Camogie Association has launched their Strategic Plan for the period 2024-2027. Aptly titled “Our Game, Our Passion,” this strategic blueprint, crafted in collaboration with Leading Sport, charts an ambitious course for the next three years.

Central to its formulation is the extensive “Research Baseline for Camogie” study conducted by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, providing invaluable insights into the game’s landscape.

Key Objectives for 2024-2026: Elevating Camogie to New Heights

• Increasing Attendance: Aiming for a remarkable 20% surge in attendance at camogie fixtures by 2026, culminating in an All-Ireland final with a crowd of 50,000 by 2026.
• Expanding Membership: Fostering growth in membership and club numbers by an impressive 10% over the course of the strategic plan.
• Capacity Building: Enhancing the capacity of coaches, referees, and volunteers through comprehensive education and development programs.

Insights from the Research Baseline for Camogie Study

The baseline research study provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state of camogie while shedding light on its priorities, challenges, and opportunities. Some noteworthy findings from the study include:

• Positive Club Experience: An overwhelming majority of respondents expressed satisfaction with their club experience, highlighting friendliness and convenient locations. Additionally, the report underscores the importance of addressing concerns related to playing time at underage levels.
• Membership Influences: Personal relationships, particularly parental influence, emerge as significant factors in club membership, with familial ties playing a pivotal role in shaping individuals’ engagement with Gaelic Games.
• Volunteer Engagement: While current volunteer engagement is commendable, there exists untapped potential within the player community to bolster volunteer numbers, with emphasis placed on diversifying and expanding the volunteer base.
• Identified Barriers: Work and family commitments, along with participation in other sports and activities, emerge as primary barriers hindering volunteer engagement, signaling the need for targeted strategies to address these challenges.
• Integration and Celebration: Anticipation surrounding integration efforts underscores a collective desire to resolve fixture conflicts and elevate the sport’s profile, with particular emphasis placed on commemorating the forthcoming 120th Anniversary of the Camogie Association in 2024.

Uachtarán Hilda Breslin’s Perspective

In her address during the plan’s launch, Uachtarán Hilda Breslin underscored the significance of member feedback in shaping the Association’s priorities and aspirations for the coming years. She emphasized the imperative of nurturing the sport’s development to ensure its enduring legacy as a premier female field sport deeply ingrained within Irish culture and history.

David Barrett’s Insights

David Barrett, Research Fellow at the Sport Industry Research Centre, echoed sentiments of optimism, affirming that the patterns and trends elucidated in the report offer reassurance regarding camogie’s sustainable future. He stressed the importance of addressing prevailing challenges to secure the sport’s long-term viability and prosperity.

As the Camogie Association embarks on this transformative journey outlined in their Strategic Plan 2024-2027, guided by rigorous research and unwavering passion, the stage is set for a future defined by growth, inclusivity, and celebration of the rich heritage of camogie.

Leinster U20 Football Results – Wins for Kildare, Louth, Laois, Wicklow & Dublin

Tuesday 26 March

Leinster U20 Football round 1
Kildare 1-15 0-11 Longford Result
Louth 1-11 2-06 Offaly Result
Laois 3-08 0-10 Carlow Result
Wicklow 0-12 1-07 Wexford Result
Westmeath 0-06 1-15 Dublin Result

In a night filled with excitement and drama, the Leinster U20 Football Round 1 matches delivered pulsating encounters across the board. Here’s a rundown of the results and key moments:

Kildare vs. Longford

Kildare emerged victorious with a convincing performance, defeating Longford 1-15 to 0-11. A late goal from Ross Harris cemented their lead and secured the win.

Louth vs. Offaly

Louth managed to fend off a spirited challenge from Offaly, clinching a narrow victory with a final score of 1-11 to 2-06. Kieran McArdle’s goal for Louth proved crucial in sealing the win.

Laois vs. Carlow

Laois showcased their attacking prowess, securing a comfortable win over Carlow with a scoreline of 3-08 to 0-10. Killian Byrne’s late goal further extended their lead and sealed the result.

Wicklow vs. Wexford

Wicklow battled fiercely against Wexford, emerging victorious with a hard-fought win of 0-12 to 1-07. Despite a resilient performance from Wexford, Wicklow held on to claim the victory.

Westmeath vs. Dublin

Dublin asserted their dominance with a commanding display against Westmeath, emerging triumphant with a comprehensive victory of 1-15 to 0-06. Karl Flynn’s goal was a highlight of their dominant performance.

Throughout the matches, several standout moments captured the attention of spectators. Jamie O’Brien’s two goals for Laois, including one just before half-time, showcased his clinical finishing. Additionally, Kieran McArdle’s goal for Louth and Sean Afolabi Joseph’s strike for Offaly added to the excitement.

John Kiely expressed his dismay following Limerick’s unexpected defeat to Kilkenny in the Allianz Hurling League semi-final.

The reigning All-Ireland champions, aiming for a historic fifth consecutive title, delivered what many considered their subpar performance under Kiely’s tenure, succumbing to a 1-15 to 3-17 loss at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday.

WATCH: FULL-TIME HIGHLIGHTS! 🚨📺

Kilkenny book their spot in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 final!

