Liz Howard, President of the Camogie Association, and David Gunning, CEO of Coillte joined the young camogie players from Clare, Derry, Kerry, Laois, Louth, Monaghan, Tipperary and Westmeath, in Croke Park for the launch of the 2007 Coillte U14 Camogie Development Squads.

 

This programme, part of the Strategic Plan for Camogie, aims to improve the skill level of U14 camogie players in designated counties.  The partnership with Coillte began in 2004, the Camogie Association’s Centenary year.  Coillte, the forestry, and forest products company, confirmed that it is extending its sponsorship of the Development Squads for a further three years.  

 

Speaking at the launch Liz Howard, President of the Camogie Association said: “We in camogie are delighted with the extension of the Coillte sponsorship for a further three years.  Camogie and Coillte compliment each other perfectly.  The Clash of the Ash is synonymous with the game of camogie and this partnership with Coillte enhances the relationship.  The support of Coillte for the Development Squads nurtures the talents of our young players in the designated counties.”

 

Also speaking at the launch event, Coillte’s CEO, David Gunning said:

 

“Coillte is delighted to be continuing its partnership with the Camogie Association, and to be part of the development of young players across the country.  We grow our seedlings in Coillte Nurseries and we are delighted to be associated with another form of nursery – a Camogie nursery – through this sponsorship of the U14 Development Squads.  Coillte is an organisation, like the Camogie Association and Gaelic games in general, which is part of the fabric of rural Ireland, and we are very proud of this ongoing relationship.  Coillte manages the State’s forestry assets, adds value to the land in its estate, and manufactures and sells timber panels used in construction. The starting point of everything we do is the forest.”

 

The programme is also supported by the Irish Sports Council.  Counties will participate in coaching sessions and blitz competitions between now and September focusing on the skills of camogie.   

 

For information contact:

 

Camogie	Coillte
Sinéad O’Connor	Tom Byrne
Sponsorship & Finance Manager	Head of Corporate Communications
Tel: 01 8364619 / 0876405446	Tel: 353 1 201 5231 / 086 810 4224
www.camogie.ie	www.coillte.ie