranks of our clubs. We had team. over 70 girls attend the camp and we are sure that this success will continue into 2019. Interprovincial Competition: Westmeath Camogie were represented in this year’s interprovincial competition by New Clubs: 2018 saw the re-registration of Ringtown our Intermediate players Fiona Keating (Cullion), Denise Camogie Club and introduction of Wolfetones Camogie McGrath (Delvin), Hannah Core (Raharney), Amy Cully Club Longford to our underage competitions. We extend (St Brigids), Laura Doherty (Raharney), Aoife Higgins a very warm welcome to both clubs and hope that you (Lough Lene Gaels), Sandra McGrath (St Munnas) and continue to grow and prosper over the coming seasons. Caoimhe McCrossan (Lough Lene Gaels). Frank Mullen (St Oliver Plunketts) was part of the management team Condolences: Deepest sympathies are extended to on the day. The Leinster team did very well, progressing to members of all our clubs and our association who have the Cup Final where they were defeated by a very strong been bereaved since our 2017 Convention. Ar dheis Dé go Connaught side. raibh a h-anam dílis.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 51 Thank you: Many thanks to everybody who was in any To all who helped out with gates and fundraisers etc way involved with Westmeath Camogie in 2018. during the year we say a big thank you.

To our trainers, our THDC (Transfer Hearings and Finally, we wish all clubs and county teams continued Disciplinary Committee) and our County Executive for success in 2019. your hard work and dedication during the year.

To all club secretaries, executives and delegates thank you for your help and co-operation during the year. Is Mise le Meas, To clubs who provided us with grounds to train and hold Noeleen Ni Charthaigh, games a sincere thank you. Runai, Co na hIarmhi.

WEXFORD

Well it’s the end of my second year as County Secretary continue to play for Wexford and of Camogie Loch Garman and I have to say it was easier achieve their goals in the coming and most enjoyable. I really enjoyed my second term and season. met so many people. It really is a brilliant job. I would like to thank my fellow Executive for all their help during the year. Well done to our Minor team who It was much appreciated. I would like to thank you the clubs played extremely well in the Championship and League. for your support during the year also much appreciated. I Well done on winning the Leinster Final which was a great would like to say a special thank you to George Murphy achievement. Ferns, Noel Ryan and Bartley O’Regan Bunclody, Johnny Dempsey and David Hughes Buffers Alley, Ger Doran Well done to everyone involved with our Under 16 teams. Craanford, Ann Fenlon Monagear/Boolavogue, Lar Leacy We started the year with two teams A and B. Our A team Blackwater, Eamonn Mernagh Oylegate/Glenbrien, Paul reached the Leinster Shield Final and won. This gave our Kidd Camolin, John Murphy Geraldine O’Hanrahans, County great joy and hope for the future of Camogie in Bartle Redmond Oulart/The Ballagh and Maureen Doyle Wexford. Davidstown/Courtnacuddy for all their help in getting me pitches at very short notice. Also to Margaret Doyle in Well done to everyone involved with our Under 15s who Wexford GAA Office for her help during the year and my represented our County in Under 15 Blitz Division 2 weekly phone calls every Monday morning. Shield. Wexford were runners up in this and well done to all. It’s giving Wexford camogie hope for the future with This was a big year in Wexford Camogie in that it was the these young players. 50th Anniversary of the First All-Ireland win for Wexford 1968 to 2018. We commemorated this great anniversary Well done also to everyone involved with our Under 14s. with the team but sadly a few of the team had passed on We started out with two panels A and B and both panels but were with us in spirit. The team was honoured by the did Wexford camogie proud. The Under 14 B panel won GAA in Wexford Park on Sunday 21st October 2018 and the Carlow Blitz. The A and B panels went on to reach following the Final the Camogie County Board honoured the All-Ireland Blitz in Abbottstown on Saturday the 8th the 1968 team with a meal in Whitford House Hotel and a September 2018. Unfortunately our B panel didn’t win commemorative presentation. A great night was had by but never the less did their County proud. Our A panel all and it was an honour to meet the team and especially were successful and brought the All-Ireland cup home the County Secretary for that year. to Wexford. This was a great day for Wexford camogie and gives our County lots of hope for the future. It was We would have liked to have reached the All-Ireland a privilege to be in Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day to (Championship) at Senior level but unfortunately it wasn’t see the Wexford Under 14 team lead the parade. our year. I know we have great players in our County and I believe they will reach their potential in the next couple On Saturday 10th February 2018 Oulart/The Ballagh and of years if not this coming season. We have a very young Wexford camogie player Margaret Leacy was honoured in Senior team and I know we will win with these players. Croke Park with the President’s Award. It was an honour to Our girls did us proud but it wasn’t our year and here’s to be present and watch Margaret receive this accolade. 2019 camogie season. On the 17th February it was an honour to be back in Our Intermediate team did us proud in the League but Croke Park to see Margaret Leacy Oulart/The Ballagh unfortunately we couldn’t field an Intermediate team for receive her Volunteer of the Year award. Equally it was a the Championship. We hope next year those girls will honour to see our young Camogie4Teens group receive

