Archive for category: Development

GAAs initiative for jobless players

Minister Eamon O Cuiv presented the Tús programme to director general Paraic Duffy and president Christy Cooney, as well as a number of other sporting organisations on Tuesday last, which aims to provide funding for those bodies to create new jobs in a bid to stave off the threat of emigration.

“The programme is encouraging the GAA, and other sporting bodies as well, to take on unemployed players as coaches. We would see serious possibilities in that regard to try and find work for players that are unemployed. That will be on the agenda for us. There is more to come from the department and we would be anxious to play our part in that.”

Duffy confirmed that the Government would provide the funding for the scheme and hinted the new roles would not be confined to inter-county players.

“They are going to be paying the bill, while we would be providing the training and all of that, but essentially it is Government funding. In fairness, they would like to see us playing a major role because we have the numbers and the coaching structure on the ground. The FAI were there as well and some other organisations. We are probably the biggest in terms of numbers. I think there will be a commitment to get involved in that,” he said.

“They would like us to take on maybe 100, 200 people, probably players, unemployed players. They could be quickly upskilled in terms of coaching and the department will provide funding around that. We are going to look very closely at that. We do have a responsibility, but its not easy. I know people say to us that the GAA should be doing something. But its not easy. It is something we will be looking at very early in the new year to get off the ground as quick as possible.”

In Duffys last media engagement before the new year, he revealed he had presented his discussion document on payments to Managers to the GAAs management committee last weekend.

“They felt they wanted time to consider it because it is a fairly lengthy document. We have a meeting on January 8 or 15, so it is a matter for them to decide where it goes from there,” he said.

Time

“My work is done, I have passed it on to Coiste Bainisti and they said that they wanted time to consider it in more detail.

“The hope is that it would initiate a discussion that in turn would lead to policy. That is important to stress that this is not a policy document and the hope is that from this, a policy would emerge on the whole issue of payments to Managers.”

The Monaghan native also cleared the way for the mooted International Rules games between Dublin and Melbourne to honour the achievements of Jim Stynes. Collingwood toyed with a similar idea a number of years ago, but the match never came to pass.

“I wouldnt have a problem, no, particularly in terms of Jimmy Stynes. I couldnt imagine any issue in principle or anything like that.

“They havent been in contact with us yet.”

– News Story courtesy of Donnchadh Boyle (Irish Independent)

 

 

 

20-Dec-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

On a very stormy night on Thursday the 11th of November 2010, in Loughgeorge, Co. Galway, the Graduation took place of the second cohort of GAA Hurling and Football Tutors for Connacht. These new GAA Coach Education Tutors were specially trained to deliver Coach Education Programmes on behalf of the GAA, including Foundation, Award 1 and the recently developed Award 2 GAA Course.
Almost a year ago, these twenty two new tutors first commenced their intensive Tutor Training Course on the 27th November 2009, in the Galway Gaelic Football Centre in Loughgeorge, Co. Galway. The final element of this Tutor Training Course consisted of a workshop on Disability, which was held on the 14th June 2010. The participants in this course comprised of 22 GAA tutors from Connacht, in Hurling and Football, representing all five counties in Connacht and were also accompanied by six participants from GAA Handball, a total of 28 in all.

In his address to the large group present for the graduation, the President of the Connacht Council, Mr Paddy Naughton, complimented all involved in completing this Tutor Training Course and obtaining their Tutor Certification, which he formally presented to each of the new Tutors on behalf of the Connacht Council.

In his speech he stated that:
"On behalf of Comhairle Chonnacht, I would like to welcome you all to Loughgeorge to night for the presentation of Certificates to our newly trained GAA tutors. We are all aware of the importance of having qualified coaches looking after our teams. I would like to emphasise to clubs that it is their duty to ensure that all personnel who are coaching teams, are qualified. We are very fortunate that to-night a further twenty two tutors are being presented with their certificates. This brings the total number in Connacht to forty two. Congratulations to all the tutors on reaching this high standard and I would to thank you all for the many hours that you spent training. Thank you also to our Chairman, Denis OBoyle for his leadership and commitment in ensuring that coaching is of the highest standard. I also wish to thank the other members of the Coach Education Committee namely, Matt Gaffey, Martin Connolly, Sean Silke, Liam Óg Gormley, Willie Hegarty, Damien Coleman and Damien Curley, together with Adrian Hassett, Connacht Operations Manager and John Tobin, Connacht Games Manager.
A special thanks to Galway County Board for allowing us to use their facilities for the Tutor Training Course and also for to-nights presentations."

Hayley Harrison from Coaching Ireland also addressed the new tutors graduating, with the following words;
" Congratulations on behalf of Coaching Ireland and myself, it is a great achievement and one to be proud of. As a tutor you are now part of a family of tutors on the island of Ireland – quite a large family with over 1000 CDPI tutors in it representing every one of the 62 National Governing Bodies in this country from the largest (the GAA) to the smallest. As in all families theres a responsibility to look after each other and help each other out – and thats what we do, because we cant all be good at everything. I fundamentally and whole-heartedly believe in tutoring. We hold the future of the sport(s) we love in the palm of our hands – the better the tutor, the better the coach, the better the player and thats what we all want – you can make ALL the difference! Set your standards high (nobody chooses to be mediocre) and ensure you provide the support needed in order to achieve the set goals. Congratulations again, go and be brilliant and welcome to the family of tutors."

