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Camogie
Comóradh an Chéid
Camogie Centenary Competition
2004 was the year in which the Camogie Association celebrated its centenary. Cumann na mBunscol Cill Mhantáin wanted to mark this milestone and decided to hold “Lá Camógaíochta Comóradh an Chéid”, a Camogie Centenary Competition. This celebration attracted nine schools, the largest number of schools to participate in a Cumann na mBunscol camogie competition in Wicklow.
The day was organised by Breda Donnelly and Bríd O’Neill, and once again the Kilcoole GAA Grounds was the base for yet another successful Allianz sponsored competition. Although there were nine schools represented, it was possible to make ten teams. Each team was named after a different county and had one or two players from each school. Unlike the regional festivals in the INTO Mini Sevens, players were not ranked nor were they allocated playing positions. Instead a teacher from each school took charge of one “county” and the girls had to get to know each other as they played. An official timer was in charge of making sure that the games started promptly and each match lasted ten minutes. Taking the example from ladies’ football, a hooter was used to signal full time. Therefore it was imperative that games started on time – a late start meant a shorter game! Three matches were ongoing at all times and three young ladies, Martina, Anna and Winnie were referees. Despite a poor weather forecast, the rain held off and every participant thoroughly enjoyed herself.
Each school that participated received a plaque and there were medals for the finalists. Certificates of participation are to be sent to each participant in due course. Refreshments were also provided and a thoroughly “feel good day” was experienced by all involved. This was a day when everyone involved had to make an effort to get to know the other participants. The spirit of the day was one of maximum participation with minimum competitiveness. Unlike many one-day blitzes, when less successful teams leave before the final match ends, all schools had to stay until the final sounding of the hooter on account of the make-up of the teams. This prompts the idea why not use this format in some other competitions? Many of the schools that participated in this centenary celebration expressed interest in participating in Cumann na mBunscol organised camogie in 2005. We hope to see them for many years to come!
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