The inaugural Blitz na gCamán was held by the club in the superb facilities of CLG Cill Chomáin on Friday 27th September. Close to 130 children from seven National schools in Erris (S.N. na hEachléim, S.N. Corr Chloch, S.N. Béal an Mhuirthead, S.N. Dú Thuama, S.N. Gaoth Sáile, S.N. Gleann a Chaisil and S. N. Inbhear) took part in the Iománaíocht, Camogie and Foireann Meascaithe Competitions. Bhí go leor Gaeilge le cloisint agus na páistí ag cleachtadh an teanga.
The schools competed for three memorial shields on the day, the Mary Linnane Shield for camogie was won by S.N. Inbhear after a great final against S.N. Béal an Mhuirthead. This was the first ever camogie competition played in Erris and Mayo Camogie Board Secretary Caroline Conway and Development Officer Jennifer Houlihan were in attendance to spot the emerging talent as well as provide a skills clinic during the day.
If the camogie final was unique, the Iománaíocht final for the Ciaran Mallon Memorial Shield went to a golden score after being level at full time. Corr Chloch prevailed after a lovely move from defence to attack that left a shot on the SN Beal an Mhuirthead goal that was nearly saved by the ‘keeper. Cian O Toole, the new Mayo Development Officer was impressed by the committed defence of both teams and the level of skill on display. His coaching clinics during the day, alongside our coaching friend from Maigh Tuartha Joe Greaney provided each child with a chance to improve their skills.
The final of the fiercely competitive Foireann Meascaithe (Mixed teams) competition was played between S.N. Dú Thuama and S.N. Gleann a Caiseal for the John Barrett Memorial Shield with S.N. Gleann a Caiseal emerging narrow winners. Sean Barrett, who sponsored refreshments for the children on the day, presented his father’s memorial shield to the winning team.
Is breá le Gaeltacht Iorras Iománaíocht agus Camógaíocht an Gaeilge labhartha a chur chun cinn, is páirt dár ndúchas í. Rinneadh chuile scoil agus scoláire a nGaeilge a chleacht ar an lá agus thug Eimear Ní Ghallachóir ó Gaeilge Iorras féirín beag do na páistí Is mó a rinneadh iarracht, beatha an teanga í a labhairt.
Ní bheadh lá mar seo indéanta marach go leor oibre ó go leor daoine. Ba mhaith le Gaeltacht Iorras buíochas ó chroí a ghlacadh le CLG Cill Chomáin agus An Scéim Soisialta Tuaithe as ucht an páirc agus na háiseanna iontach atá acu a chur ar fáil agus iad réitigh go slachtmhar.
To the teachers who travelled and supported the school teams on the day – go raibh míle maith agaibh, níl neart gan cur le chéile.
It was great to see two “Young Whistlers” from Mayo Camogie referee the games and the great development work being done by the board enabled these two fine referees learn about local Erris rivalry, however without referees games are not possible go thank you very much and we will hope to see you refereeing in McHale Park soon and hopefully Páirc an Chrocaigh.
