The Physical and Physiological Demands of Intercounty Camogie during Competitive Match-Play

The aim of this study was to determine the physical and physiological demands of intercounty camogie match-play between positions and halves of play. Data were collected from 28 players during 18 competitive games using global positioning systems (10-Hz) and heart rate monitors (2.4-GHz). The study demonstrated that intercounty camogie players covered a total distance (TD) (m ± SD) of 6,040 ± 628 m, relative distance (RD) of 83 ± 13 m·min-1, and maximum speed of 25 ± 1 km·h-1. Furthermore, the players covered a mean sprint distance of 214 ± 112 m and 14 ± 6 sprints. Players' mean heart rate (HRmean) and HRmax was 138 ± 23 b·min-1 and 164 ± 20 b·min-1, respectively. There were decrements between halves in TD (p < 0.01, ES =-0.45), RD (p < 0.01, ES =-0.45), maximum speed (p < 0.05, ES =-0.18), HRmax (p < 0.05, ES =-0.23), running (p < 0.01, ES =-0.34), high-speed running (p < 0.01, ES = 0.34), sprinting (p < 0.01, ES =-0.10), HRmax (p < 0.05, ES =-0.23), and HRmax % (p < 0.05, ES =-0.24). Midfielders covered a greater TD compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES =-0.38) and half-forwards (p < 0.05, ES =-0.38). Full-backs covered a significantly lower RD than midfielders (p < 0.05, ES =-1.2), half-backs compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = 1.14), and half-forwards compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = 1.15). Full-forwards covered significantly less RD when compared with half-backs (p < 0.05, ES =-1.14), midfielders (p < 0.05, ES =-1.47), and half-forwards (p < 0.05, ES =-1.15). The findings provide physical and physiological values on the match demands of intercounty camogie match-play.