More cooperation is needed between camogie and ladies football organisations when it comes to planning fixtures.
This was one of the many strong views expressed by Clare Camogie Chaiperson Joe Robbins in his address at their Annual General Meeting. He also gave an update on the development of Fr McNamara Park.
Robbins has completed three years as Chairperson, a position he is “humbled” to be in. He thanked his fellow officers, volunteers at club and county level, supporters along with the GAA, LGFA and WGPA.
“We are also very thankful to the media, the local newspapers, the on line and the radio for the support that they have given us in getting our sport and brand to the forefront of a wide audience” he stated.
Greater cooperation is needed between camogie and ladies football when it comes to organising fixtures in the eyes of the Clare Camogie Chairperson. At present they are working on protocols to agree on intercounty fixtures on an annual basis with the LGFA. Similarly efforts are ongoing to publish a joint fixtures plan and to avoid fixtures clashes.
One year from receiving €180,792 in Sports Capital funding, Joe stressed the importance this will have in helping to drive forward with the development of Fr McNamara Park which will become the county camogie grounds in Clare.
“After working for months on layout plans, negotiation process, on costs, planning etc, we are at the final stages of approvals with the EPA and it is hoped that the development of Phase 2 of the Fr McNamara development, 4 dressing rooms with showers, gym, meeting room, kitchenette, public toilets etc, will commence in the next number of weeks with completion expected by mid summer 2017” he said. A budget is in place with a small shortfall to be made up with fundraising initiatives
Outlining his objectives for the year ahead, the Sixmilebridge clubman wants to see phase two of the Fr McNamara Park development complete and is keen for an application to be made under the Sports Capital Programme for drainage work, the installation of floodlights and an artificial pitch at the grounds.
Other aims include creating a better relationship with the LGFA. He also referred to his view that the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association should merge into the one organisation.
During his address Robbins quoted John R. Wooden, Theodore Roosevelt and Pablo Picasso. “In Clare Camogie nothing is beyond us” was the concluding line from Robbins who is looking forward to beginning his fourth year in the hotseat.