FT Score:@KilkennyCLG 3-17@LimerickCLG 1-15

For the best of the action, #GAANOW has you covered 👇👇 pic.twitter.com/aoXpGRxgDx

— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 23, 2024

In addressing reporters, Kiely candidly admitted, “Our performance today was embarrassing at times.” He lamented the manner in which they exited the league, emphasizing, “This is not us exiting the League on our terms. This is us being kicked out of the league on Kilkenny’s terms.”

Reflecting on the team’s display, Kiely remarked, “I don’t think we have played as bad as that before to be honest with you. It’s probably 2017 being honest about it.” He acknowledged Kilkenny’s strategic approach, acknowledging their intent, well-executed plan, and adept ball-handling skills, which stood in stark contrast to Limerick’s performance.

“We were poor on the ball, we were poor in defence, we were poor at the things we usually pride ourselves in,” Kiely noted. He emphasized the team’s deficiencies in intensity, work-rate, ball usage, and efficiency, aspects they typically excel in. Kiely emphasized, “I can assure you we’re not happy to be out of the league. It’s not part of any grand plan I can assure you.”

Permutations and Possibilities: Gaelic Football League Final Day

Division 1: A Clash of Titans in the Making

As the GAA leagues near their culmination, the top echelon of Division 1 promises a gripping showdown between familiar contenders. Derry and Dublin, the standout performers, seem destined for a repeat of last year’s Division 2 final. Despite Derry’s strategic alterations in their encounter, the absence of key players on both sides tempered the competitive edge. However, a potential rematch later in the season raises questions about the balance of power. Dublin’s formidable lineup, coupled with their newfound attacking flair, poses a significant challenge for Derry. Despite the latter’s commendable efforts, doubts linger about their ability to outmaneuver the reigning champions.

With one round remaining, the landscape is poised for dramatic shifts. Derry’s clash with Roscommon becomes a must-win encounter for the latter, striving to avoid relegation. While Roscommon’s resurgence offers hope, inconsistency has hindered their progress. Yet, amidst setbacks, optimism abounds as key players return, bolstering their resolve for the upcoming championship. Conversely, Dublin’s dominance remains unscathed as they face Tyrone, aiming to secure their berth in the final. The intricate balance of scoring differences leaves room for multiple outcomes, with four teams potentially vying for the top spots.

Division 2: The Battle for Survival Intensifies

In Division 2, the race for promotion intensifies as Armagh and Donegal solidify their ascent to the higher tier. Yet, amidst the triumphs, the threat of relegation looms large, particularly for Fermanagh and Louth. Louth’s advantage in points, coupled with a resounding victory over Fermanagh, offers a glimmer of hope in their bid for survival. However, Fermanagh’s resilience cannot be underestimated as they strive to overturn their fortunes in a decisive encounter.

The impending clash between Donegal and Meath holds significant implications for the latter, already shifting focus to future battles. As the final pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the relegation battle intensifies, with every point crucial in determining fate.

Division 3: A Three-Way Struggle for Promotion

Down and Westmeath emerge as frontrunners in Division 3, poised for promotion amidst a fiercely contested campaign. However, Clare emerges as a formidable challenger, determined to disrupt the status quo. Down’s commanding performance, underscored by an impressive score difference, cements their position as the team to beat. Westmeath’s resilience, despite setbacks, sets the stage for a compelling showdown against Sligo. Meanwhile, Limerick’s relegation serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved, with Wicklow and Offaly still embroiled in the battle for survival.

Division 4: A Tumultuous Finale

In Division 4, Laois maintains their stronghold at the summit, poised for promotion amidst heightened drama. Yet, Leitrim’s narrow victory injects uncertainty into the equation, as four teams vie for coveted promotion spots. Wexford and Longford, locked in a tight race, face pivotal encounters with promotion on the line. The intricacies of head-to-head matchups add an extra layer of intrigue, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the league season.

Kerry and Galway have distinct goals in mind. Kerry is focused on securing a spot in the Division 1 final, while Galway aims to maintain their position in the top tier.

Click for Live GAA scores

For Kerry, victory is essential, coupled with the hope that Dublin either draw or lose to Tyrone at Croke Park. On the other hand, a draw for Galway would be sufficient to ensure their Division 1 status, or if Roscommon loses.

Dylan Casey has been selected to deputise for the injured Jason Foley at full-back for Kerry’s upcoming match against Galway.

This decision marks one of five changes from Kerry’s previous fixture, where they secured a 1-17 to 1-11 victory over Roscommon. Joining Casey in the full-back line is Armin Heinrich, who earns his first league start, replacing Graham O’Sullivan. Further adjustments see Paul Geaney, Stephen O’Brien, and Killian Spillane taking up positions in the starting lineup, filling in for the Clifford brothers and Dara Moynihan.

Kerry Starting Lineup Against Galway 
1. S. Ryan
2. P. Murphy
3. D. Casey
4. A. Heinrich
5. Seán O’Brien
6. T. Morley
7. G. White
8. BD O’Sullivan
9. J. O’Connor
10. A. Spillane
11. P. Geaney
12. Stephen O’Brien
13. K. Spillane
14. D. Roche
15. S. O’Shea

Galway Starting Lineup Against Kerry 
1. C. Gleeson
2. J. McGrath
3. S. Fitzgerald
4. E. Kelly
5. D. McHugh
6. J. Daly (Captain)
7. L. Silke
8. P. Conroy
9. J. Maher
10. J. Heaney
11. C. Darcy
12. C. Sweeney
13. R. Cunningham
14. R. Finnerty
15. C. Ó Curraoin