Urgent Call to Action: Camogie Faces Attendance Crisis Now!

UPDATE: A former Kilkenny camogie manager is urgently calling for greater passion and support for Camogie, highlighting a shocking decline in match attendance. On July 6, 2023, the crowd at Croke Park for the Kilkenny vs. Tipperary quarter-final was embarrassingly low, especially considering that 60,000 fans cheered for the same hurling teams just 90 minutes later.

Peter Chap Cleere, who managed Kilkenny Senior Camogie, expressed profound disappointment over the lack of support. “It is incomprehensible that fans would not turn up early to support their county in Camogie,” he stated. This urgent call to action emphasizes that while Camogie gained attention due to the skort controversy earlier this year, it has since slipped back into obscurity.

The Ard Chomhairle of the Camogie Association recently made strides to improve player comfort by allowing choices between shorts and skorts, but the enthusiasm has faded. Cleere points out that the real battles remain: chronic underfunding, insufficient training facilities, and a glaring absence of media coverage.

Camogie remains underfunded, with basic facilities lacking. Cleere recalls the struggles faced during his coaching tenure, where the team had to pay for training facilities at South East Technological University due to the absence of suitable pitches in Kilkenny. “Where is the public outcry about the lack of access to high-quality pitches?” he asks.

Media coverage is crucial for raising awareness and attracting sponsorships. Cleere argues that if Camogie received consistent broadcasting similar to men’s hurling, interest would soar. “Regular live coverage would grow the fanbase and increase advertising revenue,” he explained, emphasizing it’s a critical issue that has been largely ignored.

The apathy surrounding Camogie is alarming. Despite the thrilling match on July 6, the attendance was significantly lower than expected. Cleere highlights the contrast between the turnout for the hurling semi-final and the camogie quarter-final, indicating a troubling trend of disengagement from fans. “Attendance shows players they are valued,” he insists, urging the community to step up.

To address these challenges, Cleere calls for immediate action: consistent media coverage, increased public attendance, and ongoing support from clubs and county boards. “If you engaged during the skort debate, now is the time to back a team,” he urges fans to buy tickets and show their support.

As the future of Camogie hangs in the balance, the community must rally together. This is an urgent plea not just for attendance, but for a renewed commitment to the sport. It’s time to transform passion into action—support your local teams and ensure the growth and sustainability of Camogie.

For the latest updates on Kilkenny sports, stay tuned.