Tuesday 30 June 2009

Oakleaf Inter-Cup for Hope Foundation Charity

A Chairde,

Mary Gormley who does some work for us with Development squads has asked me to make Gaels in Derry aware of the Adventure Race she is organising for charity. It is for a good cause and Mary would appreciate as much support as she can drum up in preparation for her trip to India in October.

I have decided to do the Adventure Race to help raise some sponsorship (a mile in a Kayak seems an awful long way but I’ll give it a go). If you can help Mary by taking part or offering to give some sponsorship money I know she would really appreciate it.
Mary Gormley from St Josephs club, Craigbane is travelling to Calcutta in India in Oct to work with street children for 7/8 months with Irish charity - HOPE.

Born on the streets, these children are denied such needs as food, shelter, healthcare, education, love, safety and support. The streets offer little protection and dangerous predators abuse these vulnerable children emotionally, physically, mentally and sexually. Street children experience the cruelty and in humanity of mankind on a daily basis.

HOPE aims to protect these children from exploitation and danger and give them back their right to a childhood.

The Hope Foundation provides formal and non-formal education, a nutrition programme and health care for the street children. HOPE and its Indian NGO partners' main objective is to continue to remove thousands of children off the streets and improve their quality of life.

As part of the fundraising drive, there is an Adventure Race in Avon Ri in Wicklow on 19th Sept. There will be alot of different competitors- at different levels and there is also a Derry Oakleaf Inter Cup Competition and the aim is to have all Derry clubs represented at the event. There are several clubs already involved in Ogra, Foreglen, Greenlough, Craigbane etc although more than 1 person from a club is welcome! The weekend is All Ireland Final weekend, and im sure there will be few people staying over that night for BBQ and the craic promises to be good and the 30min drive into Dublin would be ideal for the All Ireland final the following day. Avon Ri is super venue and will make it a great family day out. The event is individual or 2/3 person teams and the details can be found on the attached flyer. There is a sponsorship of £300 and you will need to register online to reserve a place on this event. Depending on numbers etc, we will try and sort some kind of transport and there is limited bicycles available down there for those who won’t have access to one. Anyone can take part, male or female, footballer or supporter and any level of ability! For more info Contact Mary by email on mary.gormley6@mail.dcu.ie or marygormley1@hotmail.com or on 07743448319.

Thanks for your time!! Mary Gormley

Oak Leaf School of Excellence Visits Celtic Park

Following the success of the 1st School of Excellence earlier in the month our second date has been confirmed for Saturday 4th July in Celtic Park at 11.00am. Head Coach is Derry Minor Manager Richard Ferris and the topic will be Kicking.

Lynco Under 12 Go Games Football

On Saturday we held a Lynco Under 12 Go Games Football blitz at Owenbeg. 60 teams turned up with 540 kids. Thanks to everyone who attended

Thursday 25 June 2009

Trench Road P.S. Prove To Be A Tower of Strength

The third annual Tower Hotel Cup was played on the 4th of June in Celtic Park, 8 schools took part with two schools entering two teams bringing the number of teams to ten. Over 100 players enjoyed a great days football with the top two teams from two groups playing in semi-finals, from Trench Road, Chapel Road, Rosemount and Hollybush a repeat of last years final emerged with Hollybush and Trench Road facing each other again.
Trench Road proved the stronger on the day and regained the trophy from Hollybush the holders. The efforts of teachers Conrad McGuigan and Francis Mallon could be seen by the skill shown by their teams as these schools both have strong after schools programmes. The competition was organised and run by Paul Simpson and Ashleen McCaul, helped by Joe McKane and Brian O'Donnell from Sean Dolans and Paddy McNaught from Doire Trasna. The teachers and children were delighted to be playing in Celtic Park's new Stadium and the weather even turned up on the day. Picture of the winning team below:

Tuesday 23 June 2009

Derry City GAA Summer Camps

Summer Camp for Key Stage 1 Children - 5 to 8 year olds

From Monday 13th July to Friday 17th July Derry GAA are hosting a summer camp in Celtic Park for children aged between 5 and 8 years old. Everyone is welcome to attend the camp which is Free of charge. Please register with myself on chris.collins.gm.derry@gaa.ie

Summer Camp for Key Stage 2 Children - 9 to 12 year olds

From Monday the 10th to Friday the 14th August we are hosting a camp in Celtic Park for 9 to 12 year olds, everyone is welcome to attend. There will be a charge of £5 payable on the day of arrival. Please register your place with me via email.


