Tom Dempsey brings attention to big issue in Camogie Association

Former Wexford hurler, Tom Dempsey, felt compelled to bring attention to some ongoing issues within the Camogie Association…

Dempsey, who recently travelled to the Wexford Senior Camogie match versus Derry, was perplexed by multiple things at the game. The loser of the game would be relegated from Senior, so it was a very important game for Wexford.

Wexford would go on to win the game on a score-line of 4-21 to 0-09, retaining their Senior status for 2026 after a rather difficult year.

Sharing his thoughts on social media, Dempsey said:

“I just want to say well done to the Wexford Camogie team on their win in Louth on Saturday last. It went pretty unnoticed that this was possibly one of the most important games for our County in recent years and I feel credit should be given to the girls for their resilience and dedication over the past few months in what were tough circumstances. It brings me to a point that I feel needs to be made. Our hurling ladies quite rightly received tremendous support Nationally earlier in the year on every forum.However it should not stop there as there is so much more needs to be addressed,” he started.

After that, Dempsey – who has a daughter on the team – highlighted a number of issues that were evident from an organisational point of view:

“The players (and supporters) from Wexford and Derry had long round trips to attend this vital game last weekend and both battled bravely to keep their status but let me give a synopsis of the event. Supporters purchased tickets online on the way but needn’t have bothered.”

1. There was nobody on the gate to check tickets

2. There was no programme or even a sheet to inform people of the line ups.

3. No score board

4. The pitch was not enclosed even though there was an enclosed pitch beside the playing area used

5. The pitch quality was only reasonable

6. After a two and a half hour journey there was no seating (I think you’ll agree not ideal for some, elderly or with difficulty standing for such a long time )

7. There wasn’t a place for people to buy a coffee or cup of tea after the long journey

8. Practice goals were moved back further from the playing area by some of the spectators.

Dempsey noted that both the players and the officials marked the only professionalism – and stated that it was a badly organised event given its importance for both teams:

“I have to commend the Officials who had 4 umpires and 2 lines people who along the players were the only professional element of a badly organised event.”

“I know first hand the dedication, effort and effort that players from both Derry and Wexford give and I feel that they need to be supported on many issues on an ongoing basis and not on specific topics. Clare and Waterford played an hour away in a much different environment and deservedly so but it is camouflaging some of the bigger issues.”

The match itself was played at the Louth GAA Training Centre in Darver, but Dempsey’s opinion is not one that criticises the Louth GAA Training Centre. Instead, it brings attention to the bigger picture, stating that it should never be repeated.

I want to clarify that this is not an issue for the venue as they have a lovely set up but for the Camogie association as a whole. It is just not good enough and there should never be a repeat.”

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