With the countdown well and truly underway ahead of Saturdays Celebrity Bainisteoir clash between Dromahair and Dalkey, Katherine Lynch feels that the team are ready for the challenge that lies in waiting.
Having presided over a rigorous training session along with sports psychologist Kevin Clancy, which saw the Dromahair players shadow box and wrestle with one another before playing a training match and then some tough sprinting exercises, Katherine said "I think weve done our bit. Dromahair and all the boys have done their bit.
"Theyre fit and they believe in themselves. Theyre to go to Dublin knowing that they have as much right to win as Cuala and I think thats all they can do. The rest is doing your best on the pitch and they will do that."
Briefly, the thought of defeat entered her head, but it quickly disappeared as she thought out loud: "If by any chance, by any strange chance… No. Theres no chance of it, theyre winners."
To a large extent the novelty of Katherine Lynch, the celebrity arriving in Dromahair, has worn off and she and the players have been able to get down to some serious work and it seems as though shes really enjoyed her Managerial role.
"Its great and where I wasnt strong I brought in help. Today I was worried because Im a Leitrim person myself so my psyche is similar to the lads you know, with the underdogs.
"We know in the back of our heads that were fit for the Dublin team and now we definitely know. Everybody will be going to Dublin with a winning mindset," said Katherine who brought in sports psychologist Kevin Clancy to ensure the players are in the right frame of mind as they take the pitch next Saturday.
"I was thinking what can I do to get rid of any negative psyche and I thought why dont I get them a sports psychologist. When I rang the Celebrity Bainisteoir crew about it, they were delighted and thought it was a great idea."
Asked about which players caught her eye, Katherine was reluctant to pick out favourites but there were a few names that sprang to mind. "Theyre all brilliant and theyre all working together as a team.
"I love Sundance (David) Cassidy, Sundance Kid Im calling him. I love Paddy (McGowan), I love Christy (McGowan), I love Trout (Terrence Leyden). I love all of them, some of them Im forgetting their names.
"Im really lucky to have them and really lucky to have Mickey Quinn as a mentor. Mickey gave me a bit of take it more seriously Katherine talk last week. I am taking seriously, I couldnt be taking it more seriously. I wake up in the night thinking, what can I do for the lads.
Focusing on the game against the George Hook managed Cuala, Katherine believes that the players will be totally focussed on the job in hand and the fact that they are making a television programme which will be watched by hundreds of thousands wont be a factor.
"I dont think theyre going to be intimidated by the cameras at all. I think here we have such an advantage that we have the history of football. We have ancestors behind us, we have present players with us and we have children to prove to.
It’s the passion in Dromahair for football.
Everyone has been so fantastic. I was up with Trout’s mother and father, Ann and Terry Leyden and took a walk around the Abbey and talked about the history and culture of Dromahair.
“Terry was fantastic and he said that a lot of the time you come home from matches not winning but the Dromahair people get up again, build it up again, fight again and get out there again. I think all that will stand to us in this particular style of league.
With only a few short days left to before the most of Dromahair heads up the N4 and on towards Dalkey, Katherine had some last minute words of advice for the players.
“What they need to this week is sleep lots, eat properly and drink loads and loads of fluids. The right kind of fluids obviously, loads of water and loads of isotonic drinks. They need to keep themselves hydrated and keep themselves relaxed.
“They’re going up to Dublin, they won’t be in their own beds that night. They mightnt have as good a sleep as they normally have and they’re going to have to be aware of all those things. I might have a few more tricks up my sleeve for them having a good nights sleep.”
Reflecting on her Celebrity Bainisteoir experience to date, Katherine remarked, “I’m thrilled to have got involved, it was a pleasure. The celebrity thing leaves you as well. You just become a Manager of a team of young men.
“When I came here first I thought they were very young and they were a bunch of boys but they’re a bunch of men and they’re strong, mannerly, gentlemanly and kind.
“The camaraderie is perfect and I will be devastated if I can’t bring them to the actual final.”
