Minors prepare for Ros

After a demoralising League campaign that saw the County Minor team swamped in all four outings, Leitrim are hoping for much better things next Saturday when they take on Roscommon in the ESB Connacht Minor Championship Semi-Final in Hyde Park next Saturday at 5.45 pm.

Like the Ladies team last weekend heading to Castlebar, the Minors are hoping that they can put a win-less Provincial League campaign behind them and spring what would be regarded as one of the major surprises of this years championships.

Although 12 weeks will have passed from Leitrims last competitive outing, the hope is that the time in between will have been used to rejuvenate a minor team that lost its four games by an average of 18.75 points but has undoubted talent in its ranks.

There is also the prize of a place in the Connacht and All-Ireland Quarter-Finals after yet another revamp of the Provincial competition saw the championship revert to the traditional knock-out system.

However, the biggest task for Leitrim is getting the self-belief back in the squad, something that was definitely hit for the last game of the League against Mayo when five first choice players failed to travel for the game in Ballyhaunis.

Roscommon scored a 4-10 to 2-3 victory when the sides met in the Minor League in Boyle in March, a victory illuminated by 1-3 from Scott Oates.

In that game, Leitrim got the perfect start of a first minute goal from Conor Beirne but RoscommonÓgradually took over and scored an unanswered 2-2, the goals coming from Oates and the dangerous Shane Leydon.

Leitrim trailed 2-8 to 2-1 at the break, the second goal coming from an Aaron Hickey penalty and while the second half saw Leitrim hold the home team scoreless for the first ten minutes, Roscommon were just too strong as they eased home.

Any hopes that Roscommon will be over-confident for Saturday would seemed to be dashed by the comments of Roscommon Minor Manager Gary Wynne who is expecting a typical Leitrim/Roscommon clash and preparing his troops accordingly, particularly with the addition of Under 21 star Cathal Shine who will give Roscommon huge midfield presence.

The Roscommon Manager, much like his Leitrim counter-part Sean Logan, is not reading anything into the League meeting between the sides but there is no doubt that Roscommons confidence will be boosted by the result.

For Leitrim, there is no doubt the talent is there Aughawillan pair Shane Flanagan and Morgan Quinn are very highly rated as is captain Sean McWeeney from Aughnasheelin.

However, one would prefer to see Flanagan back in his natural centre-forward position and Quinn in his natural centre-back slot rather than the swap between the pair that occurred during some of the League games earlier this year.

Melvin Gaels Packie Hill also impressed for the Minors during the year while Glencar/Manors James OBrien and Aaron Hickey are highly rated prospects.

Eslins Conor Beirne is another player to watch while Conor McWeeney, Shane Ryan, Micheal McWeeney, Kevin Davey, Brian Mulvey, Keith Boyle, Thomas Cornyn, Declan Brennan and Ronan Kennedy will all be in contention for starting places.

Leitrims record in the Minor Championship has been poor over the past decade with the last victory coming back in 2002 when the Minors defeated Sligo to reach the Connacht Final.

Since then, there have been a few near misses, most notably two years ago when a late Sligo rally in Ballinamore denied Leitrim a place in the Quarter-Finals.

However, the Minors have struggled in the main although as Under 16s two years ago, this squad did put in a series of good performances in the Ted Webb and Fr Manning Cups.

It is reported that the Minors have shown much improved form in challenge matches in recent weeks, most notably against Armagh, but the odds are still very much against them for next Saturday.

In some ways, Leitrim are in the perfect position of no hype, no pressure and no expectations in what is Leitrims last chance of Connacht glory this year. Leitrim will need to raise their game quite a bit, get a good start and build on it to shock Roscommon on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

This full report is available thanks to the Leitrim Observer
– it s available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27-Jun-09 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie

Coaching News

Under 8 & 10 Club blitz

Our under 8 & 10 play & stay blitz will continue this weekend with a series of games on Saturday morning starting at 10.30am. Clubs who wish to rearrange their blitz should contact all other clubs in their group. Saturdays groupings are as follows with first named club in each group hosting the blitz.

