Taoiseach's seal of approval

A NEW era of 'progressive change' will guarantee the future of camogie, predicted Taoiseach Bertie Ahern when he spoke at a special banquet on Saturday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Cumann Camógaiochata na nGael.

The highlight was the announcement of the camogie team of the century, which featured four players each from Dublin and Cork and, in the choice of Tipperary's Deirdre Hughes, the only current player.

Mr. Ahern said he believed that the new playing rules (extending teams to 15-a-side) and the re-structuring of the All-Ireland championships had brought a freshness to the organisational approach of the sport. "It will ensure that camogie remains an essential part of our Gaelic Games heritage in the 21st century," he commented.