UCD and the Camogie Association have announced the Newman Fellowship, designed to become a valuable resource for documenting the social and sporting history of camogie.
The two-year project will aim to compile an extensive archival database chronicling the historical evolution of the Camogie Association from its inception to the present day. Additionally, the initiative will curate a catalog of records relevant to the emergence and development of camogie, shedding light on its broader impact on society and sporting life in Ireland.
In partnership with the UCD School of History, the Camogie Association will fund the Fellowship to the value of €120,000 over two years, coinciding with the association’s 120th anniversary.
Professor Paul Rouse, from UCD’s School of History will work with the Newman Fellow to ensure the project is completed in time for the organisation’s 125th anniversary in 2029. Speaking on the Fellowship, Rouse said, “The School of History at UCD is delighted to partner with the Camogie Association on this pioneering research project. The history of Camogie in Ireland is much more than the history of just a sport. It offers the opportunity to explore the changing place of women in Irish society across more than a century. This is a history that is rich and truly unique, and is central to the lives of generations of Irish women.”
Echoing this sentiment, Camogie Association President Hilda Breslin said, “Partnering with UCD enables us to develop an archival database of all of the history of the Association over the last 120 years. It also allows us to gather the relevant materials as there is currently no single catalogued archive of the Camogie Association.”
“Records and items of historical value are currently kept in several locations, including the Croke Park Museum. It’s also likely that individuals have items of historical interest. As generations change, there is an imminent risk that these may be lost to the Association unless a project of collection and indexation is commenced. The Postdoctoral Fellow will develop an archival database of this material.”
This ambitious project comes at a crucial time, as camogie, along with hurling, was recognised by UNESCO in 2018 as an integral part of Ireland’s cultural heritage. As the fellowship unfolds, it promises to offer fresh insights into the storied past of camogie, reaffirming its status as a cherished national tradition.