Fenagh + Mohill, B/more Sean O Heslins + Carrigallen, Aughavas + Annaduff, Cloone + Leitrim Gaels + Gortletteragh, Aughnasheelin + Bornacoola, Drumkeerin + Glenfarne + St.Osnats + Kiltubrid, Melvin Gaels + Drumreilly, GlencarManorhamilton + St.Marys, Allen Gaels + Dromahair.

Under 14 School of excellence

Our under 14 School of excellence will commence on Saturday next, June 27th. For the first few sessions we will operate two regional venues, Drumkeerin GAA grounds and Cloone GAA grounds. On Saturday next we will commence in Cloone at 10.30am with players from the following clubs, Annaduff, Aughavas, Aughawillan, Aughnasheelin, Bornacoola, Carrigallen, Cloone, Drumreilly, Fenagh, Gortletteragh, Kiltubrid, Mohill, Sean OHeslins & St. Marys

Training will commence in Drumkeerin GAA grounds at 1.30pm for players from the following clubs. Allen Gaels, Ballinaglera, Dromahair, Drumkeerin, GlencarManorhamilton, Glenfarne, Leitrim Gaels, Melvin Gaels & St.Osnats

Under 15 School of excellence

Our 2009 under 15 school of excellence will commence on Saturday next, June 27th in Kiltubrid GAA grounds at 11.00am. All players from last years under 14 school of excellence are asked to attend. For any further information please contact Cormac Flynn 087 6787716. Bus routes and times as follows.

Kinlough 9.30, Manorhamilton 9.50, Factory turn 10.00, Drumkeerin 10.10, Drumshanbo 10.30, Kiltubrid 10.45

Ballinamore 9.10, Carrigallen 9.30, Aughavas 9.40, Cloone 9.45, Mohill 9.55, Masonite 10.05, Ck – on – Shannon 10.15, Leitrim 10.25, Kiltubrid 10.45

Under 16 Development squad

The under 16 development squad will continue on this Friday evening and Saturday morning with a review of their strength & conditioning programme in Pairc Sean.All players will be contacted with details of their time etc.

Vhi GAA Cul camps 2009

Free place competition

Children please look out for the free places competition starting this week in conjunction with Vhi GAA cul camps, the Leitrim Observer & Leitrim GAA. Their will be one free place given away each week for the next four weeks.

Congrats to last weeks winner Aine Loughlin, Lisgorman, Killargue, Co.Leitrim.

VHI GAA Cul camp registeration

Places are still available on our camps but some camps are filling fast so please register a.s.a.p. Registration can be by application form or by means of the new on line system.

This new system can be accessed from the GAA website, www.gaa.ie or from the Leitrim GAA website simply by clicking on the VHI logo. To date the site is proving very popular with many parents opting for this method of registration. If however parents do not wish to use the new online system they can still fill out the paper application form and forward it direct to Thomas Keenan, Pairc Sean, Ck-on-Shannon. Which ever way you decide to book, can you please do so as early as possible as this will assist greatly with camp organisation. This years camps will commence on Monday 6th July and will follow the same format as last year.

06/07/09 – Aughawillan, Manorhamilton, Ck-on-Shannon.

13/07/09 – Kinlough, Drumshanbo, Mohill.

20/07/09 – Aughavas, Dromahair, Gortletteragh.

27/07/07 – Drumkeerin, Fenagh, Leitrim.

 

 

24-Jun-09 by Thomas Keenan

Search for a 1994 Jersey

We have received a request for the donation of a 1994 jersey towards an auction for a worthy cause.  If you have a jersey that you are willing to offer up for auction then please click here to send us an email

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24-Jun-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Leitrim meet Longford at home in the Qualifiers

Leitrim meet LONGFORD in a local derby in the 1st round of the 2009 All Ireland Qualifiers. This is a HOME fixture for Leitrim and is scheduled for Saturday July 4th. The venues and times will be confirmed tomorrow following a central CCC meeting.

