Ceann Creige Camogs show battling qualities to stay up

THE first year in the British Senior Championship was always going to be a tough season for the Ceann Creige Camogs.

Having represented themselves and the club so well in the league campaign, everyone at the club knew that the championship would be a step up again, but it was a step up the girls were determined to make.

Consisting of five teams—three teams in London, one in Manchester and Ceann Creige—the logistics of organising going into the championship is no mean feat, let alone playing the game.

Whilst the girls lost their opening two games, they never lost hope. Those matches presented strong opposition in established senior sides and the deciding game would provide much the same opposition. It was a game the girls knew they had to win to stay up in the senior grade. That extra motivation might have been the deciding factor.

On a wet, cold day in Birmingham the girls faced Croydon of London in their final game. Much like the previous matches, it started quickly and physically and showed no sign of letting up. Both sides needed the win to stay up and neither side gave an inch.

Trailing by two points at half-time, the game was not going the way of Ceann Creige. However, with strong encouragement from manager Conor McCormick on the sidelines, the Camogs drove on and finished a tough game on the winning side, with a three-point win.

Incredible displays from players all over the pitch made this one of the most enjoyable victories for the team. Croydon never stopped playing until the final whistle and the club wishes to thank them for a sporting match and a good laugh and catch up after the match in Birmingham.

Matters then turned to semi-finals of the Camogie Championship. Thomas McCurtains of London awaited Ceann Creige in what was another tough battle. The girls went out and fought for every last ball like they did in every game prior. However, the experience of playing at senior grade was on show by McCurtains as they went on to win the match. Despite a dominating second half performance by the girls, the work was done by the London side in the first-half and they progressed to the final.

“We as a club, are extremely proud of the camogie team,” a club spokesperson said. “The semi-final place ensured that the camogie team will play at the Senior grade again next year. An amazing feat for the players, management and all those involved. We look forward to next year and all it brings for this wonderful group of athletes.

“Off the pitch, a word of praise must be given to the girls who completed the 2025 Great Scottish Run. Niamh Rice, Anna Clarke, Anna McKee and Helena McGough ran for themselves, the club and perhaps most importantly for a very worthy charity —The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

“The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust aim to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the body of loved ones who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland.

“Since the birth of KBRT following the tragic death of Kevin Bell in 2013, KBRT have repatriated more than 2000 loved ones to their families in Ireland from countries all over the world.

“It’s a very worthy cause and one we are proud to wear on the club's jerseys. The girls raised a phenomenal amount for the trust and we are so proud of them. Thanks to all who donated and congrats again to the girls on completing the run!”

Anyone wishing to get involved with Ceann Creige Camogie—on or off the pitch—please get in touch with the club on its social media outlets. It’s never too late—or early—to join up and get involved.