Ulster Camogie

Antrim senior camógs had a 14 point victory over Armagh in the heat at Portglenone yesterday and now look forward to an Ulster final at Casement park on 17th June.
Score -Antrim 1-21 Armagh 0-10.

Joe Baldwin’s young team registered an 14 point victory over Armagh as the Orchard County’s hopes of a place in the Ulster Championship final melted in the glare and the heat of Portglenone. The intense heat and strong sun raised fears of dehydration, but an enthusiastic squad of young water carriers kept both teams going. Antrim got off to a good start as busy midfielder Maédhbh Laverty was pulled back as she buzzed through the Armagh defence and Emma McMullan converted the free to open the scoring. Armagh offered stiff resistance as the game developed and their two outstanding forwards Joanne Mallon and Collette McSorley traded points with the hungry Antrim forwards to keep the game within reach in the first half. Antrim worked well as an attacking unit with Captain Aishling Jackson, Aileen Martin and Joanne Campbell moving the sliothar forward quickly at every opportunity. The impressive McSorley scored 4 first half points for Armagh (2f), but Antrim were able to reply through Louise McAleese, on her home pitch, Full forward Emma Connor and their top scorer of the day Emma McMullan who was a constant thorn in Armagh’s side as she registered a first half total of 6 points (3 f) to leave a half time score of Antrim 0-10 Armagh 0-6.

The second half was a different game entirely as Antrim quickly took control of the game and laid siege to the Armagh defence. Shannon Graham’s pace and strength started to present major problems to the visitors as she ran at them with style and determination. Laverty worked tirelessly to supply the Antrim forwards with accurate passes and took a nice point herself and with Emma Connor catching most of the high balls lofted into the goal area the scores piled up with a steady stream of points for Antrim. Local girl Anna Kelly and the immaculate Aileen Martin,   along with Cathy Carey, managed to reduce the threat from McSorley, who still managed a second half tally of 3 points(1f), but Emma McMullan added 3 more points(2f) along with another two nice scores from McAleese. With the game well and truly slipping away from Armagh Shannon Graham delivered the killer blow, racing from the half way line with consummate anticipation to accept a clever pass forward, round two defenders and smash home a great goal. Graham soon added two points to her tally as Armagh folded and late Antrim points from Emma Connor and Substitute Niamh Donnelly left Antrim runaway winners by 1-21 to 0-10.

Manager Joe Baldwin and his assistant Aidan McKeown were very happy with their team’s display. “We need to build on this before anybody gets too excited,” remarked Baldwin. “Antrim has qualified for Another Ulster senior championship final which we were expected to do anyway. I can’t fault any of my players. Aidan and I are delighted with a 14 point victory in which nine different players scored for us from play and although we shot eleven wides our all-round performance was excellent. We are moving in the right direction with this young group of players and seven camógs made their Ulster championship debut today. We are really looking forward to Casement Park on 17^th June regardless of who our opponents are.”

Antrim team - C. Johnson S.McNicholl L.Connolly U McNaughton C. Carey   A.Martin   A. Kelly  A.Jackson M.Laverty

J.Campbell S.McKillen S.Graham E. McMullan E.Connor L.McAleese .

subs used :A. McFadden A.Ward N. Donnelly C.O’Kane A. McAtamney

Armagh Team

1. Bronagh Moen 2.  Coleen O’Hare 3. Clare McKinley 4.  Caoimhe McKenna 5. Louise Toner 6.Laura Brunton7. Emma Farrell 8. Bernie Murray 9. Niamh McGeown 10. Andrea McAlinden 11. Katie O’Brien 12. Ciara Donnelly 13. Joanne Mallon 14. Collette McSorley 15. Laura McGuinness 16. Cliodhna McAteer 21.  Amy Laverty 17. Brid O’Hagan 22. Fionnuala Bradley 18. Aideen Lennon 23. Ellie McClelland 19. Paula Mallon 24. Clodagh Farrell 20. Orla Curry 25. Mairead Short

Report and Picture by Antrim Camogie PRO Michael Costello

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 30th, 2012 at 3:14 pm and is filed under Featured News, News.