The teams in this weekends qualifiers 1st round draw all lost their games before the provincial semifinals. The semifinal losers will enter the qualifiers at round 2.

The teams in this weekends draw are as follows:
Leitrim, Armagh, Fermanagh, Down, Tipperary, Waterford, Longford, Carlow, Offaly, London, Monaghan, Meath, Donegal, Wexford, Louth, Wicklow

The list of fixtures as drawn live this evening on TV3 are:

1. Donegal v Carlow
2. Monaghan v Armagh
3. Meath v Waterford
4. Wicklow v Fermanagh
5. Wexford v Offaly
6. Louth v Tipperary
7. London v Down
8. Leitrim v Longford

 

 

21-Jun-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Coaching news

Coaching news

Under 8 & 10 Club blitz

The next series of under 8 & 10 blitz will take place on the weekend of 27th June. Full list of fixtures in next weeks news.

Under 14 & 15 Schools of Excellence

Our under 14 & 15 schools of excellence will commence on Saturday 27th June. Full details will be published in next weeks news and will also be advised to the coaching officer in each club.

Under 16 Development squad.

Our under 16 development squad will recommence on next Saturday June 20th in Ballinaglera GAA grounds, commencing at 10.30am. Bus routes and times as follows.

Kinlough 9.10, Manorhamilton 9.30, Dromahair( Factory turn) 9.35, Drumkeerin 9.45, Drumshanbo 10.00, Ballinaglera 10.15

Ballinamore 8.30, Carrigallen 8.50, Aughavas 9.00, Cloone 9.05, Mohill 9.15, Masonite 9.25, Ck – on – Shannon 9.35, Leitrim 9.45, Ballinaglera 10.10

Vhi GAA Cul camps 2009

Free place competition

Children please look out for the free places competition starting this week in conjunction with Vhi, the Leitrim Observer & Leitrim GAA. Their will be one free place given away each week for the next four weeks.

Registeration

Places are still available on our camps but somecamps are filling fast so please register a.s.a.p. Registration can be by application form or by means of the new on line system.

This new system can be accessed from the GAA website, www.gaa.ie or from the Leitrim GAA website simply by clicking on the VHI logo. To date the site is proving very popular with many parents opting for this method of registration. If however parents do not wish to use the new online system they can still fill out the paper application form and forward it direct to Thomas Keenan, Pairc Sean, Ck-on-Shannon. Which ever way you decide to book, can you please do so as early as possible as this will assist greatly with camp organisation. This years camps will commence on Monday 6th July and will follow the same format as last year.

06/07/09 – Aughawillan, Manorhamilton, Ck-on-Shannon.

13/07/09 – Kinlough, Drumshanbo, Mohill.

20/07/09 – Aughavas, Dromahair, Gortletteragh.

27/07/07 – Drumkeerin, Fenagh, Leitrim.

 

 

18-Jun-09 by Thomas Keenan

Club Leagues – How our leagues are looking

The club leagues have never been in better shape at this time of the year as we creep closer to the club championship season. Some divisions have only a small number of rounds left before they are completed and in Division 2 its possible that a final could be played shortly as the two teams on top cannot be overtaken. Credit for this must go to the Clubs for permitting the League season to start earlier this years due to an opportunistic break in the Intercounty Allianz National League and also to the Leitrim CCC for spotting the opportunity and keeping a tight reign on proceedings plus ensuring everything has run smoothly. It must also be said that the weather has less of an impact on postponements this year than in recent years.

As we head into the championship does the league form indicate whats to come in the championship ? Time will tell but its not always a real indicator as certain teams peak at championship when the appear only average during the league.

In Division 1 some teams have as little as 3 games to play while others have 4 or more. Kiltubrid top the table but Glencar/Manor and St Marys follow closely. At the other end Aughawillan and Gortletteragh could face relegation.

Division 2 could possible have their final shortly as indicated at last nights county board meeting. Carrigallen and Dromahair are clear table toppers on equal points and are in the final. St Marys and Annaduff may be in trouble at the other end as there are only 1 full round of games to be played in the final round 9 and 3 games in round 8.

