Camogie President Joan O'Flynn called for more progress and effort towards achieving sports equality in Ireland at the launch of the 2011 All-Ireland Camogie Championship at Croke Park today.
At the event, which was also attended by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring, she said that giving helping children to understand that women are major sports achievers was crucial.
She said: 'Sport is for all. There is a welcome increase in females playing sport particularly Camogie. Just as sport played by men is not for men only, sport played by women is not for women only.
'An increase in women in decision making roles in sport, positive attitudes, actions towards women’s sport and giving greater prominence and recognition to women’s sporting achievements will all make a difference.
'It is vital for future female participation in sport that children get the opportunity to understand that women are major sports achievers and are accomplished sports stars in their own right.’
O’Flynn also said that it is important to recognise that women’s sport is not solely for women.
'This year’s All Ireland Camogie Championship presents another wonderful opportunity for all sports fans - male and female to see this.
‘I am urging not just GAA fans, but all sports fans to experience the skill and excitement of top class camogie action and to see our sport stars in action. This year’s championship promises great excitement and skill with games at superb venues around the country and at great value.’
Minister Ring said: 'Irish women’s sport has never been stronger and in recent years the achievements of our female sports stars have contributed enormously to the overall success of Irish sport.
'Sport and recreation play a hugely important role in our lives; never more so than in today's hectic environment.'
This year's championship will feature extensively across all RTÉ platforms with live updates from selected venues each Saturday on RTÉ Radio 1 Saturday Sport, highlights coverage each week on RTÉ’s The Sunday Game and ongoing coverage on RTÉ.ie.
The Irish Daily Star Newspaper is also on board as the Association’s partner for a weekly Player of the Match Award.
2010 All-Ireland winning Wexford Manager JJ Doyle and Offaly supremo Joachim Kelly were both in attendance at today's event, along with players who will feature in this year’s senior, intermediate and junior championships.
Among those was Wexford captain Ursula Jacob, whose side will be bidding to retain the O’Duffy Cup. The Model County secured the Irish Daily Star Division One title in early April defeating Galway in a repeat pairing of the 2010 All Ireland Final.
Former All Ireland champions Cork, represented by dual star Rena Buckley, have received a massive boost ahead of their championship with the news that taliswoman Orla Cotter has resumed training following her recovery from a broken jaw sustained in this year’s Ashbourne Finals.
Following five years as championship sponsors Gala Retail Services ended its sponsorship of the Camogie Championship earlier this year.
The Association is currently working towards putting a sponsorship agreement in place for the championship 2012–2015.
