Lauren Homan 'disappointed' not to receive Cork senior camogie call as attention turns to Cork City FC
CHANGE OF CODES: Lauren Homan during a Cork City squad portraits session at Bishopstown Stadium. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Lauren Homan is determined to ensure that Cork GAA’s loss is firmly Cork City Football Club’s gain.
Despite captaining the Rebels’ intermediate camogie team to All-Ireland glory in 2024 and winning a soaring star for her own performances in the process, Homan didn’t receive the re-call to the senior set-up that she felt she had earned.
In fact, the two-time All-Ireland senior camogie winner didn’t receive any call whatsoever over the decision.
“It’s usually just before Christmas that they call girls up to the seniors and I didn’t hear anything,” explained Homan.
“They call the girls in and have meetings so when I heard the meetings were held and girls from our intermediate All-Ireland winning team were approached and I hadn’t heard anything I just put two and two together that that was my Cork camogie season at an end.
“I was quite disappointed. I feel like performance wise I couldn’t have done any more but look everything happens for a reason, that’s out of my control what happens and who is picked.
“I have never been reached out to, never been told why I haven’t got the call-up or even given a training session.
“It’s just been complete silence once we won the All-Ireland, I haven’t heard a thing. It’s disappointing but sure look you have to keep the head down and drive on.
“I thought I would be playing club camogie for the year but in January City reached out and I just took the opportunity and I’m enjoying it; that’s the main thing.”
Just as a quick sidenote, Homan also believes the decision to change the format of the camogie competitions is a “disgrace” with a number of players now missing the chance to represent their county.
The change to the structure means that Cork, along with all other counties who have a second team, can no longer enter the intermediate or junior All-Ireland championships.
“To be honest, I think it is a bit of a disgrace,” added the 25-year-old.
“I wouldn’t have been able to play intermediate regardless because if you win it you have to take a two-year break.
"But for the girls that could who are coming through the ranks and can play at a higher level but can’t make the senior team, I thought it was a great stepping-stone.
“You have so many girls who have huge potential that are just playing with their clubs now. It’s very disappointing, it’s backwards if you ask me.”
Homan’s passion for camogie remains, clearly, and while she looks forward to representing Brian Dillons in the club championship later in the year, her focus in the short-term is making an impact with Cork City.
The winger returns to the City squad after a seven-year absence which was brought on by her leaving-cert commitments before the Cork senior camogie management did come calling back in 2018.
In that time Homan has featured for her local club Lakewood Athletic, although she thinks it may have only made a couple of appearances, but a rigorous pre-season schedule in the last few weeks has helped her regain her footballing rhythm.
She also needed to rebuild her fitness having undergone minor surgery in recent months but after eventually answering City’s call to come training, she is ready to make an impact in her second spell at the club.
Her second competitive debut could come on Saturday when the Rebel Army travel to Peamount United for their Women’s Premier Division season opener.
“I was a little bit hesitant at first because I didn’t think I would be up to the standard, but I went training and sure look I have been there since,” laughs Homan.
“I don’t expect to be in any starting eleven any time soon because I only came back but I would like to get in or thereabouts eventually. Everyone’s goal is just to get as many wins and points on the board as possible.
“Peamount are a strong side, they’re an experienced side but we have put in a lot of hard work so hopefully we can get something out of the game.”
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