Antrim progress a result of underage efforts: Dowds

By Michael McMullan

ANTRIM camogie manager Elaine Dowds feels the game in the county is in a “really good place” and puts the climb down to work at underage.

Her comments come on the back of qualification for the knock-out stages and the county’s second team winning last year’s All-Ireland junior title.

In reaction to last weekend’s win over Offaly Dowds said the squad was “buzzing” before explaining why the county’s camogie stock has risen and the underage development.

“The people who’ve put the work in at the clubs and primary schools,” she outlined of roots of their senior progress. “A lot of behind-the-scenes stuff – the work that has been put in as last 10 or 15 years is paying off.”

Todays goals pic.twitter.com/jL9YKB4TYu

— Antrim Camogie (@CamogieAontroim) June 17, 2023

That “early work” carries through into second level – where she is involved with Cross and Passion in Ballycastle – and the cycle continues.

“There are really good structures in place now at county, no matter what age group or level and aspiring to play county is now a goal again for young people around Antrim,” she added.

“I think that the success the county has achieved in the last few years has helped to raise the profile of the teams and players. Obviously social media has helped fire faces out there that some young people now recognise and aspire to be like, but Antrim camogie is in a really good place.

For the full interview, check out Thursday’s Gaelic Life.