Monday 31 May 2010

St. John's Swatragh new 3G Pitch

On Wednesday 26th May Diarmuid Scullion was at St Johns primary school, Swatragh for the official opening of their new state of the art training pitch by Christy Cooney. Well done to all involved, Diarmuid is certainly looking forward to next thursday for P.E on the new pitch!

Friday 28 May 2010

Club Derry Under 14 7's Competition

As part of the build up to Féile Dhoire 2010 Club Derry sponsored an Under 14 7 aside football blitz on Tuesday night. 70 teams took part in what was a wonderful night of football. Aoghan Farrell (Ulster President), Pat McKaugie (Club Derry Chairman) and John Keenan (Derry Chairman) made the presentations. Each member of the winning teams were presented with a Club Derry T Shirt and the runners up got Club Derry Water Bottles.

A Winners: Glen Runners Up: Dungiven

B Winners: Greenlough Runners Up: Banagher

C Winners: Castledawson Runners Up: Drumsurn

A sincere thank you to Club Derry for sponsoring the event, to everyone who took part and to the coaches, referee’s, caterers and Seamus Mullan for contributing in what was a great night

Féile Dhoire 2010 - Primary School's Football Festival

On Thursday 27th May every primary school in the County was invited to take part in the Primary School Football Festival as part of the build up to Féile Dhoire 2010. 700 boys and girls took part in what was an excellent day of football, Christy Cooney, GAA President commended the children and their teachers for their on going support of the GAA and congratulated the players on the high skill levels they displayed during the festival.
Well done to everyone who helped out in organising the event, a special mention to the young lads from the secondary schools who helped with the refereeing.

Féíle Dhoire 2010 - Primary School Visits

What a week we've had visiting all the different centres for the primary school visits with an Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael Na mBan Pat Quill and Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael Christy Cooney.We started Monday morning with Christy and Pat in Foyleview and Belmont Special School's before moving to Templemore Sports Centre where 300 children got to meet the president's and get their photograph's taken. After lunch it was off to Brooke Park leisure centre where 200 children turned up.
On Tuesday Christy had to go to Dublin so Aoghan Farrell, Ulster GAA President stepped in for him and done a tremendous job at Roe Valley Leisure Centre Limavady and the University of Ulster Coleraine. Approximately 400 children were present between the two centres. Tuesday night was the Under 14 7's football blitz with 700 players taking part in what was a superb night of football.
On Wednesday Christy was back with us for an early morning visit to Kilronan special school before going across the road to Meadowbank Sports arena where 400 children from Magherafelt district council met the men. The ladies under 14 footballers had their blitz on Wednesday evening at Owenbeg.
Thursday was the Gaelic football festival for primary school children from all over the County to take part in boys and girls football. 700 children arrived and demonstrated their skills to Pat and Christy to a very high level. Each school that attended were presented with a special signed certificate to mark the occasion. The final event of the week was the official launch in the Guildhall Derry on Thursday evening. The cultural show piece was a remarkable night and a fitting launch to what is a superb competition. Only one month to Féile Dhoire 2010, it's going to be good!!

North Derry Primary School Boys Football and Camogie League

On Thursday 14th June Derry GAA organised their North Derry Primary School League blitz for Boys football and Camogie. 20 teams took part in the day of games at Owenbeg.

The 9 aside football was won by St. Canice's Dungiven, 7 aside football went to St. John's Dernaflaw and the 5 aside to Ballykelly P.S.
The 7 aside Camogie was won by St. Canice's Feeny and St. Mary's Gortnaghey won the 5 aside. Well done to everyone that took part

On Thursday 14th June Derry GAA organised their North Derry Primary School League blitz for Boys football and Camogie. 20 teams took part in the day of games at Owenbeg.

The 9 aside football was won by St. Canice's Dungiven, 7 aside football went to St. John's Dernaflaw and the 5 aside to Ballykelly P.S.
The 7 aside Camogie was won by St. Canice's Feeny and St. Mary's Gortnaghey won the 5 aside. Well done to everyone that took part

Thursday 20 May 2010

Magherafelt Cúchulainns

On Wednesday 12th April Magherafelt Cúchulainns took part in a cross community Gaelic Football Tournament which was held in the Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown. Four teams competed in the cross-community tournament: Lurgan-Armagh, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Enniskillen. All teams were made up of players from a mixture of schools from the controlled and maintained sectors.

Today’s tournament is an extension to Ulster GAA’s pioneering cross community Initiative, which brings together young people from a range of backgrounds who have little or no experience participating in Gaelic Games.

The initiative is backed by the ‘Unite Against Hate’ Campaign which embraces the Northern Ireland Assembly’s vision for the future as: “A peaceful, inclusive, prosperous, stable and fair society firmly founded on the achievement of reconciliation, tolerance, and mutual trust and the protection and vindication of human rights for all”.

Ulster GAA Provincial Secretary Danny Murphy said, “Ulster GAA is very proud of this flagship cross-community initiative – the Cúchulainn Cup. When we first set out to develop this initiative we hoped that it would bring together young people from all sections of our community to experience and enjoy Gaelic Games and to break down barriers through sport. That hope is now been realised with the Cúchulainn Initiative continuing to grow from strength to strength. The tournament is also about raising awareness and respect of Gaelic Games and the Association to those from non-GAA backgrounds.

