Camogie has been an integral part of the life of Scoil na gCailíní for almost forty years. Many pupils have excelled whilst acquiring the skills and more importantly have built lifetime friendships, not only in the local community of Castleblayney, but in the wider camogie community of Ireland. Of course the success and continuing growth of the sport within Scoil na gCailíní could not have been achieved without the dedication and passion of certain individuals - namely:
Sister Mary O' Connor and Mary Murphy.

Sr. Mary a former Clontibret camogie club player instilled her love of the game into the life of the pupils when she began teaching at Scoil na gCailíní in the early 1970's. It was then, that the first after school coaching sessions began. Interest blossomed amongst the children and it wasn't long before Mary Murphy became involved.
Mary a keen player herself, who played for Castleblayney Club and at inter-county level, continues to build upon the great work initiated by Sr. Mary. Still teaching in Scoil na gCailíní, Mary runs the after school camogie club daily, coaching children from seven years to thirteen years; this is in addition to Castleblayney Club training and activities. Her gusto and passion is second to none and she should be highly commended for her devotion to the sport; suffice to say she is an exemplary sporting figure who is loyal to ensuring that camogie remains alive both within the community and indeed the whole of Ireland. She has nurtured the sporting talents of so many children and continues to encourage players of all abilities to get involved in the game; she is an inspiration to all who have played the sport under her guidance.
The work carried out by Mary in Scoil na gCailíní has been, and still is, vital for the existence of the local Castleblayney club; this is highlighted by the fact that the majority of the present senior team players began their camogie career in Scoil na gCailíní. The school would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Castleblayney Club for providing support and equipment over the years, and also to The Faughs for the use of their pitch and facilities.
Parents and families also play a key role in encouraging and promoting the sport - their unswerving enthusiasm is always recognised and appreciated.
Collaboration with the local secondary school: Our Lady's, has also been hugely positive to the successful running of the afterschool sessions - a sincere thank you to Principal,Mr Mc Guill, for continuing to allow Scoil na gCailíní pupils to use their facilities.
The children could not flourish without themselves being keen to participate and play the sport.
Their eagerness is apparent daily, as they wait eagerly in the GP room for coaching to begin. Rain, hail or snow, the children make every effort to attend after school sessions and disappointment
shows if they can't make it - the children should be congratulated for their loyalty to the sport and for setting a fantastic example to young and old.
Pupils continue to get excited about attending Scoil na gCailíní because they know camogie is one of many activities of which they can avail. Camogie is at the heart of the school, and the school community will continue to support Mary in her efforts to ensure that Castleblayney keeps turning out dedicated and skilful young gaels. A sincere thank you to Mary for everything she has done and still does on a daily basis to promote camogie in Scoil na gCailíní.
ACHIEVEMENTS
After many years of hard work, Scoil na gCailíní's first achievement came in 1988 when the school won the County Primary School Blitz. Inspired by this success, the school went on to win 7 County Blitz titles, 7 County Championship titles, 12 County League titles and 12 Cumann na mBunscol Mini-Seven titles during the 12 year period from 1988 to 2002. Unfortunately, in 2002 primary school camogie competitions ceased due to an insufficient number of schools playing the game. Scoil na gCailíní, however has continued to teach the skills of our beautiful national sport in the hope that other schools and clubs will follow suit.
Over the years, the school has had numerous children selected to represent Monaghan in Croke Park on All Ireland Hurling Sunday during Cumann na mBunscol Mini- Sevens Games. Perhaps Scoil na gCailíní's most notable achievements, and the ones we are most proud of, are the Ulster Indoor Primary School Blitz titles won in 2000, 2004 and 2005. This was a huge achievement for the school to be able to compete so successfully with schools from all over Ulster and to bring 3 Ulster Titles back to Castleblayney. Tweet

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