Page 52 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION a special Media Award for all their hard work reporting Under 16’s. Well done to all and thank you to Geraldine camogie events happening across Wexford. Thanks O’Hanrahans for hosting the competition. to our Development Officer Joe Roche who helped these girls achieve this award and their parents for their Under 10 Finals were held in Buffers Alley on the 15th encouragement. September 2018 and a large number of teams took part. Thanks to Buffers Alley who gave us the use of their On 22nd April 2018 we held our Féile competition at grounds for the finals. Thanks to Mary O’Reilly, Niamh different venues resulting in Kilrush representing Wexford and Philip Kehoe who helped on the day. Thanks to all in the All-Ireland Féile and bringing home the cup. This the young referees. was a great achievement for the club and for Wexford Camogie. This year there was a Roinn 1 competition Under 12 Finals were held in Piercestown GAA grounds in Féile and Oylegate/Glenbrien represented Wexford on the 23rd September 2018. A large number of teams and did us and their club proud. Also Wexford was very took part and a great day was had by all even though lucky to have three clubs represent us at Féile with the it was raining. Thanks to St Martins GAA Club who third club being Ballinstragh Gaels getting an invitation kindly gave us the use of their grounds in order for us to to Féile. They were joint winners and did their club and host the finals. Thanks to Mary O’Reilly, Niamh Kehoe, county proud. This was great for the clubs involved and parking attendants and stewards for their generous time for their families and Wexford Camogie. and help. Thanks to all the referees.

On the 17th May 2018 we held the Féile skills competition Finally our Under 8s had three Blitz days. Thanks to the in the Centre of Excellence, Ferns. The winner of this host clubs St Annes Rathangan, Naomh Eanna Gorey competition was Ciara Butler Glynn/Barntown, second and Buffers Alley. A great day was had by our young place was Aoibhinn Mernagh St Martins and third place camogie players who turned out in large numbers. Thanks was Abbie Walsh Kilrush. Thanks to Jacinta Roche, to the parents for encouraging these young players. Larry Dunne and Aidan O’Brien for helping in organising and running the competition. Sponsorship is very important to any organisation and we have our sponsor Treacy’s Hotel Group again this On the 16th June the Leinster skills was held and we had year. Without sponsorship it would be difficult to run all Aoibhinn Mernagh and Abbie Walsh represent Wexford. our teams but especially the Senior, Intermediate and Unfortunately our players weren’t successful but they did Minor Teams. If there was an All-Ireland for sponsors well their clubs and county proud. our sponsors would win hands down.

On the 30th June Wexford hosted the Wexford Under 15 We ran a couple of fund raisers to help fund our expenses Blitz in Buffers Alley GAA grounds. Counties represented for the year. We ran our annual club draw and the annual were Dublin, Kilkenny, Meath, Clare, Meath and the host golf classic in St Helens Bay Golf Club. County. Well done to Dublin winning the shield and to Meath runners up. Well done also to Kilkenny winning Congratulations to our County Final winners St Martins the Joe O’Brien Cup and to runners up Clare. Thanks who won for the second year and who will go on to meet to the referees on the day Martin Kenny, Catherine Thomastown, Kilkenny on Sunday 18th November 2018 Boggan and Aiden O’Brien. Thanks to Buffers Alley for in the Leinster Club Final. Congratulations to Kilrush the generous use of their grounds. An enjoyable day was on winning the Senior Final and congratulations to had by all. Monagear/Boolavogue on winning the Junior A final. Well done to the runner up teams of Oulart/The Ballagh, On 21st July Wexford hosted the Under 14 Wexford Blitz Bunclody and Clongeen. Congratulations to Junior B in Ferns St Aidans GAA grounds and in Marshalstown/ winners St Annes and Junior C winners Fethard. Well Castledockerell GAA grounds. Counties represented done to runners up Kilrush and Taghmon/Camross. were Carlow, Cork, Meath, Waterford, Offaly, Laois, Congratulations to Buffers Alley on winning the Dublin, Kilkenny, Wicklow and host county. A great Intermediate final and runners up Cloughbawn. day was had by all who attended. Thanks to our Development Officer Joe Roche for organising this. Congratulations to Under 14 and Under 16 winners and Thanks also to the two clubs who gave their grounds to well done to all runner ups. run the competition. Also thanks to the helpers on the Deepest sympathy for those who lost loved ones through day without your help we wouldn’t be able to run this bereavement during the year. competition.