This full report is available thanks to Philip Rooney for the Leitrim Observer
– it s available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
05-Mar-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie
The Late PJ Carroll RIP, Cavan and Leitrim GAA.30th October 2024 - 9:37 pm
Niamh wins Connacht GAA Sports Writer award
GeneralCarrick Communitys School Niamh Spellman was recently selected as the Connacht Junior female sports writer for 2008.
The award, a fabulous piece of Galway crystal was presented at the Connacht Council GAA Banquet and awards night which was held at the TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar on Friday, February 20.
A daughter of well-known referee Gerry Spellman, Niamh, who is a transition year student in the Carrick school, writes sports reports and articles for school and has had some of her work published locally.
Towards the end of last year she sent a selection of her articles and reports to Ita Hannon from the Connacht Ladies GAA council. Her submission on the effects the educational cuts announced in last Octobers budget will have on team sport in her school drew very positive attention and helped clasp this coveted title for the young Leitrim Gaels girl.
One of the main topics of focus in that particular article was the impact of the cuts on the journey of the Carrick-on-Shannon junior Ladies football team through the Connacht league which was ongoing at the time and how best to minimise the effects of the cuts on the games. Niamh, herself plays inÓgoals for this team.
The awards on the night were introduced by another well known woman in sports journalism, Angelina nÓgent, sports editor with Mid-West Radio.
Niamh said she was thrilled to have won this award – "Its a great achievement and its great to be recognised for something that you like doing and are good at." she commented. Niamh concluded by thanking all who made it possible.
This full report is available thanks to the Leitrim Observer
– it s available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
05-Mar-09 by LeitrimObserver.ie
Katherine has Dromahair set for Celebrity Bainisteoir
Club FootballWith the countdown well and truly underway ahead of Saturdays Celebrity Bainisteoir clash between Dromahair and Dalkey, Katherine Lynch feels that the team are ready for the challenge that lies in waiting.
Having presided over a rigorous training session along with sports psychologist Kevin Clancy, which saw the Dromahair players shadow box and wrestle with one another before playing a training match and then some tough sprinting exercises, Katherine said "I think weve done our bit. Dromahair and all the boys have done their bit.
"Theyre fit and they believe in themselves. Theyre to go to Dublin knowing that they have as much right to win as Cuala and I think thats all they can do. The rest is doing your best on the pitch and they will do that."
Briefly, the thought of defeat entered her head, but it quickly disappeared as she thought out loud: "If by any chance, by any strange chance… No. Theres no chance of it, theyre winners."
To a large extent the novelty of Katherine Lynch, the celebrity arriving in Dromahair, has worn off and she and the players have been able to get down to some serious work and it seems as though shes really enjoyed her Managerial role.
"Its great and where I wasnt strong I brought in help. Today I was worried because Im a Leitrim person myself so my psyche is similar to the lads you know, with the underdogs.
"We know in the back of our heads that were fit for the Dublin team and now we definitely know. Everybody will be going to Dublin with a winning mindset," said Katherine who brought in sports psychologist Kevin Clancy to ensure the players are in the right frame of mind as they take the pitch next Saturday.
"I was thinking what can I do to get rid of any negative psyche and I thought why dont I get them a sports psychologist. When I rang the Celebrity Bainisteoir crew about it, they were delighted and thought it was a great idea."
Asked about which players caught her eye, Katherine was reluctant to pick out favourites but there were a few names that sprang to mind. "Theyre all brilliant and theyre all working together as a team.
"I love Sundance (David) Cassidy, Sundance Kid Im calling him. I love Paddy (McGowan), I love Christy (McGowan), I love Trout (Terrence Leyden). I love all of them, some of them Im forgetting their names.
"Im really lucky to have them and really lucky to have Mickey Quinn as a mentor. Mickey gave me a bit of take it more seriously Katherine talk last week. I am taking seriously, I couldnt be taking it more seriously. I wake up in the night thinking, what can I do for the lads.