Club Derry U17 Football Development Squad

Due to the McCormick Cup in Owenbeg on Saturday 11th July the next Under 17 session will be on Saturday 25th July. The following players are to arrive at Ballymaguigan at 11.00am.
All players are asked to bring their own Derry shorts and socks. If a player listed below can’t make it for whatever reason they should contact Richard Ferris 07870988138.

A Devlin, D McKindless, M Devlin, T Martin, C Rocks, F Bell, R Bell (Ballinderry)

C Gilmore K Conway,D Convery (Ballinascreen)

K Scullion, O McPeake (Bellaghy)

J Bradley, S Óg McGroogan, E Bradley (Glen)

A McGurk, S Conway (Lavey)

C Devlin, P Love, R O’Kane, A O’Neill (Loup)

C Deery (Slaughtmanus)

E McDaid, B Scallon A Taggert, C Beats (Steelstown)

C Young (Castledawson)

G Kelly, O Doherty (Doire Trasna)

C Mullan, C Ferris, C Friel (Drumsurn)

M Burke, K Farren, B Óg McGilligan, T Hendy (Dungiven)

T Rafferty, B Quigg, J Kielt (Kilrea)

N McKeever, M McCloskey (Limavady)

C Kearns, R Ferris, P McCusker, F Duffin C Spiers (Magherafelt)

K McKeague (Slaughtneil)

A Trainor, M Breen, D Murray (Desertmartin)

R Moore M Sharkey,D Lowry (Craigbane)

N Rocks (Newbridge)

C Sheerin, E Mc Feely (Foreglen)

C Clyde, S Kerrigan (Claudy)

S Mullan (Ballerin)

C Mellon (Greenlough

Friday 19 June 2009

Primary School Football Blitz @ Celtic Park

On Friday 19th June children from Rosemount, St Johns and Gaelscoil Primary schools each entered two 9-a-side football teams @ a fun football blitz in the hughly impressive Celtic Park. Ashleen McCaul organised the day assisted by Brian and Joe, coaches from the Sean Dolans club. Special thanks must go to Active Clothing who very kindly sponsored trophies for each of the participating schools.


Vhí Cul Camps 2009

As July is fast approaching Brian Smith Derry's Vhí Cul Camp coordinator begins to feel the pressure! Last year we had 2200 children through the Cul camps and we're expecting similiar numbers this year despite the economic downturn.

We are holding camps at the following clubs:

30/06/09 - 03/07/09
Castledawson, Glen, Greenlough, Slaughtneil
07/07/09 - 10/07/09
Kilrea, Lissan, Claudy
14/07/09 - 17/07/09
Ballymaguigan, Steelstown
21/07/09 - 24/07/09
Coleraine
28/07/09 - 31/07/09
Ballerin, Swatragh, Newbridge
04/08/09 - 07/08/09
Lavey, Bellaghy, Glen, Loup
11/08/09 - 14/08/09
Magherafelt, Desertmartin
17/08/09 - 20/08/09
Glenullin
18/08/09 - 21/08/09
Slaughtmanus, Drumsurn
The camps are targeted for boys and girls aged between 7 and 13. The cost to attend a camp are £30 for the first child in family, with reductions of £25 and £20 for the second and third respectively. Each child will get a strip, bag and water bottle to take home as well as some top class coaching from our coaches. If your child would like to attend any camp please contact your club coordinator or the County coordinator: Brian Smith, 79 Iniscarn Road, Magherafelt, BT45 5NQ. Tel 07918 703912.