Once again I would like to thank everyone for their help Geraldine O’Hanrahans hosted the Wexford Póc Fáda and encouragement during the year. I wish you all a competition. The winner of the Senior was Jemma peaceful and joyous Christmas and New Year for 2019. Doyle Oylegate/Glenbrien. Under 16 winner was Molly Crowdle Geraldine O’Hanrahans. The winners went on to represent Wexford in the Leinster Póc Fáda. Mise le Meas, Unfortunately Molly wasn’t able to attend and runner up Caitlin Mac Eochaidh, Grace Roche Glynn/Barntown represented Wexford in Runaí.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 53 WICKLOW

Another year in the life of Wicklow Camogie has passed summer camps in Ballinakill and it has been a year which seen Camogie grow from and Hollywood proved a huge strength to strength within the county. We now have 15 success. Wicklow was represented clubs actively engaged in the game. 2018 saw a high at the Under 14 All-Ireland Skill- standard of camogie played throughout the county, with star competition and Poc Fada some teams more evenly matched than others. in the Leinster competition. Knockananna represented Wicklow In 2018 our county finals were held in GAA Grounds in in the Leinster Club Championship. Clubs throughout the Baltinglass and we used the event as a showcase for county performed well at underage level with Go-Games Wicklow Camogie. The winners of the championship and blitzes at Under 8, 10 and 12 levels being well attended. league finals are listed at the end of this report. Leinster Also congratulations to the Wicklow players picked to play Camogie Secretary Linda Kenny attended on the day. for Leinster in the Under 17 competition. I want to extend a huge thank-you to the staff of the Baltinglass grounds. As the year draws to a close I would like to point out that some clubs are not attending the County Boards meetings Throughout 2018 we fielded inter-county teams at Minor throughout the year. Participation in and involvement with and Under 16 levels and we also fielded Under 14 and the County Board and Executive is vital for the smooth Under 15 Development Squads. Our Minor and Under 16 and efficient running of camogie in the county and I would team were winners in the All-Ireland Championship finals ask that all clubs within the county ensure that they are at their age group while our Under 14s and Under 15s represented at these meetings. 2019 looks set to be a very performed very well in the blitzes and managed to bring promising year for Wicklow Camogie. home some silverware. Our Junior team was entered to take part in National League but the team did not take I wish to thank the Wicklow County GAA Board and the part due to lack of numbers at senior level and our minor staff at Ballinakill Centre of Excellence who have been girls committed to their panel. The decision to withdraw so helpful during the year. I also wish to thank all of the the team was not taken lightly. We must send our sincere Fixtures and THDC Committees. On a personal note thanks to Brendan Phelan and his management team for I wish to thank the outgoing Executive and Camogie their efforts to encourage players to come on board the Association staff for their help and advice during the panel. It must be recognised that at all times their efforts year. To my own club Donard/Glen, in particular those were to promote and improve Wicklow Camogie. The who were always so willing to help with our needs. I County Board are deeply indebted to the Development wish the incoming Executive, County Board, and all of Officer, her management team and the trainers of these the camogie clubs throughout Wicklow every success teams who give their time and expertise so willingly. in 2019.

During the year Kiltegan, Aughrim and Knockananna Mary O’Neill represented Wicklow in Féile na nGael. The underage Secretary, Wicklow Camogie County Board, 2018

WICKLOW CAMOGIE ROLL OF HONOUR 2018 Championship Winner Runner-Up Senior Knockananna Donard/Glen Intermediate Avondale Kiltegan Junior Annacurra Aughrim (after Replay) Under 16 A Donard/Glen Kiltegan Under 16 B Bray Emmets Avondale Shield Aughrim/Annacurra Knockananna Under 14 A Aughrim/Annacurra Knockananna Under 14 B Carnew Glenealy League Winner Runner-Up Senior Knockananna Donard/Glen Intermediate Avondale Kiltegan Junior Annacurra Kilcoole Under 16 Donard/Glen Avondale Under 14 Aughrim/Annacurra Kiltegan

Page 54 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Dublin captain Emer Keenan lifts the Kay Mills Cup after the 2018 Liberty Insurance All-ireland Premier Junior Camogie Final victory over Kerry at Croke Park on 9th September. Photo Credit: iLivephotos.com

Tracy McNally, 2018 Leinster Senior Westmeath, Leinster Intermediate Champions 2018 Poc Fada Champion.

