The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
ALL-Ireland camogie winners, Inagh, were honoured by Clare County Council on Monday evening.
The Inagh girls took All-Ireland honours in November and welcoming them to the civic reception, Mayor of Clare said it was “a unique occasion to have an All-Ireland winning team in our midst”.
He praised all involved in the preparation of the team and noted the loss of captain, Michelle Wynne hadn’t derailed their All-Ireland bid, something he said was “a tribute to your team spirit and community spirit”.
The mayor also said the win would raise the status of camogie in Clare and he also congratulated Bríd McNamara, the county board’s PRO, who won the Camogie Association’s National PRO of the year award for 2011.
Councillor Richard Nagle said he wanted to pay tribute to their achievement. “I want to offer my sincere and heartiest congratulations to the team, panel and mentors and to everyone associated with this tremendous victory.”
Fianna Fáil councillor, Michael Kelly said their achievement was huge. “To win a county championship is extremely hard, to win a Munster is harder altogether and to win an All-Ireland you are really tops.”
Councillor James Breen said he was glad Clare camogie now has its own pitch on the Quin Road in Ennis. He said he expects to have further successes in the coming years. “I’m confident that you will go on and win the senior championship this year. Well done ladies, the county is very proud of you.”
Speaking on behalf of the team, its manager and former councillor, Flan Garvey said the civic reception was the highest honour that could be bestowed on Clare people. However, he said the players, management and officials would “take it in our stride humbly but we know All-Irelands are scarce in Clare and we are proud to be the first Clare camogie club to win an All-Ireland”.
He paid tribute to trainer, Patricia McCarthy, whom he also said had “led by example” on the field in the county final. Mr Garvey also praised the team’s supporters and the parents and families of the players.