St. Therese's Primary School Hurling Final

Approx. 50 pupils from St Therese's Primary school turned out for their primary 5 Hurling final day. Each class was represented by 5 pupils from their class who had won the league games played up until the final day. The games started with a semi final between Mr Mc Cafferty's Class and Miss Elliotts Class.

Mr Mc Cafferty's class went on to the final to play Miss Harrigan's Class who won the match for their class. Well done to Team Harrigan. It was a great day for the pupils who all came out with banners and posters to cheer on their respective class. There were some great displays of skill from all the pupils, all the hard work has paid off.

Winning teams were presented with tshirts and wrist bands. Congratulations to all pupils to took part.

Tuesday 16 June 2009

North Derry Primary School Hurling and Camogie Championship

Today concluded the North Derry Primary School GAA Blitz Programme for 2009. The schools came to Owenbeg to take part in their hurling and camogie championship. Kevin Hinphey assisted by Osisin Moran, Michael Kerr and Ciaran Moore (3 young lads who had the sheer delight of spending work placement with us for a week) ensured the days festivities went off without a hitch.

Well done to everyone who took part and thanks to their teachers for all the work they have put in outside of the classroom in 2008/9.





Monday 15 June 2009

Afterschool Programme at Pennyburn

St Patrick's Pennyburn have been running a successful afterschool programme all year. To end the programme a summer league was run with all pupils taking part, approx 40 children. The children were split into eight teams and spent 4 weeks competing against each other on a league basis.

At the end of the prgramme the winning team recieved a tshirt and poster. Majority of the pupils are now taking part in Gaelic football outside of school. There was some great games of football to be watched and the improvement of the players through out the year has been immense.

Special word of thanks goes to Ronan Mc Daid (Doire Colmcille) for helping Shauna McCallion to organise the afterschool programme throughout the year.

St. Eugene's Gaelic Football Day, Derry City

Approx 55 Pupils from St Eugenes in Derry City took part in a fun Gaelic Football tournament held in Bull Park. The good weather was taken advantage of and both the primary four and primary five class played small sided games against each other.

The Teachers also participated in the fun day by both playing themselves or refereeing.

Sunday 14 June 2009

Slaughtmanus Club-School Link


Emmett Stewart on Friday organised a day of football coaching and games with Slaughtmanus's feeder primary schools up at the club. Events like this are excellent to create a club-school link. There were children playing at Slaughtmanus on Friday that had never been through the gate before. Hopefully the club can continue to promote their club within the schools and cater for any new children they may get from Friday.

Good man Emmett and thanks to the Slaughtmanus coaches who made their time available on Friday.

Saturday 13 June 2009

Under 8's Play and Stay GAA Blitz

520 children took part in today's Play and Stay Under 8 GAA Football blitz in Owenbeg. This is the second blitz we've had in Owenbeg this year for this group and they enjoy the day at the County's Centre of Excellence immensely.


I have attached a few photo's taken from Owenbeg:


Friday 12 June 2009

South Derry Football Championships

Glen was the venue this year for the South Derry Football Championship 2009. There were 22 schools taking part in four divisions. Every division was evenly matched and the standard throughout was excellent. A word of thanks to the South Derry board for their fine organisation, led by chairman Danny Quinn and everyone that helped with the teams, setting up the pitches, the catering and everything else that made the day run smoothly.

Wednesday 10 June 2009

Oak Leaf School of Excellence

Following the success of the 1st School of Excellence earlier in the month our second date has been confirmed for Saturday 4th July in Celtic Park at 11.00am. Head Coach is Richard Ferris and the topic will be Kicking.

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Some Dates for the Diary

Here are some dates that will interest Clubs:
13th June: Under 8 Go Games Football Blitz Owenbeg 10.30am
20th June: Óg Sport (Under 15's) 7 aside Blitz Owenbeg 10.30am
27th June: Under 12 Go Game Football Blitz Owenbeg 10.30am
4th July: Go Games Hurling Festival Owenbeg 10.30am
5th July: Under 10 Go Games Football Blitz Owenbeg 10.30am
10th July: Under 8 Go Games Football Blitz Owenbeg 7pm
11th July: McCormick Minor 7's Competition Owenbeg 10.30am
18th July: Under 16 7's Hurling Competition Owenbeg 10.30am
31st July: Under 8 Go Games Football Blitz Owenbeg 7.00pm
1st August: Go Games Hurling Festival Owenbeg 10.30am

That's plenty to chew over for now!

