Camogie Congress approves Playing Rule changes

The 2021 Camogie Association Annual Congress took place on Saturday in a virtual format for the second year in a row due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Over 100 delegates were in attendance from across Ireland as well as a number of international delegates.

There were 35 motions up for discussion, with 20 of those related to the Playing Rules which can only be discussed every three years. 19 of those motions were passed, including the trial playing rules introduced for last year’s Championship.

The most notable rules changes include the removal of the handpass goal, however a handpass point will still be allowed. Players will also be no longer allowed to drop the hurley to get a pass away or in the process of scoring a point. Minimal contact will also be allowed for the first time.

13 motions relating to the Official Guide Part 1 were considered with 12 being approved, including the introduction of a new rule recognising the role of the Dual Player and facilitating the Dual Player as far as is practicable.

Hilda Breslin from Kildare has taken up the office of Uachtarán and will lead the Association for the next three years. Geraldine McGrath (Galway) was selected as the PR & Communications Representative to Ard Chomhairle while Cormac Ginty (Offaly) was voted as the Coaching & Games Representative to Ard Chomhairle and Patsy O’Keeffe (Waterford) was voted as Treasurer.

The annual Síghle Nic an Ultaigh Award for outstanding service to the Association by an administrator was presented to Phyllis Breslin of Dublin who devoted many years to Camogie in various capacities.