Focusing on the game against the George Hook managed Cuala, Katherine believes that the players will be totally focussed on the job in hand and the fact that they are making a television programme which will be watched by hundreds of thousands wont be a factor.
"I dont think theyre going to be intimidated by the cameras at all. I think here we have such an advantage that we have the history of football. We have ancestors behind us, we have present players with us and we have children to prove to.
It’s the passion in Dromahair for football.
Everyone has been so fantastic. I was up with Trout’s mother and father, Ann and Terry Leyden and took a walk around the Abbey and talked about the history and culture of Dromahair.
“Terry was fantastic and he said that a lot of the time you come home from matches not winning but the Dromahair people get up again, build it up again, fight again and get out there again. I think all that will stand to us in this particular style of league.
With only a few short days left to before the most of Dromahair heads up the N4 and on towards Dalkey, Katherine had some last minute words of advice for the players.
“What they need to this week is sleep lots, eat properly and drink loads and loads of fluids. The right kind of fluids obviously, loads of water and loads of isotonic drinks. They need to keep themselves hydrated and keep themselves relaxed.
“They’re going up to Dublin, they won’t be in their own beds that night. They mightnt have as good a sleep as they normally have and they’re going to have to be aware of all those things. I might have a few more tricks up my sleeve for them having a good nights sleep.”
Reflecting on her Celebrity Bainisteoir experience to date, Katherine remarked, “I’m thrilled to have got involved, it was a pleasure. The celebrity thing leaves you as well. You just become a Manager of a team of young men.
“When I came here first I thought they were very young and they were a bunch of boys but they’re a bunch of men and they’re strong, mannerly, gentlemanly and kind.
“The camaraderie is perfect and I will be devastated if I can’t bring them to the actual final.”
This full report is available thanks to Philip Rooney for the Leitrim Observer
– it s available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
05-Mar-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie
Coaching News
CoachingCoach education – Foundation award course.
To try and facilitate all coaches who may have difficulty attending our courses on either Friday evening or Saturday morning we have scheduled the next Foundation award to take place over two Sunday mornings. The first section will take place on Sunday morning next, the 8th March from 9.30 am to 1pm in the Bush hotel, with the second part taking place on Sunday 15th March 10.00 am to 2.00pm. It is hoped these times will give third level students and workers a chance to complete the course. All coaches interested in attending this course are asked to please confirm their attendance with either their club coaching officer or Thomas Keenan 087-6591049 in advance of the course as the course will not proceed without sufficient numbers.
Connacht GAA & Connacht Ladies Provincial Coaching Conference.
This year’s Connacht GAA provincial coaching conference will be held on Saturday March 7th, in St. Brigids GAA centre Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon and will, for the first time host a section specially, for Ladies football. All delegates attending will receive a conference pack, light refreshments and lunch on the day. A special rate of €20 per delegate or €100 for six coaches from the one club will apply for all who pre book. Cost per delegate on the day will be €25.
Following the official opening of the conference by Paddy Naughton, chairman Connacht Council, this years Key note speaker will be prof. Niall Moyna who will present on the topic “Training v Playing” – are we getting the balance right? Ryan Cushnahan, from Gaastats will give a presentation entitled Match Analysis: A new model.
The conference will then switch to a range of practical workshops to cover various aspects of coaching.
Roger Keenan (sports institute Northern Ireland) will conduct an outdoor circuit training session designed to develop strength, power and speed.
Brian Talty (PE teacher & former Galway star) will present a practical workshop entitled “Practices to improve technical proficiency”
Donie Butler (former Clare Manager & current trainer with Limerick senior footballers) will present “modified games for tactical team work”
George O’Connor (former Wexford hurling star) will conduct a session for all hurling coaches entitled “a games based approach to hurling – taking a skill into a game”
Eilish Gormley (PE teacher & double all star player with Tyrone Ladies) will present a practical workshop for all lady coaches attending entitled “creative games for skill development”
Coaching booklets.