“All the lads who participated in this year’s football and hurling tournament, are playing their part in building a better society, breaking down barriers and promoting good relations. I commend all the schools and teachers involved who have made this possible, and I also pay tribute to the parents and families of the young men who are taking part, and the young men themselves.

The Magherafelt team were coached by Diarmuid and Tony Scullion.

Year 9 Football Coaching Day @ Owenbeg

On Tuesday 18th May 150 Year 9 Secondary School pupils enjoyed a Gaelic Football Coaching and blitz day organised by Chris Collins.
From 10am to 12.30pm the players were treated to a morning of coaching by Tony Scullion, Richard Ferris, Diarmuid Scullion, Ryan Mellon, Paul Rouse and Gary Mallon. The 20 minute sessions focused on SAQ, Core Strength and Conditioning, Kicking Scores, Frontal and Side tackle, The Block and Games to Retain Possession. The players all put in a big effort and got a lot out of the morning

After lunch they all had the chance to practice the skills in a 9 aside football blitz.

Thanks to all the Coaches, teachers and the players themselves for taking part.

Monday 17 May 2010

Oak Leaf Cycle Slam

The Oak Leaf Cycle Slam is a new fundraising initiative by Club Derry and the County Coaching and Games committee with all proceeds in aid of the Derry Schools GAA Coaching Programme. The gruelling 700 mile cycle will begin on Sunday 22nd August from Owenbeg with all the cyclists hopefully returning back to Derry on Tuesday 31st August. Those cyclists confirmed at present taking up the challenge include County coaching staff Chris Collins, Richard Ferris, Diarmuid Scullion and Emmett Stewart. Chris Collins, Derry’s Coaching and Games manager explains the rationale behind the idea, “Currently we have 14 full time coaches in place within our schools throughout the County providing services such as physical literacy coaching to children at key stage 1, Gaelic games coaching to key stage 2 and secondary school pupils, GAA foundation and child protection certification to sixth form students, professional development for teachers and supervisors and, of course, a substantial programme of games and blitzes for players to compete and demonstrate their skills in.

We believe that the schools within our County are an essential element in building future success on the field of play. We therefore see it as a matter of paramount importance that we keep our level of support at the standards we have set over the past twelve months. We have always provided these services free of charge to the schools. Last year Club Derry thankfully funded a Coaching and Games deficit of £42,000. In the current economic climate we understand that everybody is facing constraints, and although we are adamant that we don’t want our schools to suffer, we also don’t want to start charging for our services as the majority of our competitors already do.

As a solution to help ease the financial pressures we have come up with the novel Oak Leaf Cycle Slam with all the proceeds going towards the County School GAA Coaching Programme. We are hoping the school children and the wider public will get behind us and sponsor the cyclists whatever they can afford to help us to consolidate our services for the 2010/11 school year totally free of charge to the schools.”

Chris was also keen to point out that if anyone would like to take part in the cycle they should contact him via email at chris.collins.gm.derry@gaa.ie, “If any cyclist at any level of experience would have time from the 22nd to 31st August and would like to take part in the cycle slam we would be delighted to have them on board. We’ve only just started on the bikes ourselves and are new to the world of lycra so there will be no one out of the depth. I know a few teachers have already expressed an interest to take part which is great.”

Route details, training logs, sponsorship forms and online sponsorship will all be available from the Derry and Club Derry websites www.derrygaa.ie / www.clubderry.org There will also be a live log kept on facebook: www.facebook.com/oakleafcycleslam

Thursday 13 May 2010

Ulster Vocational Schools Hurling Blitz @ Owenbeg

Today 4 hurling teams took part in an Ulster vocational schools hurling qualifier at Owenbeg to determine who competes in the Ulster Under 14 finals. Schools from Kilrea, Dungiven, Ballymoney and Buncrana all took part in the day of hurling.

Dungiven and Ballymoney will progress to the Ulster Final.

After School Football in Termoncanice P.S.

On Tuesdays after school's Gaelic Football at Termoncanice PS is in full flow with Richard Ferris.

Wednesday 12 May 2010

GAA Respect Initiative

Respect Initiative has been promoted at all recent Go Games Blitz's at Owenbeg and will continue for the remainder of the year. GAA Coordinator for Primary Schools, Micheál Martin, outlines the association’s efforts to ensure that Gaelic games are played in an enjoyable atmosphere at all levels.

What is the aim of this initiative?

The GAA Respect Initiative has been developed to ensure that Gaelic games are promoted in a positive manner and within an environment that is conducive to ensuring that all participants reach their full potential. The programme clearly sets out the roll of all participants (players, coaches, parents, referees and spectators) and the standards that should be adhered to at all times.

At what level will this initiative be introduced?

The Initiative will be rolled out nationally at all levels up to Under 12 in 2010 in conjunction with GAA Go Games policy.

What evidence is there to suggest that this initiative is necessary?

