Laois camogie manager John Desmond has set out his plans for the 2021 season.
The Cork native, who took the job a year ago prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, led his side to an All-Ireland intermediate semi final in 2020.
Laois were defeated in that game by Antrim but Desmond confirmed he is back in charge for whenever matches can resume.
He said: “The management are working tirelessly to increase the panel, putting in place a Cork man Tom Carey as sports psychologist, Kildare’s Ciara Murphy as nutritionist and Aoife Shaughnessy as physio.
“With these professionals in place for 2021 and now a training panel of 40 players, the foundation is in place for the years ahead.
“The strength and skill of these players is due to the success of the development coaches who have achieved unbelievable results in U-14, U-16 and minor levels.
“As a new season approaches, we have everything in place for our intermediate camogie players, so they can go and play with freedom, show case their skills, represent their county, clubs, family, and friends.
“The Laois intermediate camogie players have one thing in their mind and that is to enjoy the season of 2021 – whenever it gets the go ahead.”
Reflecting on 2020, Desmond said that his players were well aware of the privileged position of being able to play that they found themselves in and also how they really tried to enjoy it.
He said: “28 ladies committed themselves to the cause and a chance to represent their county with pride and honour, keeping in mind the hold that Covid-19 had taken in the country.
“The Laois Camogie players were very mindful of the loss and illness Covid had brought to the people of Laois and the country. I must praise everyone in Laois camogie as they took every precaution to safeguard all.
“We had socially distant sessions, no team meetings, video analysis, no chat in dressing rooms – all of which took a while for players and management to adapt to.
“The highlight for me on a personal level was the motto of county board, players, management and parents/guardians. They said how privileged we were to be playing our national game for those less fortunate who were suffering with the loss of family and friends due to the Covid 19.
“Hence the buzzword for me is ‘enjoyment’. In my opinion, the enjoyment is coming in as the third most important thing in our great game.
“Yes, while a professional approach by all is important, it is vital that players, coaches and management do not lose sight of enjoyment.
“We all know in GAA, winning is what all teams strive for, but personal and team performance, as well as development, is more important.
“I hope we will start enjoying our involvement more and not lose sight of why we play or get involved in our national game in the first place.
“Now, more than ever, as elite sportsmen and women, we can bring a smile and enjoyment to people.”
The Laois boss also believes that his team, which lost out in the semi final last year, can go even better this time.
He said: “While they had a mixed performance in the All-Ireland Championship due to lack of preparation time under a new management of Connor O’Leary from Cork, Joe Conroy, Ciara Carroll, Martin O’Connor, Aoife Shaughnessy and myself, they still performed and gave their all especially after a unsettling start to 2020.
“Our challenge for an All Ireland final spot ended at the semi-final stage with a defeat to Antrim.
“The ladies did not do themselves justice in Monaghan. With such a young side, nine players under the age of 20 who started the game, I passionately believe the experience will make them stronger.”
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The post Laois camogie manager sets out plans for 2021 when action resumes appeared first on Laois Today.
source https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/02/13/laois-camogie-manager-sets-out-plans-for-2021-when-action-resumes/
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