Two Visits to Croke Park in the One Week!!

The Under 16 Football and Under 16 Hurling Club Derry Development Squads will again this year get the opportunity to play on Croke Park. Both squads will be invited to headquarters for a day to take part in a blitz, get a stadium tour and learn about the history of the Jones Road venue.
The Under 16 Hurling Development Squad day is on Monday 6th July and the Under 16 Football Development Squad day is Wednesday 8th July.

Lynco Go Games Hurling in Full Swing

On Friday night over 300 children attended their second Lynco Go Games Hurling Festival in Owenbeg. These are proving extremely successful and the level of participation has been excellent!

Monday 8 June 2009

Club Derry Development Squad to hold summer trials

DERRY minor manager Richard Ferris will hold trials on Saturday 20th of June for under-17s not currently on the development squad as the preparations for 2010 begin.
Drumsurn man Ferris, whose minors fell agonisingly short in their Ulster championship clash with Monaghan last month is planning for next year, with trials for those wishing to join the under-17 panel, who have not been working along with this year’s minor panel since training began in March, to be held on Saturday 20 June at Glen (11am).
“This will cut down on the trials needed at the start of next year. I’d rather trial the boys when they’re playing competitive football than in the wind and rain in January and February, when they’re not active. Anyone who thinks they’re in with a shot should come along,” said Ferris.
Now that the minors’ season is finished, the onus falls on their young counterparts, some of whom were involved against the Farney men.
Ferris has appealed for his players to give themselves a head start ahead of the 2010 campaign, and asked that anyone who needs transported to get in contact with him.
“We’re already looking forward to 2010 and we want to get the boys ready for it before the football finishes this season. We want to put a foundation there in terms of strength and conditioning, and we want the strongest possible panel to be available to us for under-17 blitzes in August,” added the All-Ireland ’93 winner.
“It’s very important that the elite players at the top clubs buy into the development squad system. I’d appeal to the clubs and coaches to make sure that their players are there. The development squads have a big future, with the work that Chris Collins [Games Development Manager] and Club Derry are doing.”

Notice for current under-17 players
The following players are to arrive at Drumsurn on Saturday 13th June time 11.00am.
All players are asked to bring their own Derry shorts and socks. If a player listed below can’t make it for whatever reason, or they require transport, they should contact Richard Ferris 07870988138.
Aaron Devlin, Daniel McKindless, Martin Devlin, Tony Martin, Canice Rocks, Fintan Bell, Ryan Bell (Ballinderry), Charles Gilmore Kieran Conway,Dominic Convery (Ballinascreen), Kevin Scullion, Orrie McPeake (Bellaghy), Joe Bradley, Sean Óg McGroogan, Emmett Bradley (Glen), Anthony McGurk, Sean Conway (Lavey), Ciaran Devlin, Philip Love, Roddy O’Kane, Anthony O’Neill (Loup), Cathal Deery (Slaughtmanus), Emmett McDaid, Brian Scallon (Steelstown), Ciarán Young (Castledawson), Gavin Kelly, Owen Doherty (Doire Trasna), Cahir Mullan, Ciaran Ferris, Cahir Friel (Drumsurn), Martin Burke, Kevin Farren, Brian Óg McGilligan (Dungiven), Tiarnan Rafferty, Benny Quigg, Jack Kielt (Kilrea), Niall McKeever, Martin McCloskey (Limavady), Conor Kearns, Ryan Ferris, Philip McCusker, Fergal Duffin (Magherafelt), Karl McKeague (Slaughtneil), Aidan Trainor, Martin Breen, Declan Murray (Desertmartin), Rory Moore (Craigbane), Nathan Rocks (Newbridge), Conrad Sheerin (Foreglen)

