Camogie cloud comes silver lined

THERE is no sponsor on board for the 2012 national camogie championships.

President Joan O’Flynn delivered the news at the launch of the 2011 championships in Croke Park yesterday but there was some good news when she announced that numbers joining the organisation had never been greater.

Gala Retail Services ended their sponsorship of the championship for 2011 but O’Flynn admitted the association is currently working towards putting an agreement in place for the 2012-‘15 campaign.

“It is important that we understand and acknowledge there are economic constraints at the moment. There are challenges there. But we are actively engaging with companies with a view to having a sponsor in place at the earliest opportunity.

“We concluded a very successful five-year partnership with Gala Retail Services. During those five years the profile of the game was enhanced immeasurably at national and local level. We want to build on the success of that relationship and it is important to have a commercial partner to support us to continue to be a progressive and innovative organisation.

“We have a membership of 100,000 and we are a national brand. We offer a unique membership in that it is young players who are playing a national game. We are keen to take the opportunity to work with a partner in developing, expanding and promoting the game and in a way that is mutually beneficial for all.

“One of the key benefits for a sports organisation like the Camogie Association in having a commercial partner is that it actually enhances the capacity to reach out into the community and to promote sport to the wider audience.”

This year for the first time, Offaly will partake in the senior championship following their success at junior and intermediate level in the past two years.

However, all eyes will be on champions Wexford who open their campaign at home to Galway in a repeat of this season’s league final.

Eight counties will compete in a round-robin format to vie for the top four spots. O’Flynn is confident this championship will showcase all that is good about the game.