Division 3 is also in a very healthy state as 11 games remain out of 45 and Ballinaglera and Fenagh St Caillins lead the way. Annaduff are in trouble at the bottom end and any one of 3 teams could fill the 2nd relegation place.

Division 4 has a total of 66 games (11 rounds) and 47 are completed to date. As it enters the final stages Leitrim Gaels are clear table toppers with Kiltubrid and Dromahair in 2nd and 3rd. St Marys and Glencar/Manor are in the danger zone at the other end of the table.

If you want games then Division 5 is the place to be as these teams have 13 rounds to complete throughout the season. This competition is currently two thirds completed with 32 games left out of a total of 91. Carrigallen lead the way with Aughnasheelin in close pursuit.

The overall figures show that out of the 313 league games 93 remain which is 30% and is very good going for the middle of June. It goes to show that an early start to the season complemented by few postponements means that there is less of a chance of playing end of league crucial games in the winter months !

 

 

 

16-Jun-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Update on format of Qualifiers from Croke Park CCC

The first round of the Qualifier Draws is on Sunday eve at approx 6:05pm on TV3. The draw is an Open Draw (no restriction of any description on possible pairings – contrary to previous info supplied prior to the championship season) – consisting of 8 games – first county drawn in each pairing has Home venue provided venue meets the criteria set down by the National Safety and Infrastructure Committee (Páirc Seán meets the criteria).

» Teams Include – Leitrim, Armagh, Fermanagh, Down, Tipperary, Waterford, Longford, Carlow, Offaly, London, Monaghan, Meath, Donegal, Wexford, Louth, Wicklow.

 

 

16-Jun-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Leitrim Under 14 Girls qualify for Under 14B Shield All Ireland Final

Leitrim 6-15

Fermanagh 0-06

Following a reasonably successful Connacht campaign, Leitrim were unlucky to fall at the final hurdle to Roscommon and thus qualified for the shield competition. The scoreline on Sunday was a reflection of the team’s performance and once they registered their opening score, they dominated in every sector of the field with a powerful performance throughout the team showing great drive, excellent support play, blocking and a high degree of skill with some wonderful finishing. It is worth noting that apart from the penalty all of Leitrim’s scores were from play. It would be difficult to single out any players for special mention but captain Shauna McLoughlin was inspirational at centre back and her driving runs up the field always had Fermanagh on the back foot. Full back Patricia Forde had some great moments and as a unit the backs were solid. Midfielder Grainne O.Malley put in an excellent hour’s work and was well supported by Ciara Gaffney. Up front again all six forwards contributed superbly with their support play with Laura O’Dowd and Ailbe Clancy especially prominent but Niamh Feeleys 3-4 deserves special mention. On the evidence of Sundays display, Manager Pat McWeeney and selectors Bernie McLoughlin and Kieran Moran should have every confidence in their charges going into the Final against Offaly in two weeks time.

From the opening exchanges the signs were good for Leitrim but it took some time for the team to settle into the game. Two wides from Laura O’Dowd and Ailbhe Clancy were followed by the opening score for Fermanagh from Anna Boyle from play. Leitrim had a third opportunity to open their account but a long range free from Shauna McLoughlin just missed the target. However a minute later centre back and captain McLoughlin, supported the play up the field and pointed to get Leitrim off the mark after seven minutes. Fermanagh’s Molly McGovern has a goal opportunity moments later but Kate Beirne dealt comfortably with the shot and cleared. After fifteen minutes the sides were deadlocked with both teams enjoying periods of possession, but Leitrim looked more threatening as Michelle Beirne had a goal opportunity for Leitrim but her shot hit the outside of the post and went wide. Shauna McLoughlin then rose high to win the Fermanagh kickout and with great support play from Niamh Feeley, Laura O’Dowd pointed from play and Leitrim never looked back as their threatened dominance began to see rewards on the scoresheet. With ten minutes remaining in the half a Fermanagh free into the Leirim goalmouth was cleared up the field to Shauna McLoughlin who found Niamh Feeley in space and her shot onÓgoal was parried by the Fermanagh keeper and gathered by Michelle Beirne who was fouled as she shot onÓgoal. The resulting penalty was expertly converted by Ailbhe Clancy . This score opened the flood gates for Leitrim as Niamh Feeley pointed from play and Ann Marie Gallagher followed with another point from play. From the kick out won by Grainne O’Malley, Michelle Beirne set up Feeley who made no mistake with a goal. Fermanagh had two attacks broken up by Amy McLoughlin and Emer Feeley in defence before Feeley scored her second goal following great pressure by Ann Marie Gallagher as Fermanagh tried to clear their lines. Gallagher pointed herself moments later before Feeley was denied a hattrick by the crossbar as Leitrim continued to dominate. Laura O Dowd expertly gathered another Fermanagh kick out and Gallagher pointed again from play as the half ended to leave Leitrim in a commanding position leading by 3-6 to 0-1.