Holders Antrim play Armagh in the NWP Recycling Ulster Senior Championship Semi-Final on Sunday and hope to move towards retaining their title. Joe Baldwin’s team have a home advantage with the game taking place in Portglenone with a 1pm throw in. Antrim this year have had a mixed campaign and a rebuilding process has seen around 20 players being introduced into the squad in over the last number of months however Baldwin is confident that they can capture the Ulster title.

Speaking at the recent launch of the NWP Recycling Championships held at Queen’s Sports Pavilion Baldwin admitted changes haven’t had a negative effect on the squad

Antrim Captain Aishling Jackson with Armagh Captain Bernie Murray

‘The squad is relatively new and we have brought in 20 new faces. We have used the league campaign to blood new faces and we are in a better position now than we were in January. We’ve always had strength in depth and it makes a difficult job but it’s a nice headache to have. The Ulster Championship is massive for us all. We could potentially meet Derry four times this year and there is a great rivalry there. Armagh have made great strides and for Camogie in general and it’s good to have these teams and Down looking to take your titles from you’

Antrim’s opponents Armagh are going into unfamiliar territory by competing in the Senior Championship but Armagh recently beat Tyrone in the preliminary round of the Championship so are going in with an extra game behind them. Captain Bernie Murray hopes the Orchard County can build on their recent successes and spoke of what it means to represent Armagh

‘We’ve a good league campaign behind us and we’ve won the last two NWP Recycling Intermediate Championships convincingly so this is where we want to be , I think this is where we deserve to be and we are going to give it a good run. We’ve been building for a few years now with our core of players and now the minors are pushing us all on’. It means everything to me to play for Armagh and I have been playing Camogie since I have been knee high and it’s an honour to captain Armagh.

Senior Championship Managers- John A Mullan Derry, Alistair McGilligan Down, Joe Baldwin Antrim, Chris Heaney Tyrone, Benny Brunton Armagh

This entry was posted on Friday, May 25th, 2012 at 9:06 am and is filed under Featured News, News.

The Ulster Camogie Council are in the process of reviewing the current Strategic Plan and developing a strategic plan from 2013-2017. This questionnaire will form the basis of the consulatation and suggestions for the future of Ulster Camogie and we believe it is very important that all members of our Association have an input into this process.

Please take a couple of minutes to fill out this questionnaire and return to info@ulstercamogie.ie

Strategic Plan Questionnaire

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 at 1:30 pm and is filed under Featured News, News.

On Sunday 20th May, the Ulster Senior Gael Linn squad travelled to Trim, Co. Meath in a confident mood in causing a bit of an upset against Munster. The team which was being managed by Joe Passmore of double All-Ireland Intermediate Club Champions Eoghan Rua and captained by Derry’s Graínne McGoldrick made the journey down with a strong squad hoped to secure a final place later that day.

From the start of the game it was going to be tough battle. Munster made the early scores and went ahead however the full forward line of Jane Adams, Karen Kielt and Niamh Mallon were starting receive some great supply to bring Ulster back into the game. Ulster were starting to dominate all sectors of the pitch with Jane Carey, Fionnuala Carr and the superb Aoife Ni Chasaide sweeping up the Munster attacks and went in at half time a couple of points to the good.

Ulster appeared a bit nervous in the second half as Munster came out to attack. The game was soon level and the intensity of the game was  as high as the level of players competing, however points from Catherine McGourty, Graínne McGoldrick, Sinead Cassidy and Jane Adams from free’s saw Ulster edge back in front with only minutes to spare. In a cruel twist Munster hit a late goal to put them into a one point lead and they managed to hold out to play Leinster in the final. The level of disappointment from the Ulster players was evident and this showed how much they were putting into representing their province. Leinster who had an easier game v Connacht in the Semi-Final and a greater rest period between games defeated Munster to be crowned Gael Linn Champions for 2012

Manager Joe Passmore after the game was proud of the players and reflected on what might have been ‘It was perhaps a game we should have won. The players were magnificent throughout, it was compelling end to end stuff  and they kept at it to the bitter end. It was the best game of the competition for sure. It shows that Camogie players from Ulster are as good as those anywhere else, if evidence is needed. Although the players are disappointed they should take great pride in their performance’.