Under 16 competitors at the 2018 Poc Fada on the Sugar Loaf Mountains

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 55 Johnstownbridge, AIB All-Ireland Intermediate Club Champions.

Kilmessan, AIB All-Ireland Junior Club Champions.

Rathoath, AIB All-Ireland Special Junior Club Champions.

St. Martin’s, AIB Leinster Senior Club Champions.

St. Rynagh’s, AIB Leinster Intermediate Club Champions.

Page 56 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION PARTICIPATION AND GROWTH COORDINATOR REPORT 2018

I would like to sincerely thank all those within the clubs, counties and province, including the Leinster Executive for their help in the successful running of various projects over the year. There has been huge growth in the province over the past year between new clubs, emerging schools and additional inter-county age grades.The growth in numbers of our qualified coaches is also something that can only be a positive thing in giving our players knowledgeable and informed coaches in each of the clubs around the province. Special thanks and well done to all the county development officers and secretaries for their support and help in implementing and promoting development in their counties. I look forward to 2019 and wish you all a sporting year. Sabrina Larkin

COACH EDUCATION In 2018, there has been 22 Foundation Level courses ran, excluding those held in Kildare and Meath (see Kildare and Meath report). This resulted in 396 qualified foundation courses. There was four Level 1 courses delivered across the province and the breakdown of the courses is as below:

Dublin 1 Foundation 2 Level 1 Wexford 2 Foundation Offaly 4 Foundation Kilkenny 4 Foundation 1 Level 1 Laois 3 Foundation Westmeath 2 Foundation Carlow 3 Foundation 1 Level 1 (Joint) Wicklow 2 Foundation 1 Level 1 (Joint) Louth 1 Foundation Longford Invited to Westmeath Coach Ed

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 57 SCHEDULED COACHING COURSES (EARLY 2019) The following courses have been booked in for the early part of 2019.

Carlow Foundation 19th January 2018 Carlow/Wicklow Level 1 25th/26th January & 2nd Feb Wexford Level 1 25th/26th January & 2nd Feb Westmeath Half Foundation 2nd February

LEVEL 2

Our Level 2 Coaching Course is open for interested participants. It is due to take place in early 2019 with Leinster venues to be confirmed by the Coach Education and Development Coordinator.

* Course costs €120 per coach * Coaches must have Level 1 course completed. * Limited to 16 available places * Must be garda vetted/safeguarding complete

We would encourage counties to nominate potential coaches for this with the view to having them involved in a coaching capacity within the county structures.

You can forward interested names to [email protected]

REFEREE EDUCATION

There was six First Whistle courses completed in 2018 with one foundation and two assimilation course also held throughout the year on county request.

Course Date County First Whistle 15th Jan St.Leos Carlow (TY) 3rd Feb Laois 2nd April Kilkenny 6th April Wexford 17th May Laois 23rd May Carlow Whistle4Feile 24th March Westmeath Assimilation Course 12th March Offaly Refresher and Conversion Course 16th November Carlow

Page 58 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION LEINSTER DEVELOPMENT GROUP National Development Officer Forum on Saturday 9th February in National Sport Campus, Abbottstown to help On 26th February 2018, a Leinster Development Officers and support all development officers in their role. meeting took place in Aras Laighean, Portlaoise. This included a presentation to the county development officers on their role within their county, the pillars of development WORKSHOPS and what to include and address in their role. Each officer received a Development Officer Support Booklet with all A number of workshops were ran across the province the info needed on coach ed, ref ed, school development, in 2018, some organised and ran by the county club school links, contacts, etc. It also held discussion boards themselves and others with help from myself in around the obstacles they face and advice on how to implementing. better strengthen their underage development squad set up. Angela Gahan, Linda Kenny, Niall Williams, Brendan As a national initiative we introduced the new Spring Kenny and Sabrina Larkin were present from Leinster Series workshop programme as detailed below. On top Council and National Staff respectively. Another meeting of this we also had Communication and Building Rapport with development officers was due to be held in November and Goalkeeping workshops that some counties applied 2018 but was postponed as in the intervening period, the for and succeeded in rolling out. Some counties have national development staff had adopted the Development also worked with us and arranged some of their own Officer Support Booklet and have decided to host a workshops also, outside of those offered from national.

