April 3rd. ‘12
Congress
Congress proved enjoyable to the Monaghan delegation who travelled to Cork last weekend to represent the County. Aileen Lawlor from Westmeath was elected President of the Camogie Association taking over from Joan O Flynn who received many glowing tributes on her outstanding presidency.
It was a momentous weekend for Aileen Lawlor, who after a year of learning the ropes as president-elect, now enters centre stage.The St Munna’s clubwoman is steeped in camogie. She won an All-Ireland senior club title with Crumlin in 1985 and added Leinster and league titles with Dublin before moving to Mullingar 20 years ago.
She added another provincial title with Westmeath and has been a key cog of the St Munna’s machine that has dominated the domestic scene in that period.
Lawlor took up refereeing as well and has taken charge of All-Ireland, league and interprovincial finals. Little wonder then, that one of the chief goals of her three-year terms is to increase the number of female referees officiating in camogie.
“Having been a referee myself, it’s something that’s close to my heart” Lawlor acknowledged. “For 15 years, it was unheard of to have a male referee in camogie but now it’s gone the other way around. We’re already making progress through the National Development Plan but you can never have enough so we will keep working hard on it.”
Lawlor is also aiming to continue the trend of increasing the association’s membership – 30 new clubs were established in the past year – while targeting an increased international profile too as emigration becomes more prevalent.
As someone who is highly experienced in the administrative side of camogie as well, Lawlor is a prime candidate to continue the good work carried out by her predecessor. Certainly, being president is something she takes very seriously.
“It’s hard to believe it. It’s a huge honour and privilege for me, for my club, for the county and for my family.”
.
On the business side of things the revised Playing rules were amended and adopted and become effective from June 1st Foremost among them is the fact that clubs can now make a maximum of 8 substitutions in U-14,U-16, U-18 and adult league competitions at all levelsAlso a player may not ….. ‘Be prevented from playing the ball by being sandwiched by 2 or more opponents’.
‘….when the sliotar is played directly over the bar from a sideline ball, the score will be worth 2 points‘
Rules governing 12-aside camogie were also adopted.
The debate regarding a common insurer, namely Willis, resulted in the motion being defeated The ‘One Club’ model (GAA) was endorsed.
A large volume of motions were debated:
Rule 16.7 ‘In the event of a tie for election of any officer position the outcome must be decided by drawing lots. Tellers must be appointed to carry out the Rule16.8 ‘Any member of the Executive Committee who has absented him/herself from 3 consecutive meetings, without reasonable explanation, will be deemed to have resigned from the Executive Committee’.
‘….Rule 18.4d
Accounts prepared to professional accounting standards prepared by an independent accountant, except for the following (relates to clubs in club maith etc)……..
1. All clubs ..and County Boards will prepare accounts to year end 30th September. Provincial councils ….
Rule 18.6 ‘……IIn the event of a county chair intending to and succeeding in serving a fifth consecutive year a Cataoirleach – Tofa must be elected at county convention …’
Rule 22.4’…..All payments are required to have at least 2 signatories from the core Executive Committee of the Unit concerned one of which must be the treasurer…..’
Monaghan failed to have their two motions passed, one relating to the suspension term for a player deemed to have deliberately struck and the second relating to the suspension of the entire committee of a unit, for 3 months, should a player be adjudged guilty of playing illegally.
Electronic voting was introduced for the first time and by all accounts was welcomed by everyone present.
Congress will be hosted by Mayo in 2013.
Cumann na mBunscol Blitz.
