Ambitious plans to increase the numbers playing Hurling and Camogie in Tyrone, and raise the standards in both codes, have been unveiled.
The Five Year Strategic Development Plan was launched at Garvaghey, detailing a series of initiatives which will help the games grow and prosper in the years ahead.
At present there are four hurling clubs which are competing at underage and senior level, namely, Dungannon, Carrickmore, Coalisland/Clonoe and Strabane. The plan will see Hurling and Camogie played throughout the entire county, and not just in pockets, which is currently the case.
“In realising this target, we will ensure that every child and ultimately adult in Tyrone has an opportunity to play Hurling or Camogie with a team in their area,” said Brendan Harkin, chairman of Hurling Development Committee.
Progression
“It is important that this development takes place not only for the progression of these sports within this county but for the progression of them within Ulster.
The county’s schools will be a key focus for the development plans. Hurling is being played in both St. Patrick’s College and in St. Patrick’s Academy in Dungannon. Because of this, the local club, Dungannon Eoghan Ruadh has benefited greatly.
Ballygawley and Cookstown have been designated as areas for the establishment of new clubs. Each club in Tyrone will be required to elect a new Hurling/Camogie Promotion Officer to act as a co-ordinator between the Games Promotion Officers and parents and children in their own clubs.
And the Ulster Council and Central Council will be asked to assume a role in monitoring the Strategic Development Plan over its lifespan, and to support it ‘financially and otherwise’.
While the strategy covers the next five years, it also sets out a long-term vision for the state of the games:
2024
All Hurling and Camogie clubs to field in all Tyrone competitions at U12, U14, U16, U18 and U21 levels. All Tyrone county underage teams playing at higher grade at provincial and All Ireland level.
2026
All Hurling and Camogie clubs now competing at all underage levels and at senior level. Tyrone will be playing in Division 2A of the National Hurling League. Tyrone will be playing in the Christy Ring Cup competition. Tyrone will be playing in the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship proper.
2026: The Vision Realised
Tyrone is now an All-County Hurling and Camogie county. At least nine clubs are competing at all under-age levels and at senior level in hurling, namely, Dungannon, Carrickmore, Killyclogher, Omagh, Coalisland/Clonoe, Strabane, Dromore/Fintona, Cookstown and Ballygawley.
