Cork leading way as camogie's popularity continues to rise
Dublin's Gráinne Skelton tackles Orlaith Mullins of Cork. Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane
A positive day for the Camogie Association in last weekend’s All-Ireland semi-final double-header bodes well for the sport’s future.
It was refreshing to see each of the Nowlan Park seated stands close to full for last Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-finals.
The majority of attendees were young with a reported 18 bus loads having travelled down from the capital. All-Ireland finalists Galway, following their win over Tipperary, were equally well represented.
A large portion of Cork and Dublin fans stayed on and added to the atmosphere of closely fought second semi-final. Cork and Galway’s supporters certainly made their presence felt suggesting an even better atmosphere in Croke Park on Sunday week.
Despite the loss, you would hope the memories created by spending the day on a bus journey to and from Nowlan Park will help inspire the next generation of Dublin Camogie stars.
Cork manager Ger Manley commented on the positive atmosphere immediately after.
“As for the support we got today, I am involved three years and it is the biggest crowd I’ve seen at a camogie match. Thanks to the Cork supporters and fair play to the board for driving things on as well,” Manley said.
Driving it on will be as important for last weekend’s semi-final losers as for Cork and Galway.
Increased social media and newspaper coverage has helped improve the overall presentation of camogie. A professional-looking and well-maintained website, equally so.
Credit where it is due, on any of this season’s match days, the Camogie Association‘s X, Facebook and Instagram platforms have been full of engaging content to keep fans up to speed.
It is not that long ago that Rory Noonan wrote about the fact the Cork hurlers received unbelievable support but what about getting behind both of Cork’s Camogie and ladies football teams?
There is no getting away from the fact we are still some way off reaching full houses in Croke Park for either an LGFA or Camogie All-Ireland final.
Yet, there are signs of hope with each passing year. Increased attendances for All-Ireland finals coupled with the huge crowds that travelled to Nowlan Park for last Saturday’s semi-finals double-header underlines that point. Cork (seniors and intermediates) and Galway will bring huge numbers with them in a fortnight.
Long-term, it is going to take a huge collective effort of associations, players, GPA and supporters to keep the positivity surrounding ladies football and camogie on the front foot.
What’s clear is that there is a desire to do just that. Will all three associations, GAA, LGFA and Camogie, coming together make that desire a reality? What cannot be disputed is the fact increasing social media and press coverage is having a positive effect, especially in camogie.
RTÉ and TG4 have been big supporters of women’s sports not just in recent times but over the past decade. Clearly, the national broadcaster sees the benefits. RTÉ reaffirmed their commitment to camogie by signing a multi-year contract, back in 2022 and running until 2027, which will see a minimum of nine games shown live on RTÉ television each year.
Now it is over to Cork and Galway to bring the curtain down on another positive camogie championship. A huge crowd is guaranteed in Croke Park and another sign of the sport’s positive growth.
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