Pictured- Sinead Cassidy,Katrina O’Kane and Jane Carey show their disappointment at the final whistle

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 at 9:08 am and is filed under Featured News, News.

On Friday 18^th May St Patrick’s College Maghera hosted their annual ‘Pink Jersey Day’ at Watty Grahams Glen Maghera. Over 500 girls from 26 schools across Ulster came together for an U14 Development Blitz. The nature of this blitz was non-competitive and focused on the ensuring girls who may not get regular camogie were provided for. In fact four of the schools involved do not compete in Ulster Colleges competitions and with a great days weather, it was an extremely enjoyable occasion for all involved. Each school were provided with a unique ‘Pink Jersey’ courtesy of O’Neill’s Sportswear which was designed by organiser and St Patrick’s Maghera teacher Catriona Scott and every participant received a pink sliotar courtesy of P O’Kane Hurls of Swatragh.

Speaking about the blitz, Catriona Scott said ‘It’s an amazing day for Camogie with a total of 500 girls taking part today with the focus on development and not competition. We are lucky to have two great sponsors, O’Neill’s and P O’Kane Hurls and it is a great credit to the coaches and teachers and coaches who continually work with their children and this day says a lot about Camogie in Ulster. We are also honoured to have National Director of Camogie Development Mary O’Connor and the founder of Colleges Camogie Lily Spence here as special guests’.

Mary O’Connor who was very impressed by the scale and success of the event commented ‘ Ulster Colleges Camogie clearly demonstrates the strength of Colleges Camogie across the province with over 500 girls taking part today and congratulations must go to Catriona Scott and the pupils of St Patrick’s Maghera who have delivered a fantastic day for Camogie’

The success of the event was made more special as all referee’s, fixtures planners and administrators of the blitz were made up of the G.C.S.E classes of St Patrick’s in what was a fantastic learning experience for these young volunteers. Thanks also to photographer Michael Cullen for providing photographs of the event.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 21st, 2012 at 10:17 am and is filed under Featured News, News.

Ulster launches Hurling and Camogie Championships

Ulster GAA and Ulster Camogie have launched their respective Championships together at the new Queen’s Pavilion in Belfast.

Players and Managers from both codes were in high demand at the media launch which announced the fixtures and new reduced pricing structures for Ulster Championships 2012.

Speaking about the NWP Ulster Camogie Championship, Ulster Camogie Chairperson Kathleen Woods said, “The league this year has been an amazing window of opportunity for the Ulster ladies.  Derry have led the way by winning their section of the league and taking Ulster back to playing with the big girls.  We have our Ulster Division One side.  The Ulster Camogs are definitely making their way up through the ranks.

“I look forward to a very exciting and wonderful Ulster Championship with the finals to be held on June 17th at Casement Park. We thank NWP Recycling for their continued sponsorship for our Championships.

Speaking at the launch Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said, “The hurlers of Armagh and Derry will open the Ulster Hurling Championship on Sunday 17^th June at the Morgan Athletic Grounds, and it’s sure to be a game of passion and glory, and the start of an exciting Championship.

“None of us can deny that Antrim is the side to beat as they go for their 11-in-a-row Ulster title, however I am confident that the other three competing counties are up for causing an upset.

“Hurling in Ulster has been strengthened in recent times with the introduction to the Tain Club League, last weekend’s success of Ulster Counties in the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups.   And Donegal’s participation in this year’s Ulster Minor Hurling championship proves that Hurling is on the up in Ulster and we hope the Ulster Championship will inspire young people to take up the hurl.”

Photo 1 L-R Siobhan McKenna (Monaghan), Rosie Crowe (Cavan), Bernie Murray (Armagh) Caolan Woods (NWP Recycling), Kathleen Woods (Ulster Camogie Chair)  Sinead Cassidy, Grainne McGoldrick (Derry) Catherine McGourty (Down) Front- Aisling Corr (Tyrone), Rachael Merry (Armagh) Meabh Laverty (Antrim) Claire Garvey (Armagh), Aisling Jackson (Antrim)

Photo 2 L-R Joe Baldwin (Antrim), Tom Walsh (Cavan), Alastair McGilligan (Down) Chris Heaney (Tyrone) Front- John A Mullan (Derry) Benny Brunton (Armagh) Malachy Trainor (Monaghan)

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at 3:31 pm and is filed under Featured News, News.

