Camogie chief calls for increased focus on social inclusion

Camogie president Liz Howard has called for an increased focus by the GAA including everyone in Gaelic Games at the Camogie Association’s Annual Congress in Athlone.

The past decade has seen an influx of immigrants in Ireland from Eastern Europe and farther a field and Howard believes that Camogie, Ladies Football and the GAA must embrace the changing cultures within the country and use these to develop Gaelic Games.

She said: "We are in partnership with the GAA and Ladies Football to works towards social inclusion for those who are now part of the island of Ireland. This is an exciting project and has huge possibilities for everyone within Gaelic Games.

"We must be very aware of the importance of acknowledging and respecting the various cultures and customs that are part of this process.”

Howard also feels that those involved in Gaelic Games have ignored a certain section of Irish society, saying: "However, there is another issue that must be addressed. By and large the family of Gaelic Games caters mainly for middle Ireland. We have ignored part of our own society - the socially deprived. If we are serious about social inclusion we must reach out and encourage all to become involved in our Gaelic Games."

This weekend’s congress, which begins today and runs until tomorrow evening, will see a decision made on the Uachtaran Tofa or President Elect, who will replace Liz Howard next year. This is the first year a President Elect will be voted in.

Two candidates have been put forward for the position. Antrim’s Catherine O’Hara and Kildare’s Joan O’Flynn are the two contenders to replace Howard in 2009. O’Hara, who has been involved in Camogie for over 34 years, is the current Chairperson of the Ulster Council, while O’Flynn, who is a native of Cork, has been heavily involved with Kildare Camogie for many years and has worked at all levels within the game in the county.

The President elect will be decided tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at the Annual Congress, which is taking place at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone.