Kilkenny Camogie All-Stars shine on an unforgettable adventure in New York
The Camogie All-Stars sparkled as they enjoyed the hugely-successful tour to New York.
Seven Kilkenny players - Katie Power, Davina Tobin, Claire Phelan, Meighan Farrell, Edwina Keane, Grace Walsh and Denise Gaule - were among the group of players, support staff and media who participated in the Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Stars Tour.
Kilkenny’s Claire Phelan, part of the 2019 All-Stars team, keeps her eye on the sliotar during the 2019 Liberty Insurance Camogie All-Stars game at Gaelic Park, New York Picture: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
Refereeing and coaching courses were also organised by the Camogie Association, as the links between New York and Ireland were strengthened, with Irish ex-pats and native-born Americans joining forces to develop a love of Camogie in America and beyond.
A referee’s course was conducted by the man in the middle for last September’s Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Championship Final Ray Kelly, while the Camogie Association’s Coach Education and Development Co-Ordinator Niall Williams – joint manager when Kilkenny reached the 2013 and 2014 All-Ireland deciders – hosted coaching courses throughout the week, prior to moving on to Canada where he is continuing his work.
Importantly, the players who have been recognised as among the best in the land the past two years received a tangible reward, just as their male peers do, with Liberty Insurance doubling down on their support of camogie and women in sport generally, while the Camogie Association pushes hard to raise standards on an annual basis.
Kilkenny camogie star Meighan Farrell (All-Stars 2018) in action against Niamh Kilkenny of the 2019 team
The 2019 team got the better of the class of 2018 at Gaelic Park, thanks largely to a stunning first-half contribution by Cork speedster Amy O’Connor.
Current Player of the Year Niamh Kilkenny, Waterford trio Beth Carton, Lorraine Bray and Niamh Rockett and Limerick’s Niamh Mulcahy were just some of the others to stand out.
O’Connor scored 3-4 from play in the first half as this year’s crew proved far too strong and energetic for the 2018 side. There was no way back for the 2018 squad after the resumption.
"I’m delighted,” the sharpshooter said of her performance. “It was a great game. It was very open in the first half in particular and it was lovely to play in."
O’Connor was full of praise for the tour to New York, which was a smash hit with players and supporters alike.
"Liberty Insurance put on an unbelievable show. New York is the biggest city in the world probably and it’s brilliant to be able to display our game here and show what camogie is all about."
SCORERS FOR 2019: A O’Connor 3-5(0-1f), N Kilkenny 1-2, B Carton 0-4(2fs), A O’Reilly 1-1, N Mulcahy 0-3, N Rockett 0-2, N Coen 0-1
SCORERS FOR 2018: C Devane 1-7(0-6fs), M Farrell 1-1, D Tobin 0-1, K Power 0-1, D Gaule 0-1
2019 ALL STARS: Sarah Healy (Galway), Shauna Healy (Galway), S Dervan (Galway), Edwina Keane (Kilkenny), H Cooney (Galway), Claire Phelan (Kilkenny), L Bray (Waterford), A Donohoe (Galway), N Kilkenny (Galway), N Mulcahy (Limerick), N Rockett (Waterford), A O’Connor (Cork), N Coen (Galway), A O’Reilly (Galway), Beth Carton (Waterford)
2018 ALL-STARS: A Murray (Cork), Grace Walsh (Kilkenny), L Treacy (Killeagh), P Mackey (Cork), H Looney (Cork), Davina Tobin (Kilkenny), C Sigerson (Cork), G O’Connor (Cork), Meighan Farrell (Kilkenny), O Cotter (Cork), Katie Power (Kilkenny), Denise Gaule (Kilkenny), K Mackey (Cork), C Devane (Tipperary), O Beagan (Dublin).
REFEREE: Ray Kelly (Kildare)