West Cork GAA Games Development News 05/10/11

West Cork Primary Schools Programme
The West Cork GAA Primary School coaching scheme got off to a promising start last week, with coaching in nine schools getting off the ground. A total of over 800 pupils in Scoil Mhure Barra Rua, Kilmeen NS, Scoil Naisiúnta Rath A 'Bharraigh, Ardfield NS, Ahiohill NS, Kilcolman NS, Newcestown NS and Coppeen NS commenced a 5-week football programme under coaches Michael Mennis and Daniel Twomey. All pupils in each school will receive weekly coaching sessions during the period in question, with a 5-week hurling programme following next Spring.

All schools had previously completed a GAA survey on class sizes and teacher contact details. Continued development of this database will allow us to develop further plans to meet the needs of schools over the coming years.

Funding for the programme is currently provided from a number of sources such as participating clubs, schools and Carbery / Beara divisional boards. Further sources of funding are also being investigated.

Of course, the schools covered thus far represent a small fraction of the 90 primary schools in the Carbery and Beara divisions and the scheme will be expanded in the coming weeks, with a large number of other clubs and schools currently awaiting roll-out.

All contact with schools is made within the national Heads of Agreement guidelines and age-appropriate coaching is being carried out based on the principles established in the Fun Do coaching pack. Two central themes will drive all sessions however, namely the development of fundamental movement skills and the ability of players to complete all skills on left and right sides.

If your club or school would like further details regarding the scheme you can contact me at the details provided below.

Hurling Workshop at Na Piarsaigh
On next Monday, October 10th (7pm to 9pm) at Na Piarsaighs' GAA Grounds, Frank Flannery will host a hurling workshop aimed at Minor coaches. Frank was a mentor with the Cork U16 hurling development squad  this year and is the Cork Minor hurling coach for 2012/13. On the night he will work on tackling, overhead catching plus other drills. Fee €10 per person. Places are limited so if you wish to attend please contact Brian Murphy by email brian.murphy.gda.cork@gaa.ie or text him at 0867725377.

Foundation Level Coaching Course
A Foundation Coaching Course scheduled for Friday 21st October 7pm to 10pm and Saturday 22nd September 10am to 4pm.  The venue is to be confirmed but it will be a city venue.  This course is open to coaches from all clubs in Cork.  If you are interested in taking part in the course please contact Martin Coleman 086-7725372 or martin.coleman.gda.cork@gaa.ie to receive an application form.  The course is €20 per person.  Payment is to be made when the course is being booked and sent back with the application form.  The course has to be paid for in advance to secure your place on the course. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

St. Brogans' U12s Conquer Pairc Ui Chaoimh
While the Bandon intermediate hurlers reached their holy grail at Pairc Ui Chaoimh last Sunday, it's possible that they drew inspiration from their younger counterparts namely the St. Brogans' U12 hurlers who took to the field for the half-time Go Games. With 22 players lining out in two games versus Fr. O'Neills which were played simultaneously, it capped a memorable occasion for the young players and their mentors. Congratulations to all involved.

This week they will be followed by the U12 footballers from Castletownbere who will play at half-time in the intermediate football final versus Kinsale and indeed by Castlehaven U12s who will line out during the senior football final on Sunday week.