Year 8 Vocational Schools Football Competition

The Burn's cup and shield were played today at Owenbeg. 15 teams took part in the 9 aside Competition. The standard was excellent throughout the day and it all the teams left Derry's Centre of Excellence more than happy.
The Shield final was contested by St. Mary's Draperstown B and St. Brigid's Carnhill. The Derry City side came out on top in what was a close game.
St. Mary's Draperstown A team then played St. Paul's Kilrea A in the Burn's Cup final. The standard was extremely high and the competition with fierce, St. Mary's Draperstown came out the victors with a goal to spare.
Some pictures below from the Year 8 Vocational Schools Football Championship.




Oak Leaf School of Excellence Huge Success

The first Oak Leaf School of Excellence for Under 14 Footballers got of to a flying start. 78 young players were treated to a day of coaching led by Tony Scullion in the sunshine at Banagher.

The next School of Excellence will be announced in the coming days.




Special thanks to Paul Simpson, Ashleen McCaul and Shauna McCallion who ably assisted, to Banagher for the use of their grounds and to all the lads who made the effort to turn out.

Wednesday 3 June 2009

Fitness Testing Demonstration by Toca Sports

Toca Sports will be conducting a fitness test for the Club Derry Under 16 Football Development Squad on Saturday 6th June at 12pm in Roe Valley Leisure Centre, Limavady. Club coaches are invited to attend and observe. After the fitness test Robert Carroll from Toca sports will take any questions on the equipment they provide to carry out the fitness tests.

Club Derry Hurling Under 14 Development Squad

The Club Derry Under 14 Hurlers took part in their first Ulster Blitz of the year in Owenbeg. Derry had two teams taking part. They competed against Armagh, Antrim, Down, Donegal and Fermanagh.

Derry City Year 8 Football Blitz

This was the fourth Year 8 Blitz of the year held in Derry City on Friday 29th May at Templemore Sports Complex, only three schools were able to attend as unfortunately the date clashed with end of year exams in three schools which ruled out seven teams. St. Peter's, Creggan attended for the first time as a result of an eight week coaching programme setup in partnership with DCC, Sean Dolan's GAC and the school. 47 players took part and the weather was in our favour as it turned out to be a great day. The competition was very evenly matched which was very encouraging for the boys attending for the first time. Teachers were delighted by the efforts of their teams. Sean Dolan's coaches,Joe McKane and Brian O'Donnell assisted Paul Simpson on the day with refereeing and co-ordination of the games.


Club Derry Under 17 Football Development Squad

The following players are to arrive at Drumsurn on Saturday 13th June time 11.00am.
All players are asked to bring their own Derry shorts and socks. If a player listed below can’t make it for whatever reason they should contact Richard Ferris 07870988138

Aron Devlin
Ciarán Young
Daniel Mc Kindless
Martin Devlin
Gavin Kelly
Tony Martin
Owen Doherty
Canice Rocks
Fintan Bell
Cahir Mullan
Ciaran Ferris
Charles Gilmore
Martin Burke
Kevin Scullion
Martin Mc Closkey
Orrie Mc Peake
Kevin Farren
Joe Bradley
Tieran Rafferty
Sean Og Mc Groggan
Benny Quigg
Anthnoy Mc Gurk
Nial Mc Keever
Ciaran Devlin
Conor Kearns
Phillip Love
Ryan Ferris
Roddy O Kane
Philip Mc Cusker
Cathal Deery
Karl Mc Keague
Emmett Mc Daid

Tuesday 2 June 2009

North Derry Primary School Football Championships

Today we had the North Derry Football Championship for 2009 at Owenbeg. Approximately 335 children took part from 19 schools
9 aside Winners: St. Mary's Altinure Runners Up: St. Canice, Dungiven
7 aside Winners: St. Columba's Ballerin Runners Up: St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's Glenullin
5 aside Winners: St. Matthew's Drumsurn Runners Up: Broadbridge P.S.