Coaches of all teams are always looking for new ideas and ways to coach skills, game set ups etc, so with thanks to John Morrison we have two publications, “Head, Hands & Feet” and “Games for better Team play” which coaches can purchase at a very modest cost of €15 each. All coaches should obtain copies of both publications as they are excellent reference books.
Some Fun do packs are still available at €50 per pack, and we would urge all coaches working with children up to under 12 to obtain a copy.
Both the booklets and the Fun do packs can be got by contacting Thomas Keenan on 087-6591049 or email thomas.keenan@leitrim.gaa.ie.
Vhi Cul camps 2009.
It may seem like a long time away but we just want to advise parents and children of the dates for our 2009 Vhi GAA Cul camps. Vhi GAA cul camps in Leitrim continue to grow in popularity so much so that we had the highest percentage turnout of children between the ages of 7 – 13 yrs in the Country at our camps last year. Congrats and well done to everyone who attended.
A complete new kit has been designed for all those attending this year camps and the good news for parents is that camp registration fees for 1st & 2nd family members will remain the same as last year with a reduction of €10 for the third family member. More information on registration etc. will be published shortly. This year’s 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.
04-Mar-09 by Thomas Keenan
Scór news – 40th Scór Commences
Scór40th Scór Commences
The 40th year of Scór Sinsear Liatroma starts this weekend with events in Aughavas on the Friday night and on Saturday in Ballinaglera. It looks like the best Scór for many years with 20 of the 24 Leitrim clubs entered. This is great news and it promises to be two great nights of entertainment.
Both nights will start on the button of 8.00pm and there will undoubtedly be full houses for both nights. The line up of clubs is as follows
Friday night in Aughavas Community Centre at 8.00pm: Bornacoola, Carrigallen, Aughavas, Drumreilly, Seán O’Heslins, Annaduff, Gortletteragh, Fenagh and Mohill.
Saturday night in Ballinaglera at 8.00pm: Glencar/Manorhamilton, Melvin Gaels, Glenfarne, Leitrim Gaels, Kiltubrid, Ballinaglera, Allen Gaels, Eslin, St Mary’s, Aughnasheelin, Aughawillan.
Some individual items on clubs will appear on opposite nights.
Comhbhrón
Coiste Scór Liatroma extends sympathy to the Mulvey Family, Aughnasheelin on the death of Sadie Mulvey. Sadie was mother of Maura, current Rúnaí Contae of Scór Liatroma. Sadie was herself a participant in Scór and was part of the memorable Aughnasheelin Rince Seit that reached the All Ireland in 1976. Sympathy also to the Keaveney Family, Manorhamilton on the recent death of Johnny Keaveney’s mother. Go ndéana Dia trócaire orthu.
03-Mar-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
NHL – Monaghan v Leitrim
County HurlingA point by Stephen Lambe a minute into stoppage time snatched a late dramatic victory for Monaghan as they kept their unbeaten league run intact in a game where the sides were level on 10 occasions.
scorers —
Monaghan: S Lambe 0-4, B OBrien 0-3, W OToole , N Morgan 0-2 each, D Crowe, A Hughes 0-1 each.
Leitrim: C Cunniffe 0-5, C Hayes 0-3, D McGovern 0-2, G Hickey, S Kiernan 0-1 each.
Teams —
Monaghan — M McHugh; A Kerr, S Leonard, J Connolly; G Coleman, W OToole, J McAnespie; B OBrien, D Crowe; J Greene, B McGuigan, M Lennon; N Morgan, S Lambe, A Hughes.
Subs: E MacSuibhne for B McGuigan, J Lacey for A Hughes
Leitrim — F McKiernan; K McGrath, V McDermott, D Tiernan; C Burns, J McGrail, S Feeney; D McGovern, C Cunniffe; N Daly, K Connolly, C Hayes; G Hickey, S Kiernan, A Doherty.