The Connacht Coach Education Committee Chairperson, Denis O Boyle, was MC for this Graduation Ceremony. He congratulated all the new tutors and thanked them for their time, dedication and collaboration during the course. He paid a special tribute to John Tobin for his tremendous leadership, enthusiasm and ongoing commitment to the development of Coaching in Connacht. Adrian Hassett was also acknowledged for his wonderful organisational skills. On behalf of Connacht Coach Education Committee, Denis expressed his appreciation for the magnificant work undertaken by Connacht Secretary, John Prenty, the Connacht Council and their very capable staff, namely, Attracta Hunt and Amanda Diskin.

The County Boards and their Coaching and Games Committees were recognised for their tremendous work, as were the County Games Managers in Connacht, namely; Billy McNicholas, Liam Óg Gormley, Tom McManus, Thomas Keenan, Willy Hegarty and Damien Coleman.

Denis acknowledge the significant work of the following: Liam ONeill, National Games Development Committee, John Landers, Chairperson of Coach Education Workgroup and fellow committee members, Pat Daly, Director of Games Development and Research, Jimmy DArcy, Games Development Manager and Peter Horgan, Education Officer. He expressed his gratitude to Michael McGeehan Director and Hayley Harrison, Coaching Ireland and Liam McGreevy, the Internal Verifier/Observer, from Co. Down.

Unfortunately, Barney Breen, Derek Kellegher and Mark Heslin, the new Tutors from Co Leitrim GAA, were prevented from travelling to Loughgeorge for their Graduation due to the gale force winds. However, it is intended that they will be formally presented with their Certificates in early January 2011.

 

 

 

 

14-Dec-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

The GAA Games Development Conference 2010 was recently launched in Croke Park by representatives of all of the GAA family of games. 

Conference Theme:
Coaching Children: Building a Platform for Lifelong Involvement in gaelic games

Some of the top names in gaelic Games coaching will be involved in the GAA”s annual National Games Development Conference – “Coaching Children: Building a Platform for Lifelong Involvement in gaelic games” – which will take place on Saturday December 4th, in Croke Park. This is the 8th annual Conference, and aims to address issues related to the underage player that are of most concern and interest to members of the GAA community.

Run as a partnership between all of the Gaelic games Associations, and sponsored by Lucozade Sport, the conference will offer the 450 delegates attending an opportunity to access talks relating to key coaching issues in hurling/camogie, Gaelic football/Ladies Gaelic football, Handball and Rounders.

Mickey Whelan of Dublin, who will be joined by Professor Niall Moyna, Dublin City university, DJ Carey and Paudie Butler (National Hurling Development Coordinator) will be among the speakers during the event, while Des Ryan (IRFU Fitness Education Manager), and Jim White (Author and Journalist) will provide a unique perspective on coaching issues currently affecting Gaelic games.

Head of Physical Education at Marino Institute of Education, Caitriona Cosgrave, will address issues relating to the development of Gaelic games through the Primary School Physical Education curriculum, Bruce Wadrop (Waterford Institute of Technology) will present on ‘€’Fuelling Our Play” and a host of diverse topics will be addressed by an impressive range of speakers including Liam O”Neill (Chairman of the National Games Development Committee), Edward Coughlan (Liverpool John Moores University) and Cavan footballer Nicholas Walsh.

Launching the Conference, Ard Stiúrthóir, Páraic Duffy siad ‘€'”The central theme of this year”s Conference will emphasise the importance of the child player within the family of Gaelic games. Ensuring that all players in our Clubs and Primary Schools, regardless of their level of ability are provided with the opportunities to develop is a key component of what the GAA is all about and I”m looking forward to hearing from a number of the expert speakers on how this can be achieved. We are committed to developing this area in conjunction with our sister Associations, Camogie, Handball, Ladies Gaelic football and Rounders, each of which contributes to the overall development of our players”

Supporting the Conference for the third successive year, Siobhain Glennon, Lucozade Sport said: “We are delighted to be involved in this important event once again. As with all such Lucozade Sport sponsorships, the initiative underlines our commitment to the promotion of healthy, balanced lifestyles throughout Ireland and it celebrates our passion for Gaelic sport. The GAA has brought together an impressive line up of experts for this Conference and I am confident that together, we can make a real difference”.

Reflecting the partnership approach in the organisation of this years Conference, Sinead Ó Connor (Ard Stiúrthóir, Camogie), Tony Hannon (President, GAA Handball0, Pat Quill (President, Ladies Gaelic Football Association), Joe O”Donaghue (President, Rounders Association) and Margaret Cunningham (Chair, Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta) were also in attendance.

