Lawlor announced as Camogie Association President Elect

Aileen Lawlor has promised to continue raising camogie's profile after her election as president-elect of the Camogie Association in Belfast on Saturday. Lawlor saw off the challenge of Catherine O'Hara, who also lost out three years ago to the current president, Joan O'Flynn.

Lawlor is a Dubliner who has been resident in Westmeath for the past 20 years. The St Munna's clubwoman began her involvement in camogie with Crumlin, with whom she won an All-Ireland senior club title in 1985. She also won national league and Leinster championships with Dublin, before moving to Mullingar and winning a provincial title with Westmeath. She was a key cog in the St Munna's machine that won 18 county titles in 19 seasons.

Lawlor graduated to refereeing and took charge of All-Ireland, national league and interprovincial finals.

She has been heavily involved in administration at club and county level but remains connected to the playing side of things having only retired last year. As Leinster League co-ordinator, she oversaw the competition's growth from 19 participating teams in its inaugural season in 2007, to 36 by 2010.

Lawlor's election manifesto included a commitment to seeing through the implementation of the national development plan within the stated timeframe, and establishing county boards where none exist. She also hopes to oversee the establishment of new camogie clubs in hurling strongholds, while providing training to club and county officers in their administrative roles.

"I am delighted to take up the position as president-elect of the Camogie Association" said Lawlor after her election. "It is a fantastic honour and a great privilege.

"During my tenure, I will work with others to continue to raise the profile of the Camogie Association and I would also like to focus attention on efforts to increase the number of female referees in the Association.

"It is also my intention to work to continue to ensure that our overseas communities are catered for and that the Camogie Association will work in conjunction with the GAA on this matter."

Meanwhile, a committee has been established to review the code's playing rules and to provide a list of proposals at next year's Annual Congress in Cork.

Galway star Veronica Curtin, Wexford manager JJ Doyle and Kilkenny boss Ann Downey are amongst those who will carry out the review.

O'Flynn was delighted with how this year's Congress went and is looking forward to her final year in office.

"It was a great weekend with fantastic energy and enthusiasm displayed by all who attended, including delegates from North America, London and Europe.

"There was excellent feedback from all involved and amongst the main items on the agenda was a twelve month review of the playing rules with recommendations to come before Congress in 2012.

"Chief amongst the highlights this weekend was the launch of our 'Volunteering for Camogie' handbook and our 'Camogie Development Initiatives' booklet- both extremely important for attracting and retaining volunteers in the Association and also ensuring the promotion and development of the game.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Aileen Lawlor and I look forward to working with her during the course of the year and ensuring a smooth transition of the Presidency in 2012.