A major new initiative for Gaelic culture in County Down was launched recently, with the establishment of a branch of Campa Chormaic for the first time in the county. This camp will attract young people from across Down who are interested in learning or improving their Irish language and their GAA skills.

What: Campa Chormaic an Dúin (new phase of the GAA and Irish Language summer camp which is named in memory of Cormac McAnallen)

Where: Castlewellan (based at St Malachy’s High School)

When: 13-17 August 2009

The closing date for applications for the 2009 Campa Chormaic an Dúin is Tuesday, 30th June 2009. The project is open to schoolchildren aged 10-16.

Campa Chormaic was founded in 2005 after the death of Tír Eoghain captain Cormac on 2 March 2004. The main aim behind the camp is to stir the interest of the youth in the areas surrounding Cormac’s homeplace, in the Irish language and Gaelic games. The intention is to nurture in the children the same passion for Gaelic culture and local history that Cormac had. In its four years in Tír Eoghain the Camp has gone from strength to strength.

Dan Gordon, Down football Captain, launched Campa Chormaic An Dúin in St. Malachy’s High School, where the Camp will be held this year between Monday 13 and Friday 17 July.

“It is an honour for me to be here tonight at the launch of Campa Chormaic An Dúin,” said Dan. “I played against Cormac on a couple of occasions and he was a formidable opponent. As a teacher, I appreciate the value of an event such as this to promote Gaelic games among the youth. I wish the Camp every success.”

Dan also endorsed the project. “I am delighted that this Camp will also take place in County Down this year. This demonstrates that a lot of progress is being made in respect of Gaelic culture within the GAA.”

The initiative is the first move in extending the Campa Chormaic project beyond Co Tyrone, and will be hosted in association with Down GAA County Board and FPM Accountants.

“As this is the first county outside of Tír Eoghain to set up a branch of Campa Chormaic, we hope to stage an excellent week, “said Rónán Mac Mathúna, Chairman of the Campa Chormaic An Dúin committee. “We would like to thank Dan for coming here tonight. We would also like to express our gratitude to our generous sponsors, Coiste Chontae CLG an Dúin and FPM Accountants; and to Conall Ó Máirtín, the Chairman of the Campa Chormaic Thír Eoghain Committee, for all his help in establishing the Campa in County Down.

The Camp will begin on Monday 13 July and continue until Friday 17 July, with classes beginning each day at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. It will cater for children between 10 and 16 years of age.

Further information and application forms can be obtained from Ryan Doyle, Rúnaí, Campa Chormaic An Dúin, 17 Doyle’s Road, Katesbridge, Co. Down, BT32 5NL; or ring 07799-474078, or visit www.campachormaic.com.