The list of speakers represents the most impressive gathering of individuals involved with coaching and games development ever assembled for an event of this nature and there is already massive interest in the conference.

In addition to a comprehensive conference speaker programme, delegates will also be given the opportunity to view practical demonstrations of each of the Gaelic games delivered by expert coaches including Damien Coleman (Connacht Hurling Development Manger), Caroline Murray (Galway Senior Camogie team), William Harmon (Ladies Gaelic Football Regional Development Officer), John Dillon (Kerry Junior Football Manager), Owen Mooney and Teresa McGirr (both Fermanagh). This will form part of an extensive purpose built demonstration area within the Davin Stand.

The cost of attending is €50 and further information on registering to attend the conference can be obtained by phone at 01-8658625, by emailing gamesdevelopment@gaa.ie or at www.gaa.ie

Booking for the Conference is now open and can be done in two ways – using the booking form as part of the brochure or online.  Those interested can click here for a copy of the brochure programme and the booking form.

It is also possible to reserve a place online through the following link: https://oss.ticketmastereurope.com/html/pack_planlist.htmI?l=EN&CNTX=&team=gaa&selID=369

 

 

 

11-Nov-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Coaching & Games Newsletter

Football

Schools of excellence/ Development squads
Under 17
Trials for this year’s U-17 development squad concluded on Saturday last and we would like to thank all those that took part over the past few weeks. Those selected for the panel will be contacted with dates etc for the next phase of their programme. Players not selected for this squad should note that additional trials for the 2011 Minor panel will take place in early 2011.
Under 14
Our under 14 school of excellence will continue on Saturday next, October 9th in Ballinaglera, commencing at 2.30pm. A panel from the squad will be selected to play Westmeath on Saturday week in Ballinalack at 12 noon.
Under 15
The under 15 squad will recommence training shortly. More details next week.

Child Welfare & Protection Courses

As promised to those who completed the Foundation coaching course earlier in the year we will conduct child welfare and protection workshops in October. The first of these courses takes place on this Thursday evening October 7th in Gortletteragh GAA centre, commencing at 7pm. All coaches wishing to coach at any age group up and including minor grade must complete this course. Places are limited on each course so those wishing to attend must register for the course one week in advance by contacting your club coaching officer or Thomas Keenan. Those wishing to attend the course in Kinlough should note the change in date. Courses are as follows.

Thursday October 7th – Gortletteragh GAA Centre
Thursday October 14th – Ballinamore GAA Centre
Thursday October 21st – Allen Gaels GAA Centre
Wednesday October 27th – Melvin Gaels GAA club

Coach Education

Award 1
We will conduct an award 1 course in Pairc Sean in November. This course will take place over two weekends, Friday 12th & Saturday 13th and Friday 19th & Saturday 20th. All those wishing to attend must have foundation level completed and will be required to register for the course by Friday November 5th at the latest as places will be limited. Subsequent award 1 courses will be scheduled depending on demand.

Foundation award
Foundation award courses will commence in February 2011.

U-13 Regional competition
CCC plan to start this competition in the next few weeks. Groupings etc will be available from secretary CCC shortly.

For further information on any of the above contact Games Manager Thomas Keenan.
Ph: 087 – 6591049
email: thomas.keenan.gm.leitrim@gaa.ie

 

 

08-Oct-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

The GAA Respect Initiative Booklet was launched to clubs at a Coaching and Games Development meeting in the Bush Hotel on Wednesday September 1st.

It was explained at the meeting, for the purpose of beginning our implementation of this Initiative in 2010, that at all games in this years Under 12 Football Championship the following protocall from the Initiative will be observed:

Players and Mentors of each team will line up in the centre of the field and exchange handshakes with the opposition players and Mentors and the Match Official(s) respectively immediately in advance of the fixture and at its conclusion.  Supporters will be kept off the playing area for the duration of the game.
Mentors will wear specific bibs (distributed at the meeting) to advertise the initiative.  Posters (also distributed) should be displayed in a prominant position to advise the spectators of what is expected.
Clubs were asked to identify one person who will take reponsibility for implementation of the above in all Under 12 Championship Games.

It should be pointed out that are many other features in this publication that are worth reading and implementing at club and indeed county level beyond 2010 and all are advised to consider strongly taking the suggestions on board into the future.

It is hoped that we will sow seeds among our Under 12 players, mentors and officials throughout September 2010 which will bear a rich harvest into the future!!

The GAA Respect Initiative Booklet can be viewed online at www.gaa.ie

 

 

09-Sep-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Annaduff Centre of Excellence: Tender

Tenders are invited on behalf of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Chontae Liatroma for the construction of centre of excellence Two Storey Building and associated works at Moher & Finnalaghta Tds, ED Drumod, Co Leitrim.

Tender documents will be provided on computer disk on written request before 4th June 2010 from Concept Control Ltd, 12 St Marys Close, Carrrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim Tel: 087 9883618 Email conceptcontrol@gmail.com

Completed tenders shall be returned to the above address on or before 4.30pm on Friday 2nd July 2010.

 

 

 

18-May-10 by Leitrim GAA