Brid MacNamara has stepped down as a public relations officer with Clare Camogie.
By Jamesy McConigley
The shock news broke at the Clare camogie AGM at the Hotel Woodstock on Monday. MacNamara notified the Clare camogie board that she won’t be accepting the role of PRO having been Assistant PRO in 2016, a position she worked in having served the maximum five consecutive five years in a position.
An emotional MacNamara told The Clare Herald “It’s been a huge sense of an achievement and when I look at some of the senior players on our senior county panel now the likes of Roisin McMahon and Carol O’Leary having seen them develop since U14 to the class players they’re today, it’s superb.”
Plaudits flooded in for the Ruan native for her tireless work over the past decade in promoting camogie around the County. MacNamara admitted that the job had been ‘exhausting’ but was immensely proud of the giant steps taking forward for boosting the profile of the game.
“Things have progressed for camogie in the county, it means a lot for me personally the fact that especially our senior county final is now treated almost on the same level as the senior hurling final, to me that means we have achieved so much. I go back a few years ago, 2010 our senior final didn’t garner the attention it does now and now to see it being treated like it is with previews, headshots and interviews with management to see that, it’s a job well done.”
Chairperson Joe Robbins led the tributes, acknowledging her commitment. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers followed by a standing ovation. Parteen delegate Marie Hall thanked MacNamara for her performance during her tenure. She said “Whether it was the senior teams in the county or the U13c shield final that Parteen were participating in, she gave us as much time as the senior clubs and we really appreciate that”.
Providing her report at the AGM, Brid paid tribute to all who assisted her. “In terms of PR, our year got off to a great start with the 2015 Senior County Finals programme being named the Programme of the Year. To the Clubs who featured in the programme & to the Clare Champion, Clare People, Clare Herald & RSVP magazine who contributed articles a sincere word of thanks. To all Club personnel who have throughout 2016 submitted match reports, team sheets for programmes & kept me updated on their Club activities sincere thanks. Without your input it is not possible to promote Camogie and I do appreciate your support”.
“To the management and players of our Inter County teams, your cooperation, especially after difficult results, is to be commended. Your support of our players shone through, thank you all for your time and cooperation with post match interviews. To the local print media & digital print media, your continued coverage and support continues. I think it’s fair to say that when we see our Senior County Final garner practically the same coverage as the Senior Hurling Final that we have arrived”.
“Lastly, to the girls who play Camogie – your lot is a difficult one in that you expend the same efforts as your male counterparts but your efforts are not viewed in the same light by some. I can only hope that someday the glass ceiling, which we have cracked will be broken” she concluded.
MacNamara has been working on the Executive since 2002 and has decided to step down after fourteen years.
Sad day for @ClareCamogie as Brid Mc hangs up her boots, always lifting us to greater heights! pic.twitter.com/SIxEb3neOo
— Carol O’Leary (@carololeary23) December 6, 2016
The mighty Brid Mac is a big loss for Clare Camogie, much loved by all. Hopefully she’ll stay involved in some shape.#legend https://t.co/XRdXB16Hry
— Denise Lynch (@denlynch22) December 5, 2016
Don’t know how she will be replaced. Thanks to Brid Mac for the years of amazing work. https://t.co/hAorApDLw4
— Aine Cormaic (@AineCormaic) December 5, 2016