Sharon Ryan is the club secretary and a long-standing member of the senior camogie team.

For Sharon, the story of Shinrone camogie begins with Joe Cleary. He introduced hurling into the local schools, something that hadn’t existed before. From that moment on, the game became part of everyday life. “You had no choice,” Sharon recalls. “If you didn’t bring your hurl, you were kind of frowned upon.”

Joe’s influence extended far beyond coaching. He created an environment where playing wasn’t optional; it was expected. He was always there, encouraging and guiding, making sure every child had the opportunity to be involved.

During one particular match, Sharon took a heavy blow that left her with a broken nose. Blood poured and Joe told her to come off. But she refused. “Just put the plaster on,” she insisted. She returned to the field and played until the final whistle before heading to the hospital. That moment reflects the mindset Joe instilled: resilience and refusal to give up.

Today, what keeps Sharon involved year after year is not just the game, but the determination of the group. Even after losing county finals, the same players return ready to try again. “They never give up,” she says, a phrase that captures the heart of the team.

Younger players look up to them, seeing what dedication looks like and understanding what it means to be part of something bigger.

For a small parish, Shinrone takes pride in standing on its own. From underage levels right through to senior, the club fields its own teams without merging with others. While numbers can sometimes be tight, there is a determination that a team will always take the field.

Looking to the future, Sharon’s hopes extend beyond Shinrone. Within the parish, there is strong support for both camogie and hurling, with boys and girls backing each other. However, outside Shinrone, the difference becomes more noticeable.

Attendance at camogie matches is often smaller, and the level of support can vary. “It needs to be on par with our male counterparts,” Sharon explains. It is not about competition between the games, but about fairness and equal recognition for the same level of effort and commitment.

There is optimism, however. With potential changes in how clubs operate together in the future, Sharon believes progress is possible. Greater alignment could bring stronger support and visibility for camogie, ensuring that future generations receive the same encouragement and recognition.