February University of Galway hosts Electric Ireland Third Level Camogie Championship Finals

University of Galway plays host to the prestigious Electric Ireland Third Level Camogie Championship Finals this weekend, as the senior team seeks to end a six-year wait to win the Purcell Cup.

The finals take place at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Co Mayo, with 11 fixtures to be played across four grades, including in the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome.

University of Galway’s senior Camogie team last won the Purcell Cup in 2018 and this year take on Mary Immaculate in the semi-final on Saturday February 10^th at 3pm. 

Some 23 of the 29 players on the senior panel come from Galway clubs and the remainder from Kilkenny, Clare and Derry. The side is captained jointly by current senior Galway goalkeeper Fiona Ryan and 2022 All Ireland winner Tiffanie Fitzgerald (Kilkenny). 

The junior team compete in the Uí Mhaolagáin Cup Final on Saturday at 6pm.   

University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to the students, coaches, volunteers and supporters who are travelling from all over the country to the 2024 Ashbourne, Purcell, Meachair, Uí Mhaolaghain and Aisling Murphy  festival of camogie. I would also like to wish University of Galway players and coaches every success this weekend. It is a great privilege for us to host the competitions for the first time since 2018 and it is an even greater privilege for us to be able to invite all the teams to compete in such first-rate facilities. Our partnership with Connacht GAA is going from strength to strength and we hope all those involved in this prestigious sporting event get great enjoyment from playing at such a quality venue, including the University of Galway Connacht GA Air Dome.”

Speaking ahead of the finals weekend, club chairperson Muireann O’Reilly said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Electric Ireland Third Level Camogie Championship Finals weekend and to welcome all teams. As one of the oldest clubs on campus University of Galway Camogie Club has a long tradition and we are honoured and privileged to carry on that tradition. We are delighted to have two teams in action and we would like to thank Connacht GAA for their assistance in hosting the event. I would also like to thank our club sponsors, Aerogen, for coming on board this year and supporting us in our efforts on and off the field.”   

Acting Director of Sport at the University of Galway, Feargal O’Callaghan, said: “University of Galway Camogie Club has put in a tremendous effort over the last couple of years and we are hoping for some good results here this weekend with a view to taking camogie in the University to the next level.  We’re delighted to be playing in the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome and we thank Connacht GAA for the use of their fantastic facilities. I would like to wish all teams competing this weekend the best of luck. I would like to thank all our players for the dedication they have shown, our coaching and management team for all the hard work they have put into preparing the girls this season and finally a thank you to our sponsors Aerogen for their valuable support.”  

For all info see www.camogie.ie and stay tuned for updates by following @Camogie_OG, @ElectricIreland and through using #FirstClassRivals.

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