OFFALY High Intensity Ball Wall Workshop with With county Under 16 members and 12th March 2018 Peter Casey in Faithful Fields, Kilcormac eight club coaches on the night

WEXFORD Striking for Scores Workshop with Targeting 15-17yrs old coaches 9th April Kate Kelly in St.Ibars and players

WESTMEATH Communication and Building Rapport Part of Player Retention Initiative 23rd April

WICKLOW Communication and Building Rapport Part of Player Retention Initiative Monday 12th March

OFFALY Fitness with the Sliotar Workshop With county Under 14 members 24th April 2018

OFFALY Goalkeeping Workshop Open to all 19th May with David Herity

DUBLIN Goalkeeping Workshop Open to all 26th May with David Herity

WESTMEATH U8 Workshop with Peter Casey 22 attendees with Under 8 and 26th November Under 9 players being coached

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 59 SPRING SERIES Three different age groups are met in the Spring Series (6-8 years Caman Have Fun, 9-12 years Caman and 15- Spring Series is a new coaching initiative for club coaches 17 years with Caman and Play). These were offered out in the country. These workshops are specific to a certain to all counties on specific dates. We had tutors available age group and aimed to target the coaches of this group to deliver and counties had a choice of if they wanted to of players with appropriate coaching techniques for their complete 1, 2, or none of the workshops according to level of ability e.g fundamentals, progressive games, team what they felt they needed within their own county. Below play etc. is the delivery of these within Leinster.

Status Date County Venue Tutor Workshop Type Completed 11-Apr-18 Carlow St Mullins Niall Williams Caman and have fun 6-8 years Completed 16-Apr-18 Offaly Faithful Fields Colm Crowley Caman and Explore (9-12 year old) Completed 25-Apr-18 Wicklow St Kevins Community John O’Loughlin Caman and Explore 9-12 years College, Dunlavin Completed 30-Apr-18 Westmeath Clonkill Molly Dunne Caman and have Fun 6-8 year old Completed 04-May-18 Louth Mattock Rangers, Paul O’Brien Caman and Explore (9-12 year old) Co Louth Completed 09-May-18 Wexford Bunclody GAA Tomas Bourke Caman and have fun 6-8 years Completed 16-May-18 Carlow Presentation De la Mark Cooney Caman and Play (15-17 year old) Salle Completed 23-May-18 Offaly Drumcullen Stephen Behan Caman and have fun 6-8 years Completed 23-May-18 Wexford Glynn Barntown Brendan Phelan Caman and Play (15-17 year old) Completed 30-May-18 Kilkenny Young Irelands Mark Cooney Caman and Explore (9-12 year old) Completed 14-Jun-18 Meath T.B.C. Stephen Behan Caman and Explore (9-12 year old) Completed 20-Jun-18 Kildare T.B.C. Paudie O’Neill Caman and have fun (6-8 years) Completed 16-May-18 Carlow Presentation De la Mark Cooney Caman and Play (15-17 year old) Salle Cx 09-Apr-18 Louth Cx 12-Apr-18 Dublin Untaken 18-Apr-18 Kilkenny Cx 18-Apr-18 Laois Untaken 23-Apr-18 Meath Cx 03-May-18 Laois Cx 13-Jun-18 Laois

Pat Martin, Leinster Camogie Chairman, speaking at the presentation to the Dublin team who won the 2018 Leinster Minor A Shield Final against Offaly at St Rynagh’s GAA, Banagher, Offaly on 29th July. Photo: iLivephotos.com

Page 60 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION OFFICER TRAINING

These were advertised on Leinster social media, national development news and an email to each county secretary to pass onto club/county officers. These workshops ran from January – April and across all four Workshop we had approximately 90 attendees in total. We would encourage officers of club and county to attend these Provincial workshops for assistance on what their role entails. If a county would like to hold their own in these or in Children’s Officer, Safeguarding 1 etc then this can be arranged in advance.

Training Date Held Venue No. of Attendees Counties Represented Childrens Officer 30th January Woodford 20 attendees Six Counties (Dublin, Wexford, Training Dolmen Hotel Laois, Carlow, Kildare) General Officer Woodford 18 attendees Four Counties (Kildare, Meath, Training Dolmen Hotel Wexford, Kilkenny, Offaly) THDC Training 6th March Leinster GAA 22 attendees Four Counties (Offaly, Dublin, Offices, Portlaoise Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny)

PRO, Registrar and 26th March Leinster GAA 25 attendees Five Counties (Meath, Laois, Treasurer Training Offices, Portlaoise Kilkenny, Kildare, Offaly) GDPR Training 26th April Croke Park 20 attendees Five Counties (Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Wexford, Louth)

