DERRY club Swatragh will mark 50 years of camogie with the launch of a new book and a gala celebration this weekend.

It’s the culmination of many weeks and months and planning as the club aim to build for the future thanks to their recent youth development work.

The camogie club, founded in 1973, merged – using the one club model – to form part of the overall club committee at last November’s AGM.

The new book chronicles the significant milestones and successes of the club, with match reports and photographs down through the years.

It also includes personal memories and reflections from past and present players, managers and administrators.

YOUNG GUNS…Swatragh’s All-Ireland Féile winning team of 2022

The club held the first meeting on February 26, 1973 with the first committee consisting of Chairperson Nuala Friel, Secretary Mary Gunning and Treasurer Helen McQuillan.

The minor (u-16) league and championship double arrived in the first season.

The following season the club won the senior league and championship double before going on to win a staggering 19 senior titles in succession.

Swatragh have won 26 of the 33 senior finals and have won five Ulster titles but have yet to go all the way in the All-Ireland, coming up short in their only final to date.

At underage level, they’ve won two All-Ireland Féile (Division Two) titles and an All-Ireland Féile (Division) Shield.

Recent successes at underage level augurs well for the on-going development of camogie in the Swatragh community.

Swatragh players have represented local schools and colleges and have played a significant role in the successes at schools, colleges, county and inter-provincial level.

• The book (£25) will be available for sale at the 50th Anniversary Gala being held in Michael Davitt GAC hall on Saturday 25th November 2023. Thereafter books can be purchased in the local shops.