Camogie Report AGM 16th December 2002

The time has come once again to look back on another year of camogie in Blackrock. The year started on a high note with the formation of a committee in February. A very successful and enjoyable table quiz was held and helped start off the year.

The number of teams continues to increase and with the formation of Cumann Camógaíochta na nÓg, Corcaigh we had competitive games all year. In the county competitions we entered U.12, U.14 and U.16 teams. The U.16 team went down to Newcestown in the semi-final of the championship. Hopefully they'll go further next year as all but one are still underage. The U.12 and U.14 teams performed well but failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the league.

Seandún season started in March with an U.10 Blitz. We beat St. Finbarrs in our section final. The U.13 team came up against two strong teams in Glen Rovers and Douglas and failed to make the final. The U.11 team won the plate final against Douglas in Church Road in October. It was great for the girls to see so many of the parents out to cheer them on. The U.16 team has reached the plate final against Na Piarsaigh, a game that has still to be fixed.

We took part in two tournaments during the year. In Ballinhassig in February the U.12 team won the plate final. The U.16 girls took part in a challenge in Dungourney as part of the Dongourney centenary celebration. We narrowly defeated them on the day in a well contested game.

We also ran our own tournament at U. 12¼ for the Garda Cup. On one of the finest days in the summer Church Road played host to six camogie clubs. Bishopstown beat Brian Dillons in the plate final and Blackrock beat Fr. O'Neills in the final. Aoife Brohan accepted the cup on behalf of Blackrock from Fiona O'Driscoll. Tea and sandwiches were provided on the day with the help of the committee. We're looking forward to next year.

We had to forego our annual trip to the All-Ireland Camogie as it clashed with the County Hurling Final. It was a pity this clash occurred as it would have been good for the girls to see Cork win the senior final. Next year is another year.

We would like to congratulate Cáit Kelleher on winning the Féile Skills and representing Cork very well in Belfast. We also congratulate Grace Mulqueen on being picked for the Cork Colleges U. 14 team and playing very well in all her games. They both kept the Blackrock name to the forefront and hopefully this is the first of many achievements for Blackrock girls.

With the number of Camogie players and teams increasing in Blackrock, which I believe is as a result of the success of the Hurling team, the shortage of pitches has become critical. We have conceded home venue on some occasions in order to fulfil our fixtures. This is not fair to the girls who as Rockies like to play as many matches as they can in Church Road. The other problem is dressing rooms. Four dressing rooms, that are not always clean, are not enough to service two pitches, when in the height of the season matches are often played one after another. This becomes much more critical when some of the teams are male and some female.

On behalf of any one involved in Camogie in Blackrock I would like to thank the officers of the Minor an Underage section. Without their practical support and advise we could not function as well as we do. I would also like to thank the coaches who give of their time so freely, the parents who help in any way they're asked and finally but not least the girls themselves. They are a credit to themselves and to their parents. They are a pleasure to be involved with from the youngest to the oldest. Long may it continue.

Mairéad Ní Mhaoileóin

Rúnaí