With the Liberty Insurance camogie championship in full swing, there has certainly been some cracking games over the last few weeks that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
This week, we caught up with new Camogie Association President and Kilkenny woman, Catherine Neary to find out how she got involved with camogie and how she is settling into the new role since taking over from Aileen Lawlor at this year’s Congress.
Pictured with Aileen at Congress.
“I played camogie from a young age, and come from a GAA family,” she began. “I played most of my camogie with St Paul’s camogie club and then moved to James Stephens club,” she continued.
Looking back over the last few years, Catherine has certainly been kept busy.
“I have been a coach, mentor, selector and trainer at club level. I have held the posts of Chairperson of James Stephens camogie club, Chairperson of Kilkenny county camogie board, Chairperson of Leinster Council, Uachtarán Tofa and I’ve also been a member of a number of national committees.”
Indeed, she has a number of successes to her name, to include three senior club All-Ireland medals with St. Paul’s camogie club, along with a number of senior Leinster club medals and county championship medals.
“Then, I was elected as Uachtarán Tofa at the Camogie Annual Congress in March 2014 and took up the post of President on March 28th of this year, a position I’ll hold for three years,” she continued, adding that she is also Head of Human Resources at the University Hospital in Waterford.
“I would envisage it will be a challenge [to juggle everything], but I’m looking forward to it. So far it has been very busy and at times, challenging, but I have met with fantastically committed people who are tremendously passionate about camogie.
“It is wonderful to work with people who are passionate about camogie. The players, mentors, selectors and all those involved on the playing field are inspirational.
“During my term of office there will be a new National Strategic Development Plan which will drive the direction of the Camogie Assoication over the coming years.”
“There is also the issue of fixtures and trying to ensure that the vast majority of our playing population get as many games at possible in a structure that allows them to compete to the best of their ability.
“We hope to move forward with the work of the last number of years in relation to working together with the other members of the GAA family.
“We also hope to increase attendance at our games, which is a challenge, but one I believe we are capable of meeting.
“My hopes for the years ahead are to complete and implement the next National Development Strategic Plan, to move the One Club Model forward, to increase levels of participation, retention of players and membership, and to review fixtures at all levels of the Association…. I could go on!” she laughed.
“It’s good to be challenged though and my friends and family have been very proud and supportive as have my work colleagues.
“While I’ve only recently started my Presidency, there have been highlights already. I visited a number of schools in Ulster to celebrate the upcoming Féile na nGael and talking to the kids involved was great fun.
“Presenting the Division 1 League Cup to Niamh Kilkenny of Galway was another highlight as was presenting the Minor A trophy to Kilkenny.
“Personally, winning my first Senior All-Ireland club title is a big highlight for me.”
“Looking ahead to the remainder of the championship in the Junior A, I think Carlow have been outstanding so far in 2015 so I expect them to be the favourites to take this title but Kerry could push them all the way.
“The Premier Junior is difficult to call as it will be very competitive. It might just be that Laois make the breakthrough after failing at the final hurdle last year.
“In the Intermediate, I’d have to call Waterford, while at senior level, it’s another tough one. Cork are always serious contenders but Galway have proved this year that they will be there or thereabouts having won the Division 1 League title.”
“I would also expect Kilkenny, Wexford and Limerick to be in the mix and Dublin could cause a shock.
“At club level I think Oulart-the-Ballagh of Wexford will be the team to watch again but I would expect Milford of Cork to push them all the way.
“Aside from all of that though, the advice I would give players coming up through the ranks is to play as long as you can.
“Never give up as it’s not always the most skilful player that comes to the fore, but often the most committed.”