 

Straight from the restart Leitrim added to their tally with an O’Dowd point from play and Feeley was involved again moments later as Ailbhe Clancy pointed from play. O’Dowd pointed again from play as Fermanagh has no answer to Leitrim’s appetite for hard work throughout the field. They did however breach the Leitrim defence after five minutes with a Briege McManus point. And added a third point with a free from Terri Keown. That was to be their last point for twenty minutes and Leitrim continued their excellent play. Shauna McLoughlin again won hard ball in defence and went on a great run through the middle to det up Feeley for another point from play with Ailbhe Clancy again involved. Laura O’Dowd added to her growing tally as she pointed from play. Mid way through the half Leitrim made two changes and introduced Lauren McManus and Shannon O’Grady in the half back line for Emer Feeley and Louise Bohan (injured). Moments later a long range effort from Grainne O’Malley found the back of the net and was just reward for her workrate over the hour. Michelle Beirne was also rewarded for her efforts with a goal following good work from O’Dowd and O’Grady. With the game over as a contest Leitrim continued to over run their opponents and Feeley eventually got her third goal with a wonderful one handed pick up on the turn in front of goals and an expert finish to the net. She finished a great performance with two further points from play before Fermanagh got a well worked point from sub Sarah McCausland. Leitrim were not finished their Scóring yet as the game moved to injury time and both sides brought on a numver of subs. O’Dowd and Gallagher pointed from play before Fermanagh hit two final points from frees from Tamara Murphy.

Leitrim: Kate Beirne (Drumkeeran), Amy McLoughlin (Fenagh), Patricia Forde (Cloone), Orla Heslin (Gortlettragh), Emer Feeley (Glencar Manor), Shauna McLoughlin (Fenagh) (0-1),Louise Bohan (Mohill), Grainne O Malley (St Josephs), (1-0), Ciara Gaffney (Auughawillan), Laura O Dowd (Sean O Heslins) (0-5), Ann Marie Gallagher (Drumkeeran) (0-3), Ailbhe Clancy (Glenfarne) (1-2), Niamh Feeley (Glencar Manor) (3-4), Michelle Beirne (Mohill) (1-0), Shauna Clancy (Drumkeeran)

Subs: Michelle Monahan (Allen Gaels), Lauren McManus (Glenfarne), Deirdre Davitt (Drumkeeran), Shannon O Grady (Drumkeeran), Anita Conefry (St Josephs), Chloe McGarry (Allen Gaels), Niamh McKiernan (St Josephs), Nicole Higgins (Mohill), Emma O Hagan (Glencar Manor), Tara Fitzpartick (Aughnasheelan), Aileen O Flynn (Mohill), Ciara McGuire (St Josephs), Kelly O Brien (Leitrim Gaels), Shannon O Rourke (St Josephs), Claire Lynch (St Josephs),Nadine Hackett (Bornacoola), Michaelagh Nolan ( Drumkeeran).

Fermanagh: N. Gillen, C Jackman, R. Gallagher, C. Murphy, L McDermott, L. Mcfarland, A McManus, A Murphy, T Keown, A Boyle, M Mcmanus, M McGovern, B Walsh, A Murphy, C McCaffrey.

