Omagh take Tyrone camogie to task

By Niall Gartland

OMAGH St Enda’s have issued a hard-hitting statement lambasting the Tyrone Camogie board for their “refusal” to refix their Bridie McMenamin Post Primary Championship final against Naomh Treasa of Dungannon.

Tyrone camogie’s decision to award the title to Naomh Treasa by default has earned the ire of the St Enda’s club, whose chairperson Conor Sally argues that they were in no position to play the game due to the proximity of fixtures involving dual players as well as having other players unavailable due to holidays.

In his statement released to club members, Sally goes on to say that principles of integration have been waylaid by administrators involved with Tyrone camogie and ladies football.

“This is the third time this year that we have had avoidable fixture clashes in close proximity of each other and subsequently we have been told that those making fixtures in Tyrone LGFA and Tyrone Camogie do not confer nor consult each other when scheduling fixtures. As the only club in Tyrone that offers our players all four major codes within the GAA family, we find this revelation astonishing.”

The statement continued: “We have asked for a joint meeting with the fixture makers in both organisations within Tyrone in the hope of partnership and co-operation going forward. We will also lobby both organisations to take real steps towards integration in the short term.

“Despite Tyrone Camogie Association taking almost immediate steps to present the winning post primary trophy (well within the period afforded to us to appeal the decision) we will as a club committee consider our position fully and also raise the player welfare and child protection concerns that pertain from the decision, both within the county and at Ulster level.

“Sadly, today reminds us all once again of the consequences of separate associations within the GAA family and the disadvantage of being a dual player, or a dualone club. All too often we hear talk about integration from administrators both within and amongst our associations.

“The time for talking is over, its time for action. In the GAA in Tyrone, we lead and have led on many fronts – it’s time to take the lead on integration now. We assure you that we will on behalf of you our members continue to lead in that regard and promote One Club, One County, One Association.”

Tyrone Camogie were unavailable when contacted about the matter by Gaelic Life this week.