Members of Cork County Council recently approved a €50,000 contribution toward the development of Cork Camogie’s new Club House facility at their grounds in Castle Road, Blackrock, Cork.
On completion, the development will cost in the region of €1.2m. The construction of the clubhouse is yet another example of the great strides Cork Camogie continues to make since the opening of the Castle Road grounds by then President of the Camogie Association, Joan O’Flynn in March, 2012.
The outstanding work done by Cork Camogie on the field is very often obvious with Cork winning 3 of the last 4 All-Ireland titles and leading the National Roll of Honour with 26 All-Ireland titles in total. This unprecedented success is all the more impressive as it has been achieved despite never having, in their 110 year history a home base of their own.
Commenting at the announcement of the County Council’s contribution to the development, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. John Paul O’Shea said that “the fundraising effort for this development is a classic example of teamwork, perseverance and meticulous attention to detail, all characteristics that have long embodied the Cork Camogie team. I was lucky enough to be in Croke Park in September to witness and celebrate Cork’s latest impressive All-Ireland victory and was thrilled for all involved”.
Far too often going unnoticed however, is the huge amount of behind the scenes, off the field endeavour that is undertaken by all associated with the Association and the greater Cork Camogie community. There are 64 camogie clubs in the county (55 in the county and 9 in the city) and all members of these clubs ensure that the game in Cork continues to grow and remain healthy. This work is again evident in the countywide efforts that have been made to support the clubhouse development. Efforts that have seen almost €500k raised locally to date, grant aid from the National Lottery, the Camogie Association and the energetic Cork Camogie “Sponsor a Block” fundraiser which was the brainchild of the club itself and continues to raise funds through the club’s website www.corkcamogie.ie.
Mayor O’ Shea added “Today’s announcement is testament to the unheralded commitment of the wider Camogie family and is another example of the progress being made across the County in the women’s game. Cork County Council is delighted to acknowledge, highlight and support Camogie across the County. I want to wish the Cork Camogie Club every success in the development of their new clubhouse and wish them all the every best on the field for 2016 also”.
Founded in 1904, Cork Camogie is an independent voluntary organisation that strives to improve the women’s game across the County. To “Sponsor a Brick” see the Cork Camogie website (as above) or visit Castle Road, Blackrock and witness the progress yourself!