Referee: J. McLoughlin (Kildare)

 

 

 

14-Jun-09 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies Development Officer

Glencar-Manorhamilton GAA Club Golf Classic

A Chara,

The Glencar/Manorhamilton GAA Club will host there Annual Golf Classic in Blacklion Golf Club on Saturday 11th July 2009.

The format will be a Four Ball with the best two Scores counting on each hole.

Complimentary Tea & Coffee will be available prior to tee off and a buffet carvery lunch will be provided on your return from the course and hopefully you will take home one of the many substantial prizes.

The cost per teams which includes the meal, works out at €200.00 and we are looking for your support in providing much needed funding for the development of our Club and the provision of much needed facilities for the youth of the parish.

If you are unable to join us on the day, you might consider sponsoring a Tee at €50.00 where your name will be prominently displayed on the day.

Our inaugural Golf classic last year was a great success, thanks mainly to generous sponsorship and support received. This was greatly appreciated and acknowledged.

Again, all sponsors will be acknowledged and you might please contact Mr. Patrick Mc Morrow at 086-8973339 to book your Tee time.

Mise le meas,

Patricia Clancy, Runa

 

 

12-Jun-09 by Submitted

Coaching News

Coaching news

Under 8 & 10 Club blitz

The next series of under 8 & 10 blitz will take place on the weekend of 27th June. Full list of fixtures in next weeks news.

Under 14 School of Excellence

Our under 14 school of excellence will commence on Saturday 20th June. Only players born in 1995 are eligible for this grade. Full details will be published in next weeks news and will also be advised to the coaching officer in each club.

Under 16 Development squad.

Our under 16 development squad will recommence on next Saturday June 13th in Ballinaglera GAA grounds, commencing at 10.30am. Bus routes and times as follows.

Kinlough 9.10, Manorhamilton 9.30, Dromahair( Factory turn) 9.35, Drumkeerin 9.45, Drumshanbo 10.00, Ballinaglera 10.15

Ballinamore 8.30, Carrigallen 8.50, Aughavas 9.00, Cloone 9.05, Mohill 9.15, Masonite 9.25, Ck – on – Shannon 9.35, Leitrim 9.45, Ballinaglera 10.10

Vhi GAA Cul camps 2009  – Free place competition

Children please look out for the free places competition starting this week in conjunction with Vhi, the Leitrim Observer & Leitrim GAA. Their will be one free place given away each week for the next four weeks.

Registeration

Places are still available on our camps but somecamps are filling fast so please register a.s.a.p. Registration can be by application form or by means of the new on line system.

This new system can be accessed from the GAA website, www.gaa.ie or from the Leitrim GAA website simply by clicking on the VHI logo. To date the site is proving very popular with many parents opting for this method of registration. If however parents do not wish to use the new online system they can still fill out the paper application form and forward it direct to Thomas Keenan, Pairc Sean, Ck-on-Shannon. Which ever way you decide to book, can you please do so as early as possible as this will assist greatly with camp organisation. This years camps will commence on Monday 6th July and will follow the same format as last year.

06/07/09 – Aughawillan, Manorhamilton, Ck-on-Shannon.

13/07/09 – Kinlough, Drumshanbo, Mohill.

20/07/09 – Aughavas, Dromahair, Gortletteragh.

27/07/07 – Drumkeerin, Fenagh, Leitrim.

 

 

 

 

10-Jun-09 by Thomas Keenan

GAA Rounders Feile

Clara GAA Club County Offaly will be the host club for this years GAA Rounders Féile which takes place next weekend (May 30/31, June 1).

The Féile competition is the highlight event of the GAA Rounders juvenile calendar and this years competition will offer underage players the chance to showcase their skills with the hope of being selected for the Rounders exhibit game in Croke Park on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

GAA Chairman, Ger Proctor said: "We are looking forward to Féile Cluiche Corr 2009, which is being hosted by Clara GAA Club. We hope that it is a great success as we strive to develop our game".

