Ulster Camogie and Loughgiel Shamrocks’ Social Camogie 2nd August 2024
Report and photos from Michael Corcoran at Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel.
We watched the weather forecast with bated breath ahead of Friday night’s Social Camogie blitz from Ulster Camogie and Loughgiel Shamrocks, as an arm of wet weather swept across the entire province. Predications from the usual outlets suggested a playable window for the evening and true to their word, the sun came out on the stroke of 7pm, so that the players could warm up comfortably ahead of the first throw in at 7:30pm. There’s nothing like a blue-sky to lift spirits for an outdoor event.
The key to success for these events revolves around the weather, planning, volunteering and adoption of the rules and spirit by everyone. The basic concept behind social camogie is to enjoy yourself whilst engaged in some physical activity amongst friends. All of these elements were in abundance and much more.
With a wide acceptance of the invitation from Rossa – Magherafelt, Rossa – Belfast, Ballinderry, St. Paul’s, Tattyreagh, Swatragh and two teams from the host club as Loughgiel 1 & 2. Match rules were simple; supply a seven aside squad with unlimited substitution, 12 minutes straight down one half of a shortened pitch, puck outs from the goal line and no scoring from that puck out, helmets, boots and off you go! Our match referees coordinated the games in conjunction with Justin McCormick on the megaphone. The last match of the night between Loughgiel 1 and 2, witnessed a rare sight as ‘Roar-in’ (Ronan) McCloskey took to the pitch to referee in a dinosaur’s outfit. Not entirely sure we’ll see that catch on in Croke Park though.
‘Some of the players might be a bit rusty but none of the skills are dusty’ was a shout from the sidelines! There weren’t any scores taken, only a recognition that points and goals were scored, so our Fridge Raider scoreboard looked on in silence. With no overall winner except the spirit of the event, everyone wrapped up on time to enjoy supper and music in the Pound Bar & Lounge afterwards.
The evening finished with the award of three novelty awards, ‘funniest moment’, which went to St. Paul’s for smashing the team seat into two during a squad photo (sorry no photos, as the legs went up, vanity went out the window), ‘Couldn’t have missed but did!’ and ‘Spent most of the night on her posterior’. We’ll let you guess the last two winners from the photo album of last night’s event, which you’ll find by clicking on the link below.
You can expand the photos by clicking on it, view the album as a book or web pages, download any photo you like and order the entire album online if you wish.
https://myalbum.com/album/fgUNBZ3YxmHXzG/?invite=5e8fec35-424a-4071-9eef-61d39e800f5c
Follow Michael G Corcoran @keep_clickin on X (formerly Twitter) for match Gifs when available.
Follow The Saffron Gael @TheSaffronGael on X for links to hurling and camogie match reports.