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:
Name: Alice Cunningham
School: St Colman’s Mucklagh
Club: Shamrocks
What do you play: Camogie & Football
What’s your favourite part of GAA: Playing competitive matches
Who is your favourite player: Adam Screeney & Clodagh Leahy
What is your favourite meal: Roast Lamb
What are your GAA ambitions:To play for Offaly
Give us a few words about your club and what you like and maybe even dislike:
I love playing for my club. We have great coaches. I would like the club to build an all weather pitch so we can train in the bad weather.
Sixth Class Pupil Name: Evan Craven
School: scoil charthaigh Naofa, Rahan
Club: Shamrocks GAA
What do you play: Hurling & Football
What’s your favourite part of GAA: Winning tough games & meeting new people from different clubs.
Who is your favourite player: David Clifford for football & Joe Canning for Hurling
What is your favourite meal: Potatoe’s & bacon
What are your GAA ambitions: Id like to hurl for Offaly.
Give us a few words about your club and what you like and maybe even dislike:I cant wait to have a new astroturf pitch in Mucklagh
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Pupil Name – Daragh Galvin
School – Colaiste Choilm
Club – Ballinamere/Durrow
What do you play – Hurling
What’s your favourite part of GAA – My Team
Who is your favourite player – Aaron Gillane
What is your favourite meal – Pancakes
What are your GAA ambitions – To play for Offaly
I enjoy playing with players from other clubs in the County and also getting to play against other Counties is a good experience.
Pupil Name: Will Smith
School: Ard Scoil Rath Iomghain
Club: Clonbullogue
What do you play: Football
What’s your favourite part of GAA: Playing matches and making friends along the way
Who is your favourite player: Shane Walsh
What is your favourite meal: Roast Beef dinner
What are your GAA ambitions:
To win a Senior championship with Clonbullogue and to win an All Ireland with Offaly
Give us a few words about your involvement with the Offaly Development Squads:I enjoy playing and training with the best players in Offaly. It helps me improve my skills and develops me as a player
Academies
A reminder to all players, the academies are always revieing, wok hard for you club and hopefully you will get your chance!!
All Academy squads trained on Saturday last, with no Academy games taking place over the weekend. Academies will know train each Thursday during the summer working on skills etc.
A few words from one of our Development Squad coaches, who has been involved in the system for a few years:
Name: Cathal Murphy
Cathal Murphy – Offaly U14 Development Squad Coach
Coaching the Offaly U14 Development Squad is a very hands-on and rewarding role. A significant part of the position involves coaching sessions in Faithful Fields, with a strong focus on developing the hurling skills of the next generation of Offaly players.
Every few weeks, the squad travels to play against other counties, providing valuable opportunities for players to test themselves in a competitive environment and continue their development. The aim is to create the highest possible standards while ensuring that players enjoy their experience and maintain their enthusiasm for the game.
Recognising that young players develop at different rates throughout their teenage years, this season’s focus is on mastering the fundamentals of hurling, understanding team shape and structure, and fostering a positive attitude and strong work ethic among players.
The role also involves regular collaboration with coaching and development staff. Thankfully, the logistical and administrative aspects are expertly managed by the support team, allowing coaches to concentrate on player development. Their assistance and professionalism make the coaching role as seamless and effective as possible.
“It has been a hugely rewarding experience so far, and we’re committed to helping each player reach their potential while enjoying their hurling journey.”
Games Programme
Our underage games programme is well underway.
· Our U8, U10, and U11 boys are enjoying the Glenisk Go Games activities each week. Well done to the Young Whistlers in clubs assisting with games each week.
The Minor Hurling and Football leagues recommence this week. Th U14 Hurling & football leagues concluded. Winners in Hurling South – Birr, Mid – Kilcormac/Killoughey & Division 2 Kinnitty/Lusmagh. Football – Mid – Tullamore, North Na Fianna & Division 2 – Birr.
Best of luck to all teams in action, including those representing:
· DSK – Regional
· Birr GAA – National
· Ferbane/Belmont – National
· St Manchan’s – Regional
We wish all players, mentors and clubs the very best in the games ahead.
Get to Know Our Staff & Weekly Coaching Hints
Message from Nigel Dunne – OUR Football GDC
Now that the summer holidays are here, we are asking all club players to commit to practising for 18 minutes a day.
There is a growing movement worldwide that shows how just 18 minutes of focused practice each day can help you become the very best player you can be.
Use your 18 minutes to work on:
· Kicking with your right foot and left foot
· Handpassing with your right hand and left hand
· Improving your fitness and conditioning
· Developing good habits through regular practice
Remember, small improvements every day add up to big improvements over time. Consistency is the key. If you dedicate 18 minutes each day throughout the summer, you will return to training a better, fitter, and more confident player.
Enjoy your summer and keep practising!
Underage Club Spotlight
Gracefield
Gracefield GAA are continuing to work hard to make improvements in both football and hurling, and are fielding teams from U8 to Minor in both codes, as well as a thriving nursery programme which continues to grow weekly.
An internal strategic review has lead to a huge increase in coaches in 2026, which now means our coaching team across all ages is now close to 40 dedicated and committed coaches.
We thank all our coaches and Juvenile committee for their continued efforts and hope to see further improvements in all our teams throughout the rest of 2026 and beyond.
New members are always welcome and relevant contact details can be found on our social media pages.
By Offaly Secretary Tue 23rd Jun
