FAQs

Q. What age group does my daughter fit into?

A. The age groups are determined by the year of birth. In 2024, the U5's are girls born in 2019 and even 2020 if they're ready. (This depends on the individual girl. Can they follow instruction? how are their mobility and resilience?).

The U6's are girls born in 2018, the U7's in 2017 and so on.

Q. What age do you recommend girls start playing?

A. It depends on the girl. Nowadays and with modern training, the earlier the better. Some are ready to train with the Club at 4 years old, most might be better start at 5 or 6. And it's never too early to start at home!

Q. Is it too late for my child to start playing camogie?

A. It's never too late if your daughter is keen. Ideally they should be getting decent early exposure to camogie from between the ages of 4 and 8. But a girl who it sporty and fit can make an impact at any stage.

Q. When do you play?

A. Typically, the Camogie season runs from March to October although some older teams train over the winter. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page or contact the relevant manager directly via our Teams page. 

Q. Is it called a hurley or a hurl?

A. We did a poll of our coaches and the majority of them preferred 'hurl'! There is a body of opinion that it's a regional thing, but with people moving around more nowadays, that distinction has broken down.

Q. What size hurl should my daughter get?

Choosing the correct size hurl. 

Q. What is registration? 

A. All girls who play for the Club must be registered. If they are not registered, they cannot participate in activities because they are not insured - this has implications for both the Club and the player.

https://returntoplay.gaa.ie/

Q. Where do you play?

A. All our training and many of our matches are hosted by Clarinbridge GAA Club in the GAA Club, or at their new training pitch behind the Educate Together school in Kilcornan. We are very grateful to Clarinbridge GAA for the use of their facilities!

Q. What size sliotar do you use?

A. The ball used for camogie and hurling, the sliotar (pron: 'shlit-her'), is a hard leather-clad ball. It comes in varying sizes and levels of softness depending on the age group. We use the following sizes, which are readily available in all good sports shops.

Under 5-6:  First Touch

Under 7- 8: Quick Touch

Under 9-12: Smart Touch

Under 13 : Size 3

Under 14 to Adult: Size 4

We also recommend durable wall-balls for use against walls and in ball alleys like the one at Clarinbridge GAA.

Q. What gear do I need to get?

A. To play camógie, a girl needs a hurl and helmet, boots for grass pitches, runners for indoors and astroturf, sports socks, shorts (allowed up to U11) or a skort (compulsory for competitive matches from U12 up) and any sports top. Shin guards, ideally with ankle protection, are not compulsory but are strongly recommended. 

Runners are fine for U5s and U6s, even outdoors.

It is well worth having a few sliotars or tennis balls at home to allow home practice.

The Club supplies Club jerseys for matches. (Tissues are recommended for parents, for when your daughter pulls one on and plays for the parish for the first time). 

Q. What if I don't have a hurl or helmet and I'm not sure my daughter will like the sport?

A. For the first four weeks of U6 and U8 training, we are happy to lend hurls and helmets. After that, the Club sells hurls and helmets at great prices.