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20.11.2017
Two teams comprising the country’s top Camogie stars will jet out to Madrid next week as Camogie goes ‘On Tour’ to the Spanish capital for the inaugural Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Stars Tour.
Recipients of All-Stars Awards from 2016 and 2017 as well as several nominees will take off for Madrid on Wednesday November 29th where they will play an exhibition match in Universidad Complutense de Madrid on Thursday November 30th.
The teams will include stars from 8 counties including Cork’s Aoife Murray, Dublin’s Aisling Maher and Galway’s Rebecca Hennelly who were all in attendance at today’s launch in Croke Park. Murray collected an incredible 7th All-Stars Award this year whilst Dublin’s Maher collected her very first award after a summer to remember for the Dubs. Hennelly will represent the 2016 All-Stars having collected her first award at right half-back in 2016.
The Tour will also include several other stalwarts of the game including Wexford legend Kate Kelly who won her 9th All-Stars Award in 2016, and Cork’s Gemma O’Connor who moved ahead of Kelly this year with an incredible record 10th All-Stars Award.
Cork’s Paudie Murray and Kilkenny’s Ann Downey will manage the sides. Murray picked up the 2017 Manager of the Year Award having guided the Rebels to a record 27th All-Ireland title this September. Kilkenny legend Downey was Manager of the Year in 2016 having ended the Cats’ 22 year wait to lift the O’Duffy Cup.
Antrim’s Owen Elliott who refereed this year’s Senior All-Ireland Final will be the man in the middle for the exhibition match. O’Neills Sportswear are the official kit suppliers for the Tour.
The Tour will also engage with the local Irish community in Madrid with a reception at the Irish Embassy and the Tour will also be hosted by Madrid Harps GAA Club. Camogie in Europe is on the rise and this Tour will showcase the incredible skills of the game to Madrilenians!
Speaking at the launch Camogie Association President Catherine Neary said:
“I am delighted to launch the inaugural Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Stars Tour to Madrid. Camogie’s continued commitment to the development of our game and our players as outlined in our National Development Plan ‘Our Sport Our Future’ is further enhanced by this initiative, as we strive to ensure that the needs of our players and our members are to the forefront of our plans.
“This Tour recognises the individual performances and dedication of our players to ‘Our Game’, promoting them as the tremendous athletes and role models that they are.
“I would also like to acknowledge the continued support of our sponsors Liberty Insurance who have assisted us in making the Camogie All-Stars Tour possible in 2017, and we look forward to our continued partnership in promoting the sport.”
Speaking in Croke Park, Director of Personal Lines for Liberty Insurance Deirdre Ashe said:
“Liberty Insurance is committed to raising the profile and awareness of women in sport; that’s why it’s a privilege for us to sponsor the first ever Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Stars Tour. The Tour provides an international dimension to one of the most exciting field games in the world, and is an opportunity to showcase the game to new audiences in Europe.
“Both the All-Stars Awards that were held earlier this month, and the Tour to Madrid recognise and celebrate the achievements of the country’s finest Camogie players. Each of the players are role models for young women throughout the country by their actions and deeds on and off the field of play and we’re really excited to be travelling to Spain later this month.”
Speaking on behalf of O’Neills Irish International Sports Company, Business/Marketing Manager Cormac Farrell said:
“We are delighted to supply kit and leisurewear to the inaugural Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Stars Tour.
“It is fitting, that this year’s selected stars will be rewarded with this exciting trip to Madrid. We have designed an eye-catching jersey for the teams and hope they wear it well. We hope that all involved enjoy the adventure, showcasing the great skills of Camogie.”
#CamogieOnTour
2017 All-Stars Team:
Aoife Murray (Cork)
Tara Kenny (Galway)
Catherine Foley (Kilkenny)
Laura Treacy (Cork)
Gemma O’Connor (Cork)
Máire McGrath (Clare)
Eimear O’Sullivan (Cork)
Meighan Farrell (Kilkenny)
Ashling Thompson (Cork)
Chloe Morey (Clare)
Katie Power (Kilkenny)
Amy O’Connor (Cork)
Ailish O’Reilly (Galway)
Aisling Maher (Dublin)
Aoife Donohue (Galway)
2016 All-Stars Team:
Emma Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
Sarah O’Connor (Wexford)
Sarah Dervan (Galway)
Collette Dormer (Kilkenny)
Rebecca Hennelly (Galway)
Anne Dalton (Kilkenny)
Miriam Walsh (Kilkenny)
Orla Cotter (Cork)
Michaela Morkan (Offaly)
Shelley Kehoe (Wexford)
Denise Gaule (Kilkenny)
Niamh Mulcahy (Limerick)
Tina Hannon (Offaly)
Kate Kelly (Wexford)