Action from the All-Ireland Under 14 Camogie Blitz Final between Wexford and Dublin at Abbotstown on 8th September.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 61 LEINSTER JUNIOR NOVICE SCHOOL It is encouraging to see that from those who participated DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE in the in-county blitzes last Sept-Nov, in Wexford and Kilkenny especially, and then into the Novice Regional A new initiative was set up in 2018 to target the secondary and Finals, that camogie is growing in these schools as a schools in the province who don’t currently participate in result of opportunity to play games, something to train for camogie on an on-going basis at Leinster Post Primary and hardworking teachers also. level but who are looking to increase participation in their school and seeking “a place to play”. There is just 30% of Also, there have been a number of new/developing the 155 schools currently competing so this initiative was schools in Westmeath, Wicklow and Louth especially, now aiming to, in the long term, improve and encourage teams enquiring about how they can go about setting up a blitz/ through appropriate games opportunities, to progress league format and with assistance from myself this can be onto competition following development in this novice easily achieved. development approach. It is hoped to run a similar format this coming year of: A personalised invite letter and email was sent to 112 — March/April – Regional Days schools in the province inviting them to participate in a Junior Novice Development competition. We had 26 — April – Development Finals teams compete over the regional days, all receiving a — September/October/December – In-County Blitz Days minimum of 3-4 additional matches. 14 teams progressed and Developing Leagues (eg. Louth) to the finals day on May 16th in Rathleague, Portlaoise and played out four divisions, again with 3-4 additional games. Here all schools played at their appropriate level SCHOOL BLITZES AND LEAGUES with competitive games in each and the four division winners were rewarded with a Camogie Support Pack In October and November the Secondary school camogie which included: kicked off once again with a number of counties running their own camogie blitz days. In Wexford, there was three — A dozen sliotars (kindly 1/2 sponsored by Cúl Sliotars) 1st year Blitz days held, one per month in September, October and November with numbers increasing month — O’Neills Voucher for a set of new school camogie on month. Three additional blitzes are planned for the jerseys (kindly put forward by Leinster Council) early month of 2019 also. In Carlow, schools were invited — Medals and Trophies. to take part in the Kildare/Carlow Junior Novice league where St.Leos competed against schools from Kildare The runners up of each received a dozen sliotars per in an initiative ran by Brendan Kenny (Kildare/Meath school and runner up medals also. Participation and Growth Officer). Following blitzes in Kilkenny and Carlow in November 2017, a number of Many thanks to the GAA Centres of Excellence in schools in Kilkenny and Carlow took the initiative and Dunganney, Hawkfield and Ferns for their facilities in the set up a league amongst themselves for contact made at previous blitzes. This was organised by a teacher from regional days on 2rd and 3rd May and Portlaoise for the Duiske College and it would be great to see these schools finals. continue to competition in 2019. From this, already we have seen positive repercussions in a handful of schools already looking to enter in the Minor In Wicklow, the Post Primary Board ran a senior and junior Leinster Post Primary competition structure as camogie is championship for camogie along with a 1st year 9-a-side building within in their schools. blitz on 17th October with six school teams participating.

Page 62 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION This will be followed up in 2019 with additional games opportunities for 1st-3rd years provided by agreed collaboration of work with Wicklow Post Primary, Wicklow Camogie and I.

In Louth, a secondary school league was set up in 2018 following successful blitz series in 2017 and on request for a consistent games schedule. Seven Louth schools and one Monaghan school took part over a six week league with away and home games providing for almost 130 girls, resulting in a successful and enjoyable semi-final and final day in St. Fechins GAA on November 13th with all Sacred Heart, a new school to camogie winning the Shield and St.Vincents winning the Cup. This is encouraging to see this area growing in the county. On Wednesday 14th reach out to the adult player who may not have club November a final cross border 1st year blitz took place activity in place due to inter-county fixtures mid-summer. in Banagher GAA for the schools from Laois, Offaly, We had nine teams from six counties represented on the Westmeath and Longford. Here 180 girls took part with day, seeing 90 players in action. Mount Leinster Rangers 15 teams in action and an enjoyable day for all with TY and Camross were the strongest of the teams on the referees on hand to help out. team. Many thanks must go to the clubs for attending and Portlaoise GAA for the pitch use.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB CAMPS An after-school club format commenced and rolled out in Offaly, with great success both North and South of the Camogie Camps were run in many counties over both county. Here we incorporated the secondary school TY the Easter and Summer 2018. This included Westmeath, students with the local clubs within the county and the Laois, Wicklow, Dublin and Offaly. county board to facilitate a fun based, skill development after school club supported by a local invested coach. This A Teenage Performance Camp was organised and ran in not only broke down the club vs club barriers but gave Offaly over three days on 23rd-25th July in The Faithful children additional time playing the game and working Fields. This involved a series of aspects of performance on skills whilst being coached by younger TY coaches to being included such as nutrition, psychology, coaches’ whom they looked up to. The TY’s and schools benefitted expectations, introduction to Strength and Conditioning, through their TY programme, coaching qualification Injury Prevention and Practical Coaching. Targeting the attained and GAISCE rewards. 13-17 years age group, this camp proved to be hugely beneficial to those who attended. Sharon Courtney (Monaghan Ladies Football Player and Sport Nutritionist) LEINSTER U16 AND U21 SUMMER SEVENS was on hand to depart advice on how best to fuel the teenage body and keep up with the demands of training. July 15th saw the U16 Club Summer Sevens return, with Jessie Barr (Olympian and Sport Psychologist) gave the 12 clubs from eight counties attend for a day of games. This group tips and insight into dealing with nerves, managers, saw over 170 girls take part with John Lockes (Kilkenny), pressure to perform, confidence and being part of a team, Tullamore (Offaly) and Rower Inistioge (Kilkenny) winning while Kilkenny hurler Richie Power showed the girls what each of the three division. a manager looked for in a quality player.