Subs: nÓglancy for S Feeney, B Carroll for K McGrath
02-Mar-09 by Irish Independant.ie
Club Scene – Div 1 & 2 Leagues – Round 2
Club FootballClub action continues this weekend as round 2 of the league commences tonight at 8pm in Drumlish as Gortletteragh take on Drumreilly in this Division 1 encounter. Tomorrow the remaining Division 1 games are scheduled for 4pm along with 3 of the the Division 2 games. Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm will see out the remaining 2 Division 2 games.
While its early days yet with only one game played the Division 1 leaders are Bornacoola and Allen Gaels on a score difference of 5 and 3 respectively. In Division 2 Carrigallen and Dromahaire lead the way on very impressive opening round score difference of 14 and 13 points respectively.
Next weekend on Saturday March 7th Divisions 3 and 5 open for the year and Division 4 are due to commence on Saturday 14th March.
27-Feb-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Scór news
ScórAll Ireland Scór na nÓg.
Neither of the two Leitrim clubs, Seán OHeslins and Glencar/Manorhamilton, were winners at the All Ireland Scór na nÓg in Athlone on Saturday. Both clubs performed of their best and were in with a chance but the Rince Foirne went to Watty Grahams, Derry and the Bailéad Ghrúpa went to Saul, Co Down.
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Bhí comórtas Trath na gCeist do Sheachtain na Gaeilge i mBéal an Átha Móir ar an Aoine seo caite. Bhí an bua ag Barr na Cuille agus beidh Naomh Muire agus Achadh Easa ag dul ar aghaidh go Craobh Chonnacht freisin
24-Feb-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
Coaching news
CoachingCoach education – Foundation award course.
To try and facilitate all coaches who may have difficulty attending our courses on either Friday evening or Saturday morning we have scheduled the next Foundation award to take place over two Sunday mornings. The first section will take place on Sunday morning the 8th March from 9.30 am to 1pm, with the second part taking place on Sunday 15th March 10.00 am to 2.00pm. It is hoped these times will give third level students and workers a chance to complete the course. All coaches interested in attending this course are asked to please confirm their attendance with either their club coaching officer or Thomas Keenan 087-6591049 in advance of the course.
Connacht GAA & Connacht Ladies Provincial Coaching Conference.
This years Connacht GAA provincial coaching conference will be held on Saturday March 7th, in St. Brigids GAA centre Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon and will, for the first time host a section specially, for Ladies football. All delegates attending will receive a conference pack, light refreshments and lunch on the day. A special rate of €20 per delegate or €100 for six coaches from the one club will apply for all who pre book. Cost per delegate on the day will be €25.
Following the official opening of the conference by Paddy Naughton, chairman Connacht Council, this years Key note speaker will be prof. Niall Moyna who will present on the topic "Training v Playing" – are we getting the balance right? Ryan Cushnahan, from Gaastats will give a presentation entitled Match Analysis: A new model.
The conference will then switch to a range of practical workshops to cover various aspects of coaching.
Roger Keenan (sports institute Northern Ireland) will conduct an outdoor circuit training session designed to develop strength, power and speed.
Brian Talty (PE teacher & former Galway star) will present a practical workshop entitled "Practices to improve technical proficiency"
Donie Butler (former Clare Manager & current trainer with Limerick senior footballers) will present " modified games for tactical team work"
George OConnor ( former Wexford hurling star) will conduct a session for all hurling coaches entitled "a games based approach to hurling – taking a skill into a game"
Eilish Gormley (PE teacher & double all star player with Tyrone Ladies) will present a practical workshop for all lady coaches attending entitled "creative games for skill development"
Coaching booklets.
Coaches of all teams are always looking for new ideas and ways to coach skills, game set ups etc, so with thanks to John Morrison we have two publications, "Head, Hands & Feet" and "Games for better Team play" which coaches can purchase at a very modest cost of €15 each. All coaches should obtain copies of both publications as they are excellent reference books.
Some Fun do packs are still available at €50 per pack, and we would urge all coaches working with children up to under 12 to obtain a copy.
Both the booklets and the Fun do packs can be got by contacting Thomas Keenan on 087-6591049 or email thomas.keenan@leitrim.gaa.ie.
Vhi Cul camps 2009.
