Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland camogie 7’s 44 years old and still going strong
 
In line with tradition, as part of the build up to the All-Ireland camogie finals in Croke Park, the Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland camogie 7’s will take place this Saturday 9th September.

Now in its 44th year, 21 counties will be represented at the national competition, with a good spread across the provinces:  19 Leinster clubs and 15 from Munster will be participating, along with nine clubs Ulster and four from Connaught (full list below).

The competition has three levels as teams will compete for the Proinsias Ó Cróinin Cup, the Sean Flynn Shield and the Plate, and games will be played in three locations - Glenalbyn, Silverpark and Olafs.  Throw ins will be from 10.30 and the finals are expected to take place at 6.15pm on the main Pairc de Burca pitch in Glenalbyn.

Last year’s winners of the Cup, Oulart the Ballagh from Wexford, will be defending their title on Saturday, and hosts Kilmacud Crokes will have two teams playing in the Cup and Shield. 

This is the 44th year the competition has been run in Kilmacud Crokes with an estimated 22,000 players participating over this time.  The winners of the very first trophy in 1974 was Buffers Alley of Wexford and previous participants include Kilkenny Manager and winner of 12 All Ireland inter-county medals Ann Downey, and double All Star winner and holder of four All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship's titles Mags D’Arcy. 

Other renowned 7’s players include sisters Una and Margaret Leacy and also Aileen Lawlor and Phyllis Breslin both of whom went on to serve as Uachtaráin of An Cumann Camógaíochta. 

SE Systems is once again the main sponsor for the 6th year, and this year welcomes Beko as new sponsor of the Player of the Tournament Cup.
 
Sponsor the 7’s for the 6th year is SE Systems and commenting on the competition managing director John O’Leary said: “SE Systems is very committed to promoting sport in the community which we do at a local level.  But we also wanted to support a national competition so we’re very proud to be associated with the 7’s, not least because it is a great marker in the camogie calendar and a beacon of tenacity, teamwork and great skill”. 
 
Chair of the camogie committee Rita Ní Chonaill said: “The format of the 7’s has evolved over its lengthy 45 years but the excitement hasn’t changed as clubs and counties vie to become 7’s champions.  This year in particular, with the Dublin seniors doing so well in the Championship and the Premiere Juniors playing in the Final on the 10th, we’re anticipating great interest and support for the 7’s.  There’ll be a good buzz around all 3 locations, and some explosive camogie on display.  We’re looking forward to welcoming the 48 teams from across the country, and to a great day for women’s sports.”