The Phoenix Centre, Carrickmacross, was a hive of activity on Thurs last as 92 primary school girls participated in the first of 2 Blitzes to be held this year under the auspices of Cumann na mBunsol. After an initial, brief coaching session the girls were divided into mixed, 7-aside teams and played each other, proving that by actually playing they applied and remembered what they had learned earlier. The event concluded with each girl getting a poster, bookmarker or stickers from the Camogie Association’s range of PR material. Many thanks to the teachers and parents who were so helpful, to Gerard Gribben Development Officer with the Camogie Association and Aisling Greenan (Clontibret) who helped organise the event. The next Cumann na mBunscol event will take place in Cloghan on Friday, May 4th and will be a grater mix of coaching and small-sided games. It is important that the help of current or past camogie players is forthcoming so anyone who may be available on that date for 2/3 hours should contact Geraldine as soon as possible.
Clontibret Club News.
Well done to 10 of our U-14 players who attended County training on Saturday last in Cloghan. That number would have been greater but a birthday sleep-over took place in Emma’s home on Friday night and good manners dictated that the guests be entertained on Saturday by the ‘birthday girl’ herself! Birthday greetings Emma – but no excuses this week, girls! Training again on Saturday at 10.30 sharp.
Twenty two of our primary school members travelled to the Phoenix Centre, Carrickmacross, for the Cumann na mBunscol Indoor Blitz. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the event and were a credit to the school and themselves. Well done to a number of the Sixth Class girls who assumed responsibility for jerseys, bibs, first-aid bag, etc and carried out their duties better than any adult coach! Many thanks to Aisling Greenan who was instrumental in organising the event and to Linda Gormley and her Mum, Margaret Connolly, for their invaluable assistance organising little girls on teams, fastening helmets etc. It was very much appreciated. On Fri May 4th a similar event will take place outdoors on Cloghan with the emphasis more on coaching, followed by small-sided games. Any senior player who is available that day and is willing to help out should let Geraldine know asap.
Many thanks to Marie who took ‘Mum without Me’ camogie on Saturday last and really put the ladies through their paces!
Training continues on Friday evening for the senior players, and on Tuesday at 6pm for primary school players followed by the U-14/U-16 players at 7pm. The U-14’s play host to Castleblayney in the first round of the Armagh League on Thurs, April 12th so best wishes to the team. Welcome back to Sarah Grimley who took a little sabbatical for a few years but has rejoined the club.
National Camogie Congress took place in Douglas, Cork, last weekend and some new playing rules come into effect from June 1st. Senior players will have a short meeting about these after training on Friday evening. Among the delegates present were Rita and Brigid, representing the London Board but both players with Croyden Club. Both girls were loud in their praise of Angela and the contribution she has made to their club and its fortunes. Some things just don’t change!!
Finally, congratulations to former Clontibret player Gráinne Clarke, who surprised her family, by marrying schoolboy sweetheart (well he’s not a schoolboy anymore!), Nigel Furey, in a quiet ceremony in America last month. Continued health and happiness Gráinne and Nigel.
Truagh Club News
Seniors
Training has now been changed to Tuesdays and Fridays at 8pm in St Mellans. Could everyone please make the effort to attend, if you cannot come along please text the camogie phone. New players are very welcome.
League
Players are asked to make themselves available for our first league game at home against Clontibret on the 17th of April. If anyone should want a copy of the fixtures, please ask the secretary for same.
Blitz
Keep free Sunday the 29th of April for the County Blitz,please note change in date, this will be in Inniskeen and we need a full turn out.
Easter Draw
The raffle for the Hamper and numerous other prizes will take place in St. Mellans Social Club next Sunday night. Lines are currently on sale for 2 euro so there is still time to be in with a chance of winning some goodies for Easter.
Castleblayney Club News
CAKE SALE & BRIC & BRAC is on Good Friday 6th April at 4 15pm in the Scout Hall. Doors will be open from 1pm to accept cakes buns etc. Now is the time to clear out unwanted gifts.There will be a raffle & Amber will be at the popular scarf stand again. Your support will be greatly appreciated. keep Sun 29th April free for the blitz in Inniskeen. First Armagh league game is on 11th April. Kate will send out txts for training. Happy Easter to all our members.
By michael Tue 3rd Apr