International research and reports have highlighted a growing trend of sport being played in a more pressurised environment. There is an increasing tendency for parents and coaches to place a greater emphasis on results rather than participation. This makes the atmosphere in which the games are played less enjoyable for participants and leads to drop out. While the majority of people at our games behave very well, it only takes a small number to make the game less enjoyable. A recent national survey of referees who refereed underage games highlighted concerns over the number of negative comments from the sideline.

What does the initiative involve?

Essentially we are looking for clubs to show strong leadership in informing their members of the initiative. It will include ensuring participation in Coach and Referee Education programmes, information evenings and implementing the GAA Code of Best Practice in Youth Sport. At national level we have produced a DVD clip, a series of posters and an information booklet which will be distribute to clubs and promoted during senior inter-county games in 2010 and are available at www.gaa.ie.

How does the initiative work in practice?

There are a number of practical steps to be followed during games:
  • Players and coaches line up after the game to shake hands with the referee, opposing players and coaches
  • Referees communicate decisions to players in an effective manner
  • A merit award- based on sporting endeavour and fair play- is awarded to a players/teams at the end of each season
  • Supporters remain in designated areas (non-segregated) at the side of the pitch for the full duration of each game.
  • Each unit must strive to achieve maximum participation for all players
  • Referees to be welcomed to the GAA Club.

When will the initiative be introduced at adult level?

The roll out of the programme will be at Under 14 and at colleges’ level in 2011. The long term strategy is that the initiative will be in place at all levels up to and including adult level by 2015. Within that period the initiative will be highlighted at senior inter-county level in various ways. For example a GAA Fair Play Index will be in operation during the GAA Allianz National Hurling and Football leagues in 2010.The Fair Play Index will operate across all divisions in the Allianz National Leagues to determine the team with the best disciplinary record in each code.
For more information on the GAA Respect Initiative and the GAA Fair Play Index check outwww.gaa.ie

Sunday 9 May 2010

600 Under 8's enjoy Go Games @ Owenbeg

This morning approximately 600 Under 8 footballers from 34 different clubs enjoyed a superb morning of football at Owenbeg. The excitement was there for all to see as some players dawned their beloved club jersey for the very first time.

Saturday 8 May 2010

Club Derry Under 17's Show Grit

Today the Club Derry Under 17's took part in their first Ulster blitz of the season. Derry were pitted against Down and Donegal in the blitz that took part in Ballymaguigan.

This was one of three blitz's that took place today. The top teams all qualify for for a final blitz on the 11th September. The second place teams come together to take part in the plate and the third place teams in a shield.
In the first game of the day Down beat Donegal with a few points to spare.
Derry then played Donegal at the 1.30pm throw in. The Derry team that started the Donegal game was as follows:
1. Niall Callan - Doire Trasna
2. Damian Barr - Slaughtmanus
3. Paul O'Kane - Magherafelt
4. Kieran McIntyre - Glack
5. Chrissy Henry - Ballymaguigan
6. Ferghal Shivers - Newbridge
7. Michael Kerr - Magherafelt
8. Ruairi Leonard - Coleraine
9. Conor Rafferty - Magherafelt
10. Adrian Trainor - Desertmartin
11. Stephen Lagan - Magherafelt
12. Eoghan Dooher - Ardmore
13. Antone McElhone - Magherafelt
14. Martin Downey - Ballymaguigan
15. Anthony O'Neill - Loup

Derry got off to a shaky start and found themselves 4 points down at half time, however after the lads regroup at the interval they got a grip on the game and didn't let it slip. Derry ran out winners 2-10 to Donegal's 3-05

The second game against Down came very quick after the first 50 minutes and it would be fair to say that the Derry players felt the effects.
The starting team vs Down was:
1. Niall Callan - Doire Trasna
2. Damian Barr - Slaughtmanus
3. Paul O'Kane - Magherafelt
4. Kieran McIntyre - Glack
5. Chrissy Henry - Ballymaguigan
6. Michael Warnock - Glen
7. Michael Kerr - Magherafelt
8. Ruairi Leonard - Coleraine
9. Conor Rafferty - Magherafelt
10. Anthony O'Neill - Loup
11. Martin Downey - Ballymaguigan
12. Ferghal Shivers - Newbridge
13. Antone McElhone - Magherafelt
14. Stephen Lagan - Magherafelt
15. Dermot McWilliams - Kilrea

Derry gifted Down an early goal and it took them 15 minutes of the first have to get the ball out of their own half, it was a terrible start that found Derry 7 points down at the interval. Much of the same for this half time talk again and needless to say the Derry players responded excellently, they gradually got back into the game and had Down hanging on. Derry ran out 1 point winners on a scoreline of 2-11 to 3-07.

We were missing a lot of players today for numerous reasons but the 17 players we had showed unbelievable fighting spirit. A special mention must got to Niall Callan who gratefully step in between the sticks as our two Goal keepers were both out injured.

Friday 7 May 2010

Lynco Under 12 Go Games Football Blitz

Tonight in a sunny Owenbeg 56 teams took part in their first Outdoor Go Games blitz of the year. The standard of football on show from the 550 players was excellent, all the players and their coaches keep up the good work!