Hi everyone,
Fachtna here back to you again with another newsletter to keep everyone in Blarney and Bishopstown G.A.A. up to speed with the activities that I have been involved in with the primary schools and other club activities.
On the 6th of November it was a very special day for the boys of Spioraid Naoimh and St. Joseph’s National School as they both made it to their respective Sciath na Scol football finals that took place in Pairc Ui Rinn. Both schools were well supported by their fellow schoolmates and through two brilliant performances they came out victorious. I had the pleasure of working with the St Joseph’s 5th/6th class boys with after school sessions in preparation for their games and their hard work and dedication was reflected on their performance in the final. Special thanks to Ms Thompson for allowing me to help-out with the team.
In mid-November I began to introduce Hurling and Gaelic Football skills into school sessions in Gaelscoil Mhuscrai, Rathpeacon NS, and Scoil Iosagan Blarney. This has gone down very well with the children and they are learning the skills of the games while having fun. I also got the chance with the 3rd class girls from Scoil Iosagan as they took part in the ‘Pella’ indoor football competition in Donoughmore G.A.A. hall. The girls did very well and got to take part in 4 games on the day. I also was lucky to help prepare Gael Scoil Ui Riada boys and girl’s teams for their ‘Pella’ Blitz in Nemo. We had a great session in Bishopstown G.A.A. hall with over 52 children attending and even better was the fact we had a ball for each child.
I have also been involved in a pilot Gaelic Football programme for camogie players from 4th– 6th class in Blarney. We have had 5 sessions so far with the girls with numbers as high as 17 players attending. The girls are currently learning the skills of football and the enthusiasm and commitment has been brilliant so far. I hope this will help in the possible formation of a Ladies football club in Blarney.
The past few Saturday mornings I have been down to the Blarney G.A.A. club ground to help oversee the S&C introductory programme being rolled out to the Blarney/Rathpeacon u13/u14 footballers and hurlers. I also have been observing coaching sessions taking place in the club on Saturday mornings, there is some very good coaching going on and its obvious to see the hard work and determination being shown by the coaches involved while making it fun for the kids.
Finally, the official launch of the G.P.O. project by Bishopstown/Blarney G.A.A. took place in the Bishopstown G.A.A. clubhouse. Members of both clubs and county board officials were attendance. I’d like thank everyone for their best wishes and to all that spoke on the night and to all those who helped organise the event.
Fachtna O’ Connor
Games Promotion Office Bishopstown/Blarney G.A.A.