Derry confirmed their increasing profile on the camogie scene when annexing the Irish Daily Star League Division 2 title for only the second time in their history with a resounding 2-11 to 0-6 victory over Meath.

The Oak Leaf contingent’s previous success arrived in 1999 but they appear well placed to make a stronger bid to break into the top tier, with Eoghan Rua’s two All-Ireland intermediate club titles in a row proving that camogie is reaching a higher plane in the county.

Meath have made their own giant strides in recent years, reaching the Division 3 final in 2010 and coming back last year to snatch a one-point victory in the decider over Kildare.

In that context, appearing in the Division 2 final this time around with a 100% return from their four Group 2 outings was an outstanding achievement.

However, despite the excellence of Jane Dolan, who finished with five of their six points, they had no answer to the impressive firepower that propelled Derry to five-out-of-five wins in Group 1, and a plus 68-point point differential in the process.

Karen Kielt and Gráinne McGoldrick have been amongst the chief architects of that run and player of the match Kielt recorded 1-3, while McGoldrick notched up five points.

With Katie McCauley providing a significant contribution of 1-2, Meath were unable to stem the flow of scores from difference sources, while overly-reliant on Dolan at the other end.

An Edel Guy point did give the Royals a 0-3 to 0-2 lead and Lizzie Lynch had a goal chance soon afterwards but Derry goalkeeper, Claire O’Kane made a vital save.

With Gráinne McNicholl and Aileen McCusker getting on top at midfield, the supply to Derry’s big guns improved. Kielt struck for her goal but with 11 wides in the first half alone, the Ulster girls managed to keep Meath in the game at half time, with just five points between the teams.

McGoldrick, Kielt and Sinéad Cassidy did manage to raise more white flags in the second half but O’Kane was called upon again to make another excellent save from Sinéad Hackett.

McAuley pounced for Derry’s second goal late on to seal the verdict.

Scorers – Derry: K Kielt 1-3; G McGoldrick 0-5; K McCauley 1-2, S Cassidy 0-1

Meath: J Dolan 0-5, E Guy 0-1

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 10:11 am and is filed under Featured News, News.

Down had just too much firepower for a committed Kerry to annex the All-Ireland minor ‘C’ camogie title in Naas on a 1-16 to 0-10 scoreline.

The Munster champions were not short of opportunities themselves and might have rattled their conquerors had they been more clinical with the goal chances they created.

They failed to raise the green flag though and in truth, there could be no argument about the merit of Down’s success, as they held most of the aces throughout the hour.

Down got the scoring under way with a point from Brid McGourty but Kerry responded well with a couple of points from Sarah Murphy. Both sides had goal opportunities with Eirne Ní Dheasmhunaigh’s strong running causing particular problems to the Down defence.

Significantly though, it was the Mourne women that raised a green flag in the 19th minute courtesy of Deirbhile Savage and that strike gave her side a two-point lead. Both teams exchanged scores but it was Down that held the whip hand at half time, 1-6 to 0-5.

The winners cranked up the pressure after the resumption with points from Niamh Mallon and Aoife Keown inside the opening three minutes. Keown helped them establish a firm dominance of the midfield area and points from Aimee MacAleenan and McGourty resulted in Down stretching their advantage to eight points.

It was at this juncture that Kerry might have rescued the situation with Síomha Ní Dheasmhunaigh and Patrice Diggin skimming the post with efforts on goal.

Instead, MacAleenan stretched the Down advantage with points from MacAleenan and McGourty, and though Áine O’Connor,

Murphy, Diggin and Annmarie Leen did register points for Kerry, they just could not peg back the Ulster queenpins.

By Daragh Ó Conchúir

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 10:07 am and is filed under Featured News, News.

Face to face with Down Minor Captain Niamh Mallon

 With the final squad session completed and fine tuning done Down’s Minor captain took time out to share her thoughts on tomorrows All Ireland Under 18 C final and give an insight to her deep love of camogie.

