Camogie: Proud history to be celebrated with night at Croker's museum

Niall Scully

IT will be a camogie night at the museum to remember. The tickets are flying out the door. Croke Park is expecting a full house.

The event takes place in the Croke Park GAA Museum on Thursday, January 28. The long and rich history of camogie will be examined and discussed.

Its colourful personalities will be remembered with fondness. Characters like the legendary Nell McCarthy. And the many women and men who shaped the sport.

Also on the agenda are camogie's future and the issues facing the game today. Some distinguished guests will speak. They include the camogie president, Joan O'Flynn.

Acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and author Eoghan Corry will also address the gathering. As will the respected camogie writer Mary Moran, who has published several outstanding books on the sport.

"It should be a very interesting evening," states Mary. "And we are very pleased with the interest that has been shown already.

"It certainly does looks like being a sellout and we'd advise people to book their tickets as quickly as possible.

"People are very welcome to bring along old photographs or any material they have relating to camogie. We'd be very grateful if they were willing to give us a copy of whatever they have.

"There is so much information out there about camogie down through the years, but the hard bit is to find out all the people who have it."

Mary's publications are regarded as the bible. They chart the history of the game from the first steps.

Her books include all the All-Ireland winners, complete with team lists and so much more. Dublin feature strongly with their record haul of 26 All-Ireland Senior Championship wins.

"They are still on top but we are catching up," quips the Cork native.

"Dublin had such wonderful teams back in the 50s and 60s. So many great players."

No doubt names like the 15-times All-Ireland winner Kathleen Mills will be feted on this special night.

As will the heroics of distinguished Dubs like Eileen Duffy-O'Mahony, Una O'Connor and Sophie Brack, all members of the Team of the Century. A selection of former players will form a panel to spark a question-and-answer session.

There's sure to be hot debate. And precious memories and tales of camogie's first lady, Angela Downey.

p More information is available from 8192361 or email soregan@crokepark.ie or gaamuseum@ crokepark.ie.