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If banging on a door doesn't work then you have to kick it it. Whether it's a pair of hypervenom boots or a high heel doesn't matter. For the Camogie players of Kilkenny for years they’ve laboured in the shadow of successful hurling teams. Unknown much outside their county and the circles of their sport. Times are changing, slowly but they’re getting there. Armagh and Carlow, emerging teams deserving their day in Croke Park.
For years Camogie has been viewed under the glass ceiling of media coverage. Not enough interest out there they’ve been told. 'No one wants to read about women's sport'. The everyday sexism and misogyny is all around us, in every break in the game. It's been the same story for too long. With notable exceptions Camogie tends to be ignored or treated with ignorance. A prominent GAA writer told us once he hated the game. Clearly had never been to watch one was my response. The days of the pinafore long gone. Try S&C. sports science, players demanding professional class preparation, specialist coaching, dietary advice, and starting with a basic, food and hot showers.
A few years ago it was suggested to the powers that be that if the media wouldn't cover Camogie then Camogie should cover itself. The game was tailor made for social media. Gradually this information has been assimilated and finally the penny dropped. Now and in the best traditions of an Association that counted Agnes O’Farrelly as one of its earliest presidents, the sisters are doing it for themselves.
On social media it’s easy to pick up the championship coverage previewed by Anna Geary, Ursula Jacob and Daragh Ó Conchúir, who provides the male interest and glamour factor. Is it a surprise the programmes come across well? Not at all. Just a pity there hasn’t been a home found on the mainstream media outlets for the content.
Camogie has its fair share or articulate and professional athletes. Mags D'Arcy on the Sunday Game is the equal, match and better of a number of other pundits. If RTE is worth its salt she should take a seat for hurling. Current Cork captain Ashling Thompson is a tough, swashbuckler on the pitch and an articulate, personable and welcome voice off the pitch. Also in studio Jill Horan of Tipp is another top analyst, clued in and to the point. As is stalwart Therese O’ Callaghan. Anna Geary is everywhere these days but she has fronted up Camogie’s own championship coverage with aplomb. Taking matters into their own hands Typical of the female of the species in GAA circles.
If there is one minor quibble it is that outside the bigger counties there is a need for dedicated games coverage. But you can see the game getting there. The Camogie people in Armagh, Kerry, Mayo and Cavan are no less passionate.
When the WGPA was established in 2015, initial priorities were player representation, health and well being and education initiatives. In each, work is underway and players have started to see tangible benefits as well as an increased sense of worth.
From 2017 the Government has announced it will be providing funding of €500,000 in 2017 and 2018, through Sport Ireland, to support programmes included in a joint proposal by the Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA), the Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA). It is welcome support. And hopefully the precursor to greater things ahead.
What the WGPA would like to see is a basic minimum level of standards across county panels. This week the Examiner revealed the Cork backroom team for Sunday’s Senior and Intermediate finals comprised 16 people, encompassing selectors, coaches, specialist skills coaches, Strength and conditioning, mental coaching and sports science and analysis. By comparison, the Tipperary hurlers’ All Ireland backroom set up included 23 people.
It’s about recognising the work that these players put into our national games. Their commitment and dedication deserves no less. If you can, make the commitment to making a change in your own club. No matter how small, the difference it makes could be immense.
Make the effort to take yourself along to Croke Park this Sunday for the All Ireland Finals, Junior, Intermediate and Senior. If you don’t already know what to expect, you will be in for a welcome pleasant surprise.
16:00 Liberty Insurance Senior Final Cork v Kilkenny
14:00 Liberty Insurance Intermediate Final Cork v Kilkenny
12:00 Liberty Insurance Junior Final Armagh v Carlow