It may seem like a long time away but we just want to advise parents and children of the dates for our 2009 Vhi GAA Cul camps. Vhi GAA cul camps in Leitrim continue to grow in popularity so much so that we had the highest percentage turnout of children between the ages of 7 – 13 yrs in the Country at our camps last year. Congrats and well done to everyone who attended. A complete new kit has been designed for all those attending this year camps and the good news for parents is that camp registration fees for 1st & 2nd family members will remain the same as last year with a reduction of €10 for the third family member. More information on registration etc. will be published shortly. 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.
23-Feb-09 by Thomas Keenan
NFL – Rd 2 – Leitrim v Carlow
County FootballLeitrim had a facile win over a poor Carlow side that finished this encounter with 14 players in Carrick-on-Shannon.
A goal after a good move, which Declan Maxwell finished to the net 15 minutes after the restart, put his side in total control.
Leitrim led 0–8 to 0–4 at half-time, with Emlyn Mulligan accounting for five of the home sides points from frees.
Leitrim stretched this advantage to 10 points in the first 16 minutes of the second half.
Carlow, who had Daithi Byrne dismissed on a yellow card offence in the 67th minute, had an Eric McCormack penalty saved by Leitrim keeper Enda Lyons four minutes later.
ScórERS —
Leitrim: E Mulligan 0-6, R Cox 0-3,D Maxwell 1-0, T Beirne 0-2, P McGuinness 0-1.
Carlow: E McCormack 0-5, Gannon 0-2.
Leitrim — E Lyons; A OFlynn, J McKeon, B Prior; D Beck, B McWeeney, J Glancy; G McCloskey, T Beirne; P McGuinness, E Mulligan, D OConnor; R Cox, D Maxwell, J Holohan. Subs: M Foley for Mulligan, D Duignan for Holohan, D Gilhooley for Foley, G Reynolds for Beck.
Carlow — J Brennan; S Myers, S Redmond, V KavanÓgh; K Nolan, J Hayden, E Nolan; J Murphy, R Walker; B Murphy, S Gannon, D St Leger; E McCormack, M Carpenter, J KavanÓgh. Subs: S Curran for Nolan, JJ Smith for J KavanÓgh, D Phelan for J Hayden, D Byrne for J Murphy, D Hayden for Walker, W Minchin for St Leger.
23-Feb-09 by Irish Independant.ie
Club Scene
Club FootballThe Club scene kicks into action this weekend as ACL Divisions 1 and 2 commence in the first round of both divisions which has a combined total of 111 games this year. The 12 team Division 1 opens on Sunday at 1pm with a local derby between Bornacoola and Annaduff.
Last years league winners Melvin Gaels take travel to Drumreilly to defend their title. Meanwhile Aughawillan and Ballinamore/Sean O Heslins who were promoted from last years Division 2 face Allen Gaels and Kiltubrid respectively.
Division 2 with 10 teams opens the new season tomorrow afternoon at 4:15pm in Carrick as St. Marys take on the Celebrity Bainisteoirs Dromahaire. The remaining 4 fixtures are scheduled for Sunday afternoon starting at 2pm in most cases.
Aughnasheelin and Carrigallen open their season in division 2 away to Drumkeerin and Aughavas and will no doubt be eager to start their year with the aim of getting back to Division 1. Meanwhile last years Division 3 table toppers Annaduff and Eslin commence their new year in division 2 against Glenfarne/Kilty and Cloone.
20-Feb-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Scór news
ScórScór na nÓg All Ireland
On Saturday next two Leitrim clubs head for Athlone for the All Ireland Scór na nÓg Finals. Glencar/Manorhamilton feature in the Rince Foirne and Seán OHeslins are in the Bailéad Ghrúpa. A big contingent of supporters will be heading for Athlone. Best of luck to both groups.
