New president for Camogie Association

Dublin native Aileen Lawlor has been voted in as president-elect of the Camogie Association.

Yesterday's vote in Belfast saw Lawlor fend off the challenge of Catherine O’Hara, who also lost out three years ago to the current president, Joan O’Flynn.

“I am delighted to take up the position as president-elect of the Camogie Association” said Lawlor after her election. “It is a fantastic honour and a great privilege.

“During my tenure, I will work with others to continue to raise the profile of the Camogie Association and I would also like to focus attention on efforts to increase the number of female referees in the Association."

The St Munna’s clubwoman began her involvement in camogie with Crumlin, with whom she won an All-Ireland senior club title in 1985. She also won national league and Leinster championships with Dublin, before moving to Mullingar and winning a provincial title with Westmeath. She was a key cog in the St Munna’s machine that won 18 county titles in 19 seasons.

Lawlor graduated to refereeing and took charge of All-Ireland, national league and interprovincial finals.

She has been heavily involved in administration at club and county level but remains connected to the playing side of things having only retired last year. As Leinster League co-ordinator, she oversaw the competition’s growth from 19 participating teams in its inaugural season in 2007, to 36 by 2010.

Meanwhile, a committee has been established to review the code’s playing rules and to provide a list of proposals at next year’s Annual Congress in Cork.

Galway star Veronica Curtin, Wexford manager JJ Doyle and Kilkenny boss Ann Downey are amongst those who will carry out the review.