Camogie colour on show in Kilkenny as black and amber meets the stars and stripes

A Kilkenny camogie club rolled out the welcome mat and strengthened a sporting bond with a club from across the Atlantic.
Glenmore and the USA came together as the Camán to Carnew festival was held with great success in Wicklow.

The event came about after US delegate and Kilkenny native Sandra Holland was introduced to Wicklow Camogie Chair and Carnew club member Maurice Molloy at the 2022 Camogie Congress. During their conversations about camogie’s growth in the United States, an invitation was extended to Carnew for a weekend of camogie, friendship and community.

The project, known as the Camán to Carnew festival, immersed US players into the GAA community in Ireland, competing against Carnew Emmets (Wicklow) and Glenmore (Kilkenny).

Players from camogie clubs in every division around the US were invited to submit applications to join the panel through a virtual selection process. In February, a panel of 40 players was selected, providing each individual with sufficient time to accept the invitation and commence the coordination of training and travel plans.

Four coaches from across the country were selected to coach the panel: Arthur McCarthy, Ann McKiernan, Jake McAlpine and Noelle Comyn.

Prior to the event, the coaches met with athletes virtually to discuss training strategies both in terms of camogie skillwork and general fitness. Nearly half of these athletes attended the Camogie 360 development event in Pittsburgh, PA, where they were able to fine tune their gameplay and play on the field with their teammates for the first time.

The first team bonding activity of the weekend included a guided tour of Croke Park. Players, coaches, and family were able to tour the Croke Park Skyline and the dressing rooms.

That evening, the team arrived in Carnew to a most spectacular welcome before taking to the field for a small training session. Many of the athletes stayed with host families throughout the weekend.

Events continued with a parade through Carnew. Led by bagpipers, the players were welcomed by the community, before the US panels played full-sided matches against Carnew and Knockananna on two pitches. That evening, dinner was served at Kenny’s pub, featuring local entertainment including Irish dancers and traditional Irish music. The evening included performances of singing and dancing talents from many of the US contingent.

The festival continued the next day as the US and Carnew teams and their entourage made the journey to Glenmore. The Kilkenny club welcomed everyone with flags and enthusiasm. Both the Irish and US national anthems were sung and, after a very fun group warm-up session, the matches began.

Following the games, the closing remarks included Glenmore GAA presenting camogie trophies to individual players from Carnew and each of the US panels. The event continued at the Glen Bar with food, entertainment, Irish dancing and traditional Irish music.

The US side wrapped up their memorable trip with a guided hike in the Wicklow Mountains, capping a special weekend for the players. While some athletes extended their trips and others returned to the States, each and every player and coach left the weekend with friendships and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Such was the success of the Camán to Carnew festival, it is hoped to bring an American based team to Ireland every four years and an Irish team stateside on four year intervals.

Thanks went to supporters and sponsors for making the dream a reality. Special thanks went to Sharon Brady and Noelle Comyn; to Karen Jones, Deirdre Kinsella and PJ Griffin from Glenmore and Aoife Kenny, Christina Kinsella and Maurice Molloy of Carnew.