Camogie makes welcome return to Castleisland

THERE is a history of camogie in Castleisland going back a long way. There was a thriving club in Castleisland from the late 1960s up to the mid-1970s.

And the team represented the area in the inter-club competitions in Kerry at the time.

A hurling club, which drew players from the district, was also based in Castleisland at around the same time, and it also engaged in intermediate club championship and county league games.

Now, the noble game of camogie looks well set to make a return to the area, and some behind-the-scenes work has been conducted with that very aim.

Kerry Camogie Development Officer Laura Collins – along with former Cork minor player and now Cordal resident, Anne Walsh – are currently training potential players in three schools in the Castleisland area.

The women are bringing the game to pupils in the Presentation Primary School’s fifth and sixth classes; to Kilmurry National School in Cordal from third to sixth class; and to Presentation Castleisland Secondary School.

All the classes are receiving nine free training sessions, along with equipment provided and sponsored by the Munster Camogie Council.

“We hope, with the support of Castleisland Desmonds GAA Club, to start a camogie club for the girls of the area,” said Anne.

“Camogie is a great team sport, and it’s getting a great response from the children, and it would be great to have it here in Castleisland. And we’re hoping to hold an open day when we get a few more bits and pieces sorted out.

“If anyone would like to get involved to help or support us, we would be delighted to hear from them, and they can contact Laura Collins, Kerry Senior Camogie panelist, on 087 12 74 708; or myself, Anne Walsh, on 087 75 90 967,” Anne concluded.

Photo by John Reidy Co-organiser Anne Walsh pictured with camogie enthusiasts: Amie Pidgeon, Currow; Sarah Mason, Ballymacelligott; Fiona Waters, Cologne, Germany and Clodagh Delaney, Castleisland.