August 12th saw the first roll out of a new Under 21 Club The last day of the camp saw Paddy Quinlan (S&C Summer Sevens, something that was requested following coach Tipp Camogie) show the girls the basics of gym the Minor age grade the previous year. This looked to use, proper and safe introduction to being strong and

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 63 injury free, whilst the afternoon was basked in sunshine Burren Rangers Carlow being coached by Offaly greats such as Elaine Aughrim Wicklow Dermody, Aoife Kelly, Karen Brady, Tina Hannon and Boardsmill Meath Shield Sullivan. Muirenadea-Comhairle Dublin Carlow Intermediates and Laois Intermediate took the Harps Laois initiative in running an Easter and Summer camp in their Athy Kildare counties respectively, while Wicklow organised camps for both the younger player and a teenage camp also. It is Clann na nGael Meath encouraging to see the adult players getting involved in Naomh Peregrines Dublin the development work taking place and gives our young Ballinkillen Carlow players the opportunity to be coached by the players Cappagh Kildare they look up to. Well done to all counties on their work in organising their camps. St. Kevin’s, Dublin Dublin Danesfort Kilkenny CAMAN TO LEINSTER Kilcoole Wicklow O’Loughlin Gaels Kilkenny Caman to Leinster took place on Saturday 19th May Donard Glen Wicklow in Abbottstown, National GAA Games Development Centre, Sport HQ. 42 club teams participated on the day, Navan O’Mahonys Meath with 10 Leinster counties represented, where the Louth Naomh Bríd (Blanchardstown/Castleknock) Dublin team who registered to attend couldn’t with unforeseen St Martin’s Wexford circumstance. With the sun shining, players got the play in the fantastic facility with a coaching station set up at the Kilrush Wexford wall ball and Cúl Sliotars on hand with a great supply of Trim Meath sliotars/hurls etc. A jam packed day of games took place Naomh Olaf Dublin with max participation by all. Below is the clubs which Duffry Rovers Wexford attended for 2018. Carnew Emmets Wicklow Ratoath Meath CAMAN TO LEINSTER – LEINSTER CLUBS 2018 St Anne’s Dublin Club County Setanta Ceatharlach Carlow Paulstown Goresbridge Kilkenny Kilmacow Kilkenny Sallins Kildare Horeswood Wexford Faughs Celtic Dublin St Finians Swords Dublin St. Laurence’s Kildare Craanford Monaseed Wexford Clane Kildare Banrion Gaels Laois St Lazerian’s, Abbeyleix Laois Naas Kildare St Judes Dublin Naomh Mearnog Dublin St. Cillian’s Offaly St. Mullins Carlow Celbridge Kildare John Lockes Kilkenny Commericals Dublin Ballynastragh Gaels Wexford St Munnas Westmeath St Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh Dublin

Page 64 2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION CAMAN TO CROKER HURL WITH ME