 Down Camogie- Niamh congratulations on captaining Down to the All Ireland Final. In the last year Niamh you have announced yourself on the national camogie stage receiving college and Soaring Star awards for your great performances.Why do you love camogie so much?

Niamh Mallon- Well it has always a big part of my life. My earliest memories are being down in the Portaferry pitch playing with friends or watching camogie and hurling

DC- How much influence has your parents Marty and Mary Jo had in camogie development?

NM- Both mum and dad are very encouraging and supportive of me and camogie in the club. They never miss a match and attend most training sessions.

DC- Does Marty share his experiences from his days in the Down jersey’

NM- Dad has lots a great stories playing for Portaferry, Down and Ulster and he encourages me to have fun and give everything on the pitch.

DC- 2011 was a very special year for your club Portaferry.

NM- It was great we won our first senior league title. Everyone in the club joined in the celebrations’

DC- ‘Have you any special moments from the historic season?

NM- Beating Ballycran in McKenna Park.

DC- Do you remember by how much?

NM- No, just that we won.’

DC-Other than your parents, who else has helped you develop into a top flight camogie player?

NM- I been lucky because the club we always have had great coaches and in both St Columba and now at Assumption Grammar the teachers helped too.

DC- Lots of top sports people like to stick to a routine coming up to a big match and some are even superstitious. What about you Niamh?

NM- No I am not superstitious and I don’t have any special routine. Just get all my gear ready.

DC- In 2011 Niamh you played a major role in getting Down Seniors to the All Ireland Junior final. Is there any lessons or experiences you gained last year you will draw for Saturday.

NM- It is every camogie players dream to play in Croke Park and even though the result went against us it was a wonderful experience. Hopefully we will be back again this year. But Saturday’s game is our focus and we have worked very hard to be in the final. We will keep fighting to the final whistle.

DC- How would you describe the mood in the squad?

NM- The girls have prepared well and we are planning to bring the cup home on Saturday night.

DC- So the spirit is good in the camp?

NM- Yes both the players and our management can’t wait for Saturday.

DC- So finally Niamh in your dreams what do you see when the final whistle blows on Saturday?

NM- Lots of very happy Down girls.

Thank you Niamh for sharing your thoughts with us and on behalf of all Down Camogs I wish the management and girls the very best for Saturday.

Thanks.

Down Camogie are truly blessed to have such a talented balanced young lady flying the flag for us.  An Duin Abu.

If you want to welcome the team home on Saturday night in the Canal Courtyou can book your ticket by contacting the Assistantsecretary.down.camogie@gaa.ie before 10pm on Friday night. The main course and dessert and costs £16pp.  Kids menu inc dessert is £9.50.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 4th, 2012 at 4:02 pm and is filed under Featured News, News.

Down minors will be hoping to claim the All-Ireland Minor C title this Saturday against Kerry which will be played in Naas at 2pm.

Derry Senior Camogs will face Meath at Pairc Tailteann in the National League Division 2 Final at 2.45pm on Sunday

The Down Minor Team will also contest the Ulster Championship Final in June having beaten the newly crowned All Ireland Minor ‘B’ Champions, Derry, in the semi-final. They have been boosted by receiving a set of jerseys from from an anonymous donor with the Lifeline logo on the jersey

Down Minor Captain and Soaring Star Niamh Mallon receives a new set of  jerseys with the Lifeline logo

Lifeline’s Manager, Pauline O’Flynn, praised the Down Minor Camogie Team’s decision to wear the ‘Lifeline’ logo on their team jersey thanks to an anonymous donor.  She said,

“It’s really rewarding to know that people value the work that we do on behalf of Lifeline 0808 808 8000, the regional crisis counselling service.  We are delighted by the generosity of the donor and the commitment from the players and team management to help promote Lifeline.  From all at Lifeline, we wish the Down Minor girls all the best for their All Ireland Camogie Final against Kerry at the weekend.”

Derry Camogie has been boosted by the success of their minors in recent weeks and hope to bring more silverware back to the Oak Leaf county and to build on a positive league campaign. A robust defence and quality in attack  will hopefully see the well balanced Derry team come out victorious on Sunday

The Ulster Camogie Executive offer best wishes to Down and Derry this weekend

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 at 2:56 pm and is filed under Featured News, News.