Scór Sinsear
Senior Scór is only three weeks away and the indications are that a lot of clubs are preparing for Scór 40. The response has beenÓgood from clubs and it seems the 40th year of Scór will be a good one
Seachtain na Gaeilge Quiz
The annual Seachtain na Gaeilge quiz is in Smyths Siopa Ól on this Friday 20 Feabhra, starting at 9.00.
Scór Concert
Preparations are continuing for the Scór Ceolchoirm 40 on Friday 3 April when a host of former Scór participants will take the stage in Ballinamore. Many performers from over the 40 years are already lined up for that night and details will be provided later.
18-Feb-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
Coaching news
CoachingCoach education
The first phase of the new GAA coach education system has now come on stream and will be known as Foundation award. This section of the new system is compulsory for any person intending to coach at any age level and will be the minimum requirement for all coaches from now on.
Later on in the spring the second phase will be launched and will be titled Award 1. It is at this stage that coaches will be able to concentrate on specific areas i.e. child, youth or adult.
The second of the new foundation award courses was completed last weekend in Drumkeerin with 25 coaches attending. Congrats and well done to all who attended
We will outline details for our third course in these notes next week. Any coaches who could not complete either of the earlier courses will be able to do so, at the next course.
Club coaching personnel qualification form.
To-date only seven clubs have returned these forms and we would ask both club secretaries and coaching officers to please get them filled and returned to Thomas Keenan, Pairc Sean, Ck-on-Shannon or Breanross South, Mohill, Co.Leitrim by the weekend at the latest.
Connacht GAA & Connacht Ladies Provincial Coaching Conference.
This years Connacht GAA provincial coaching conference will be held on Saturday March 7th, in St. Brigids GAA centre Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon and will, for the first time host a section specially, for Ladies football. All delegates attending will receive a conference pack, light refreshments and lunch on the day. A special rate of €20 per delegate or €100 for six coaches from the one club will apply for all who pre book. Cost per delegate on the day will be €25.
Following the official opening of the conference by Paddy Naughton, chairman Connacht Council, this years Key note speaker will be prof. Niall Moyna who will present on the topic "Training v Playing" – are we getting the balance right? Ryan Cushnahan, from Gaastats will give a presentation entitled Match Analysis: A new model.
The conference will then switch to a range of practical workshops to cover various aspects of coaching.
Roger Keenan (sports institute Northern Ireland) will conduct an outdoor circuit training session designed to develop strength, power and speed.
Brian Talty (PE teacher & former Galway star) will present a practical workshop entitled "Practices to improve technical proficiency"
Donie Butler (former Clare Manager & current trainer with Limerick senior footballers) will present " modified games for tactical team work"
George OConnor ( former Wexford hurling star) will conduct a session for all hurling coaches entitled "a games based approach to hurling – taking a skill into a game"
Eilish Gormley (PE teacher & double all star player with Tyrone Ladies) will present a practical workshop for all lady coaches attending entitled "creative games for skill development"
Coaching booklets.
Coaches of all teams are always looking for new ideas and ways to coach skills, game set ups etc, so with thanks to John Morrison we have two publications, "Head, Hands & Feet" and "Games for better Team play" which coaches can purchase at a very modest cost of €15 each. All coaches should obtain copies of both publications as they are excellent reference books.
Some Fun do packs are still available at €50 per pack, and we would urge all coaches working with children up to under 12 to obtain a copy.
Both the booklets and the Fun do packs can be got by contacting Thomas Keenan on 087-6591049 or email thomas.keenan@leitrim.gaa.ie.
Vhi Cul camps 2009.
It may seem like a long time away but we just want to advise parents and children of the dates for our 2009 Vhi GAA Cul camps. Vhi GAA cul camps in Leitrim continue to grow in popularity so much so that we had the highest percentage turnout of children between the ages of 7 – 13 yrs in the Country at our camps last year. Congrats and well done to everyone who attended. A complete new kit has been designed for all those attending this year camps and the good news for parents is that camp registration fees for 1st & 2nd family members will remain the same as last year with a reduction of €10 for the third family member. More information on registration etc. will be published shortly. 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.
17-Feb-09 by Thomas Keenan