The Birth of Camogie – From Sideline to Playing Field

‍In the early 1900s, women developed a more independent life within Irish society. They saw men playing hurling and moved to form their own teams, playing a modified version of hurling. This new game – ‘camogie’ - was formally established in 1904 in Dublin by Gaelic League members, led by Máire Ní Chinnéide and Cáit Ní Dhonnchdha, both prominent Irish language enthusiasts.

At the time, active participation of women in sport was frowned upon. Many of the women who travelled to practice sessions and games hid their hurls under their coats to avoid ridicule from the wider public.