Association President, Joe O Donaghue added: "We would like to welcome everyone to Féile Cluiche 2009. It is our aim to increase the participation of people of all ages in GAA Rounders and in particular the youth of our communities.

"I would like to thank most sincerely Clara GAA Club for allowing us to use their fabulous facilities for the hosting of our Féile."

Entry to this years competition will cost €60 per team. Teams that are not already affiliated to GAA Rounders, will be required to affiliate on the day at an additional charge.

Registration on Saturday May 30 2009, will commence at 1.30pm sharp and teams are requested to arrive on time. Games will commence at 2.0pm.

Registration on Sunday May 31 and Monday June 1 2009 will commence at 11.30am with games commencing at 12 noon sharp.

Clubs wishing to enter wish to enter a team(s) in the 2009 GAA Rounders Féile competitions are asked to contact the National Secrerary Martina Kirwan at secretary.rounders@gaa.ie, 085 7240831 or at Castledermott Road, Tullow, Co Carlow on or before Wednesday May 27 2009, detailing what team(s) you will be entering into the completion.

This will enable the draws to be completed before the start of the competitions and games to start on time.

The schedule for the weekend is as follows:

Saturday May 30 2009 – U13 boys and U13 girls.

Sunday May 31 2009 – U15 boys and U15 girls.

Monday June 1 2009 – U14 and U16 mixed.

 

 

09-Jun-09 by GAA.ie

Coaching people with Disabilities

 

Over the last decade awareness of sport for people with disabilities in Ireland has increased due to several factors including, the hosting of the Special Olympics World Games, the successes of Irish athletes at Paralympic Games and the development of structures by the Irish Sports Council, Sport NI, Disability NGBs, Disability Sport agencies and a number of mainstream NGBs.

Coaching Ireland launched the Coaching Strategy for Ireland with an all-Ireland remit, working to the policies of the Irish Sports Council and Sport NI.

The vision for coaching in Ireland is (as stated in the Coaching Strategy for Ireland 2008)

"Everyone involved in sport is working together with the common aim of delivering a quality coaching system which:

Is inclusive and fully integrates participants, performers and coaches of all abilities and backgrounds"

In order to achieve this vision, the Coaching Strategy for Ireland, included the Strategic Theme: Improving Access and Inclusion. Coaching Ireland worked with an expert group (established by NCTC) to develop this framework and the materials required to implement same. This Framework will provide the opportunity to address coaching for people with disabilities in a pragmatic manner up to 2012, in line with the Coaching Strategy for Ireland.

John Treacy, Chief Executive, Irish Sport Council and Eamonn McCartan Chief Executive of Sport Northern Ireland both attended the launch today and stressed the importance of an the all island approach to the framework and the work of Coaching Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Mary Davis, Managing Director, Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia said that "Given the greater awareness in Ireland that people with disabilities participate in sport, it is appropriate to put in place coach education programmes to assist in making this involvement sustainable in the long-term. Having coaches deployed across sport at all levels who can provide quality experiences for people with disabilities will allow more to get involved, gain the benefits of being involved and contribute to keeping them involved for life."

Also speaking at the launch, John Fulham, former European 100m/200m sprint champion and Paralympic Finalist said that "The coaching process is the same for people with disabilities and non disabled. Good coaches listen to and look at the needs of individual participants, develop and deliver coaching programmes to optimise the ability of the athletes, review what is happening and repeat this cycle. For any athlete the input of a good coach will assist them to optimise their ability."

Coaching Ireland also announced today some of the key implementation requirements which are already in place, training will take place at the end of May and again in June to prepare the tutors to deliver the material. Declan O Leary Head of Coaching Services said that "Coaching Ireland are looking forward to supporting the National Governing Bodies to integrate the disability awareness materials into their coach education courses."

For further information contact:

Sheelagh Quinn, Head Corporate Services

Coaching Ireland

University of Limerick

Limerick

061-202895

086-2235906

sheelagh.quinn@coachingireland.com

 

 

07-Jun-09 by GAA.ie