Apologies, firstly, for my ‘lapse’ last week which in fact, followed a particularly hectic camogie weekend, and let’s just quote the late Sarah Flanagan, Cremartin, mother of Pauline Rooney, Scotstown, and say ‘I was indisposed!’
Our U-14 county representatives had a long and camogie-filled day in Innisfails GFC, Dublin on Sept 12th playing against Westmeath, Donegal, Kerry and Wicklow in the space of 5 hours. The girls gave of their all and were particularly unfortunate not to have pulled more than one win out of the bag. But with a small panel to work from, options were limited in some positions and eventually this was our downfall. However those players we did have, worked themselves to a standstill and were a credit to the club. Hopefully they will have learned and benefitted from the experience. However, it really brought home to us, at Board level, the importance of having a number of clubs to pick from, and how important the role of development is in the county. A huge ‘Thank you’ to the parents from Clontibret who helped out on the day including Olivia Moran, Mary Fitzpatrick and Edel Fitzpatrick. Later in the afternoon we were joined at Innisfails by Patricia, Michael … and Mary Duffy!! How wonderful it was to see Mary taking a gentle stroll on her Dad’s arm (a bit like she’ll do in the years to come – up the aisle!) being greeted by all the players. Mary, you’re a wonderful inspiration and the defeats of earlier matches were quickly put aside on seeing what you have achieved over the past few months. Keep up the good work and by next season you’ll be jogging on to the pitch!
On Sunday morning the girls, joined by other younger club members and parents headed for Dublin again, this time to the All-Ireland Camogie finals in Croke Park. At half time in the Intermediate match the county players participated in a parade around the pitch which was a lovely experience for them. Unfortunately, like last Sunday, the elements tried to ‘spoil the party’ so it was a very rain-soaked group that made their way back to the stands for the senior match. Many thanks to the parents who supervised on the bus, including Linda Markey, Sharon McCarron-Walsh and Mary Fitzpatrick. I’m particularly indebted to Olivia who ably deputised for me in a management capacity with the county players, ensuring the girls all had their jerseys, passes, got onto the pitch in formation etc. I hope other parents, who were unable to travel, have expressed their gratitude to those prepared to give up their Sunday to care for their daughters for such a long day.
Regarding the senior panel, the good news this week is that we have been officially declared winners of the Armagh Division 1 League – a first-time achievement at this level! Well done to all the players, Ned and Cormac, who put in such an effort since early February to achieve this goal. A celebration of this victory will be discussed when the season draws to a close after the Monaghan Camogie League final on Sunday. Unfortunately at the time of writing, few details are available due to football fixtures still to be confirmed, but as soon as the venue and time is made known this will be communicated to everyone. It goes without saying that our opponents will be Castleblayney!
The Camogie Association recently launched their ‘Having Your Say’ Roadshow which invites players at club, county and college level to a 2 hour interactive workshop with Maeve Buckley from ‘Line up Sports’. For Monaghan players this ‘conversation’ takes place in the Armagh City Hotel on Monday Sept 28th at 7.00pm. The potential for a good camogie night- out listening and learning from other players and managers!
Belated 18th birthday greetings to Nicole McNally who, in admirable fashion, acknowledged the date, with hurl in hand, on the pitch! Though I believe she did acknowledge the occasion more admirably at the weekend!!! Also to our Junior Cert students – Lisa, Amy and Tara – on their wonderful results!
While club training continues for the U-12/U-14 players on Thursday evening at 5.30pm, training for the U-14/16 group will be suspended for a few weeks, after which we will train indoors for the winter. Parents will be notified.
Finally, congratulations to O’Neill Shamrocks U-14 team who won the U-14 football championship on Saturday last.