Camogie stars promise 'most competitive summer yet'

The Camogie Association this afternoon officially launched the 2004 All-Ireland championships, with President Miriam O'Callaghan promising the most competitive summer yet.

Representatives from each of the eight senior counties attended the launch, along with ambassadors from the remaining counties.

The championship enjoys sponsorship from Foras na Gaeilge, and RTE newscaster Sharon Ní Bheolain joined the players for the launch on Foras's behalf.

O'Callaghan said 2004 is a special year for the association as it is the centenary year of the camogie senior championship.

"I feel very strongly about marking our centenary year in a very special way and I believe this year's championship will do that," said O'Callaghan.

"I have every faith that this will be the most action packed and exciting year of all for camogie."

Derry will be welcomed back into the senior camogie championship and will face last year's beaten finalists Cork on June 26.

The first round of championship games will begin on June 19 with Galway taking on champions Tipperary and Antrim facing Kilkenny.