The kids have hopefully all settled back in school and the Covid cases seems to be heading in a downward trend so its time at last to start talking about a return to games and Summer Camps.
Still no news yet for our Adult teams but we will be waiting on any government announcments next week.
Camogie
Our Camogie members will be on a major recruitment drive over the coming weeks trying to build on what is already a thriving section. Here's a brief synopsis of how its grown in such a short period.
In September 2011, after an absence of over 25 years, the opportunity to play Camogie was reintroduced to the female juvenile membership of our club. At that time, and for the first time in its 127 year history, Fingallians became recognised as a four-code club, providing training in Football, Hurling, Ladies Football and Camogie to its members. This important milestone was achieved in no small part, thanks to the trojan work of Sandra O’Brien, Sheena McCabe, Anne Marie and Jacquie Brett. Under their stewardship, this new juvenile section has grown steadfastly from a group of 30 players and 3 mentors in September 2011 to a thriving camogie section of over 250 players and mentors in 2021.
Now, 10 years on, there is lots to celebrate!!! Thanks to the support of the Club, we are now developing an Adult Camogie Section. Taking this step during the pandemic lockdowns, seemed like a heady task. But we are delighted to confirm that we have quickly drawn over 25 players to help make this happen.
So, if you are aged 16 to 100, and have played Camogie in the past or have always wanted to play, it’s never too late!
Return to Play
The Joe Duffy Nursery will return on May 8th at 10am, with the 2015 group on the all weather and the 2016 and 2017 group on the main pitch. You can purchase your nursery membership via the link below:
https://fingallians.clubzap.com/products/3455/purchases/new
Covid restrictions apply and please update your covid health questionnaire before each session. If you are interested in getting involved in coaching, admin or if you have any queries contact Brian Jordan brian.jordan.gpo.dublin@gaa.ie or 0873372495
The remainder of the Juvenile section will be returning in their given slots from 26th April with Covid restrictions in place. I'm sure you will all agree that if we all play our part in the safe return that things will continue to open up and hopefully we get back to playing matches.
Summer Camps
We are delighted to announce that Fingallians Summer Camps are returning. They are open to all Fingallians members, age 4 to 12, one camp per child.
Registration date to follow!
Camp Dates:
July 19th to 23rd --- Summer Club --- 9am -12
July 19th to 23rd --- Advanced Camp (age 13-16)
9am -12 (Balheary)
July 26th to 30th --- Summer Club --- 9am - 12
* August 9th to 13th -- Fine Ghallainn Club Samhraidh
* Fine Ghallainn Club Samhraidh will be a great opportunity for all our young gaelgeoirs to have a week of playing hurling and football through Irish.
* Deis Iontach a bheidh an Club Samhraidh d'ar gaelgeoirí óga chun seachtain den scoth de pheil agus iománaíocht a bheith acu trí mheán na gaeilge.
Fingallians GAA Online Bingo
Saturday April 24th at 7.30
Congratulations to all our winners in last Saturday nights Bingo. We are looking forward to another fun filled evening next Saturday.
As before when you purchase your books online you'll receive an email confirming your purchase, you'll receive your book(s) and link to the zoom call through email on Thursday the 22nd of April. You should then print your book. If you have issues with printing books let us know and we will do our best to sort it.
Membership
We would like to thank all of those who have paid their membership to date. As you are all probably aware at this stage all players and mentors must have their membership paid prior to taking part in any training or games. We would urge anyone who has not paid, please do so as soon as possible.
The Clubs History
Dave McKittrick takes a look at our Camogie through the years
According to the history books the club had a team way back in the sixties and then again in the early eighties. The rejuvenation of the camogie section in the 80's was due to people like Timmy Williams Philomena Rickard, Martha Byrne and Kathleen Markey along with a few parents who formed an adult and juvenile team that competed in Summer Leagues and many festivals. The section went through a lean time during the 90's and early 2000's. As mentioned earlier with the foresight of very enthusiastic mentors and the fantastic parents the Camogie got a new lease of life.
From 2010 to present day the teams have picked up league titles and championships in the juvenile section. Players have also been recognised at county level with many of our players having played with Dublin over these years. This year will see the start of Minor and Adult teams which is a massive success story for players, mentors, club and all who have helped along the way.
If anybody is looking to return to Camogie please contact the Club on Fingallians@gmail.com
Pictures of teams from the eighties
Included in the above: Pearl Gallagher, Sandra McCarthy, Laura Crosby, Tara Crosby, Geraldine Monaghan Jacquie Brett and others.
Mentors: Timmy Williams and Mena RickardAnn Howard, Sylvia Maxwell, Martha Byrne, Emer Woods, Linda Browne, Vera Tindely, Carol Crosby, Anne Curran, Margie Byrne and others.
(if anyone can help with missing names please contact us Fingallians@gmail.com)
If you have any photos that you think might be of interest to Fingallians please get in touch
pro.fingallians.dublin@gaa.ie
Dave: dmacsitric@gmail.com
