Offaly GAA Coaching Corner
In association with Condron Concrete
Compiled by Carina on behalf of Offaly GAA
If you would like to submit information (Player or Club) for this weekly underage promotion, please email administrator.offaly@gaa.ie.
National School & Development Squad Player Profiles
This week we feature:
- Two National School Pupils:
- Two boys from our Development Squads:
Sixth Class Pupil Name: Robbie Wyer
School: Ballinamere NS
Club: Ballinamere (Ballinamere/Durrow Underage)
What do you play: Hurling and football.
What’s your favourite part of GAA?: Playing sport, seeing friends and playing matches.
Who is your favourite player: Cathal Mannion for Galway
What is your favourite Meal: Carbonara
What are your GAA ambitions: Would love to play centre back for Offaly, to win a senior club all Ireland for Ballinamere in hurling.
Give us a few words about your club and what you like and maybe even dislike: My team are very kind and supportive and there are some very talented players and my coaches are very supportive and we will do everything we can for the next few years.
Name: Anna Deering – 6th Class – Durrow NS
Age: 12 years old
School: Durrow NS
Club: Ballinamere / Durrow GAA Club
Plays: Camogie and Football
Favourite Part of GAA: Playing matches
Favourite Player: Órlaith Phelan
Favourite Meal: Pizza and chips
GAA Ambitions: Make the Offaly county panel
My Likes and Dislikes
A lot of my friends play on my team so I enjoy meeting them at training and matches. I have also made friends from other clubs.
I love winning matches as part of a team and how we all lose as a team as well.
I also love when we go on trips.
I really like my coaches too.
I dislike too much running at trainings!
Pupil Name: Adam Geraghty
School: Colaiste Cholim
Club: Ballycommon
What do you play: U15 Hurling & Football
What’s your favourite part of GAA:
Playing with my Friends and Competing
Who is your favourite player: Ben Conneely
What is your favourite meal: Lasagne and Chips
What are your GAA ambitions: To win Senior Football title with my club Ballycommon, play hurling and football with Offaly and challenge myself
Give us a few words about your involvement with the Offaly Development Squads: I enjoy playing and training with the best players in Offaly and playing against the best players and teams around the country.
Pupil Name: Lochlann Fletcher
School: Coláiste Naomh Cormac, Kilcormac
Club: Kilcormac/ Killoughey
What do you play: Hurling, Gaelic Football
What’s your favourite part of GAA: Playing matches
Who is your favourite player: Seamie Callanan
What is your favourite meal: Chicken curry
What are your GAA ambitions: To play for Offaly senior hurling team and win a club all Ireland with Kilcormac/Killoughey
Give us a few words about your involvement with the Offaly Development Squads: Winning the John Doyle was a savage experience and getting to know all about the gym work and nutrition really helped me.
Academies
Each week our Development Squads train on Saturdays in Faithful Fields or travel to play matches throughout the country.
We are currently in the middle of our Faithful Programme, which caters for over 530 boys across 12 Saturdays each year. The programme continues to provide excellent opportunities for skill development, learning, and enjoyment for all involved.
A few words from one of our Development Squad coaches, who has been involved in the system for a number of years:
Name: Gordon Kerrigan –
I am involved with the Offaly development squads for the past 3 years. I am currently working with the U15 squad. Our aim has been to develop these players to hopefully represent Offaly at the highest level possible. The development squads are a great starting point for the players in understanding the commitment required to play county from minor level up to senior. The development squads allow players from all clubs to mix and built special friendships that will last for years to come, not all players will play at the highest level but the experience will benefit themselves and their club long into the future.
Games Programme
Our underage games programme is well underway.
- Our U8, U10, and U11 boys are enjoying the Glenisk Go Games activities each week.
- Our U12 and U13 boys have completed a few rounds in the Shane Lowry Leagues.
- Our championship age teams are nearing the end of their leagues, with some age groups now taking a short break due to upcoming exams.
Best of luck to all players balancing both sport and school over the coming weeks.
Get to Know Our Staff & Weekly Coaching Hints
This week we hear from Nigel, our Football GDC.
Nigel encourages all players to practice every day and strive to become the “100% Footballer.”
His key advice:
- Use both hands and both feet
- Practice regularly against a wall
- Attend all training sessions
- Listen to your coaches
- Keep fit and active – Play Every day – You’re young – Well able
- Play as much football as you can, for as long as you can
Small improvements everyday lead to big progress over time.
Underage Club Spotlight
Ballyskenach Killavilla
Ballyskenach/ Killavilla continue to do fantastic work at underage level, with a strong nursery programme and growing U8 and U10 hurling and football teams.
The club continues to develop its facilities while creating a real community atmosphere through the dedication and hard work of its local coaches, volunteers, and members.
Well done to everyone involved in promoting Gaelic Games within the club and community.
By Offaly Secretary Sun 31st May