Caman to Croker took place on Sunday 8th April in The National Hurl with Me Day took place on Sunday 1st Croke Park. This event saw 64 club Under 12 teams July in Abbottstown, Dublin following four weeks of the grace the hallowed turf in the stadium after a tour of the programme running in the previous four weeks throughout underground tunnel area and dressing rooms. Of the 64 the country. The following are the Leinster clubs who were clubs who attended, 19 clubs came from Leinster, with 11 selected and took part in 2018. of the counties having a team present. This year’s Caman event ran in early April, meaning our Provincial Caman to HURL WITH ME – LEINSTER CLUBS 2018 Leinster event had to be ran after the Croker event. The teams who took part in Caman to Croker were selected Club County by draw from the remaining teams who took part in the Scoil Ui Chonaill Dublin provincial series last year and other camogie initiatives of O’Dwyers Dublin last year who did not attend the Croker event in 2017. See Naomh Maur Dublin below for list of clubs who were selected. Kilcullen Kildare St. Fechin’s Louth O’Moore’s Laois CAMAN TO CROKER - LEINSTER CLUBS 2018 Lusmagh Offaly Club County Gusserane Wexford Longford Slashers Longford Ballinacor Wicklow Kilrush Wexford Ringtown Westmeath St Martins Kilkenny Thomastown Kilkenny Lough Lene Gaels Westmeath In Kilkenny and Wexford, where there has been new clubs Tullamore Offaly formed recently, an internal Hurl with Me took place in Éire Óg Wicklow August/September. Camross Laois Kilcock Kildare — In Kilkenny, Windgap, Kilmacow, Erins Own and Donaghmore/Ashbourne Meath Paulstown took part, with local coaches leading Kiltale Meath each of the sessions. This programme concluded on Mount Leinster Rangers Carlow Saturday 29th September with a Hurl with Me Fun Day Na Fianna Dublin in Paulstown with fantastic entertainment in the parent O’Tooles Dublin and child games respectively. St Annes Dublin — In Wexford, the newest club, St. Patricks were eager Thomas Davis Dublin to get going and were joined by St. Annes and Duffry Clontarf Dublin Rovers in their programme, again delivered by a local Kilmacud Crokes Dublin coach. It was encouraging to see that the newer/ Skerries Dublin growing clubs were enthusiastic to get involved in the Naomh Mearnóg Dublin local programme.

2018 LEINSTER CAMOGIE CONVENTION Page 65 HURL SMART WEEK NEW CLUBS

This initiative also took place nationally over the Summer A number of new clubs have begun to emerge around Months, here 25 out of 66 were Leinster Clubs who signed Leinster in the past six months. up to the week of fun Camogie activity. This year there was the added incentive for clubs to share their activities and — Dublin – eight new clubs emerging sessions throughout the week as there was tickets to the — Longford – Wolfe Tones established in Edgeworthstown finals, goodies and a training session from an intercounty and competed in Féile 2018 player up for grabs for one lucky club. — Wexford – St.Patricks (Camolin) and Clonard

— Kilkenny – Carrigeen HURL SMART WEEK – LEINSTER CLUBS 2018 — Five across Kildare and Meath

Club County We encourage all new clubs setting up or interested in Avondale Wicklow setting up to get in contact and to apply for the Start Up St. Patricks Palmerstown Dublin Grant that is on offer on an annual basis. This can go a Naomh Barrog Dublin long way to helping in the initial stages of setting up a club and getting it up and thriving. We look forward to new Erins Isle Dublin clubs emerging again in 2019. Celbridge Kildare St. Martins Kilkenny INTERCOUNTY O’Loughlin Gaels Kilkenny Thomastown Kilkenny Congrats to all the underage development squads, Blacks and Whites Kilkenny players, managements and helpers in their efforts in 2018. Naomh Eamann Laois There is a lot of work to be carried out in Development squads and Schools of Excellence but it is encouraging Clonad Raheen Gaels Laois to see work and focus beginning to spread to the uneven St. Anne’s Louth ages squads of Under 15 and Under 17 also in the past Trim Camogie Meath year throughout all the counties. With the various county Donaghmore Ashbourne Meath blitz days to attend and the Leinster Council Under 14, Kiltale Meath Under 15 and Under 17 blitz days there is a fuller calendar there now for players of all ages and the restructuring of Crookedwood Westmeath the Under 17 to inter-provincial allowed this age grade Craanford Monaseed Wexford have opportunity to play also which can only be positive in Rathgarogue/Cushinstown Wexford terms of retention. Blackwater Wexford Buffers Alley Wexford Finally, I look forward to a 2019 of continued growth in Kilcoole Wicklow the game and working with Leinster Council and national colleagues in providing as much opportunities to develop and play as possible. CLUB SCHOOL LINKS

Erins Own, Ballyraggart and Kilmacow Regards, These three clubs came separately to their county Sabrina Larkin, board to enquire about setting up a club school link and Leinster Participation and Growth Coordinator. assistance in doing so. As a result, and the fact of having an intern available in the area, a four week block took place simultaneously in each. In Ballyraggart the club coaches were heavily involved in the school on a weekly basis also promoting the game and the club, to which they have gained new players as a result. In Kilmacow, two schools came together for a mini-league format, whereby the two schools mixed together to form eight teams, each receiving games and coaching from the teachers/club coaches and myself and placement student over four weeks with a visit from inter-county camogie player Julie Ann Malone to conclude on finals day.

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