Offaly Camogie Notes

All-Ireland Medal Presentation Offaly Camogie Board held their presentation of All-Ireland Minor B medals and Under 16 B runners-up medals at a well attended Dinner Dance in The County Arms Hotel, Birr on Saturday night last. Present were guests chairperson Breda Hynes, who was also a selector on the Minor management along with Owen Maloney and PJ Murray. Also present were Pat Teehan, Chairperson of Offaly GAA, along with his wife Francis, Sheila Coonon, selector on the Under-16 management, and Johnny and Margaret Flaherty who sponsored both teams. Caroline McCarthy, Offaly Camogie PRO, acted as MC for the night and welcomed everyone. Breda Hynes spoke of the pride within the county as 2008 was a most successful year and hoped that 2009 will be even better. Pat Teehan spoke about the wonderful year that 2008 was for Offaly Camogie and that Michaela Morkan, in receiving the county"s very first All-Star, has booked a place in history for Michaela and Offaly as not many counties can claim All-Stars in hurling, football and now camogie. PJ Murray spoke of the privilege it has been to have worked with such a great bunch of girls over the years and great credit must go to the parents and families. Mollie Guinan, former administrator of the County Board, who presented the medals, spoke of the honour she felt at being asked to present the All-Ireland medals and, though she is not an officer, she keeps well up to date with all events within the county with keen interest. As the girls received their medals, Margaret Flaherty made a presentation to each minor girl of the jersey they wore on the day of the final which were embroidered. Alison Dooley, joint captain, spoke on behalf of her co-captain Michaela Morkan and her team-mates, thanking all who had helped them achieve their All-Ireland success especially the management, county board and finished by congratulating Michaela on her All-Star Award. Caroline McCarthy thanked the Loughnane family who have come on board as main sponsor for Offaly camogie teams for 2009. Presentations were then made to Margaret Flaherty, Owen Maloney, PJ Murray, Breda Hynes on behalf of the county board for all their voluntary work. A special presentation was made to Offaly"s All-Star Michaela Morkan and it is hoped that Offaly will have many more All Stars over the coming years. Finally Mollie Guinan was presented with a lovely piece of Galway Crystal as a mark of appreciation for the many years of wonderful work for Offaly Camogie. Junior Match Postponed After the very heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday the GAA pitch in Lusmagh was deemed unplayable on Saturday afternoon following an inspection. This game was therefore postponed and will have to be rescheduled at a later date. Offaly are due to play Armagh next weekend, possibly in Lusmagh, weather permitting. In the meantime, training continues in Crinkle on Friday night at 8pm.