Year 8 Super Touch at RVLC

On Friday at Roe Valley Recreation Centre Limavady a Super Touch Year 8 indoor Gaelic Football Blitz took place coordinated by Richard Ferris, GPO for the area. This event proved to be very popular with all that participated, 9 teams took part from St Patrick’s Dungiven and St Mary’s Limavady. 45 boys enjoyed the day’s football immensely, with 40 games taking place across the two halls. Finish off with all the boys getting 45mins session in the pool. Obviously a day such as this doesn't happen without the help of the teachers, 4 of whom helped with the smooth running Mr. Mc Mullan Mr. Mackle, Mr. Mc Gilligan and Mrs. Mc Gee.
Six sixth form students from St. Mary's Limavady refereed the games. Finally a big thank you to all the players who took part from 10am to 2.45pm, it was plain to see how much craic they were having and some of the skill levels on show was exceptional.

Under 10 Indoor Hurling Blitz

On Saturday 20th February Templemore Sports Complex played host to an U10 Hurling Blitz with teams from Donegal, Tyrone and Derry. With 12 5 A side teams and over 70 players participating the day proved to be a real success with many players getting their first competitive taste of hurling this year. The excellent standard of hurling on the day was a real testament to the hard work being put into hurling at underage level in the area and we hope to see all those involved back again soon. Many thanks to all the underage coaches and player for taking part and to Kevin Hinphey and Simon Gillespie for organising and coordinating the event, keep up the excellent work! Some of the teams are pictured below:

Foundation Coaching Course at St. Mary's Limavady

On Thursday 18th February 35 students from St. Mary's Limavady concluded their Foundation coaching award. Paul Simpson and Richard Ferris delivered a number of classroom based workshops with the students in the morning. Followed by some work in the gym going through the various stages and activities of the Fundamentals movements.
The new coaches worked extremely hard throughout the day and applied themselves really well. The final stage of their foundation award was a practical session on skill development and games. The coaches were assessed and given feedback and personal improvement goals. Well done to all involved. Thanks to all PE staff for their co-operation and hospitatity.

Foundation Football Award at Greenlough GAC

Twelve club members of Greenlough GAC joined Ronan Devlin for a foundation coaching course on a cold Saturday morning, 20th February, having completed their Child Protection Course on Friday evening.

In what was a most enjoyable session; those present learnt the basics of coaching, especially aimed at U-8/10/12 level, both on the field and in theory.

Pictured - (L-R): Niall Bradley, Cormac O'Neill, Paul Downey, Feargal Scullion, Ruairi McGlinchey, Gary O'Neill, Damian McTeague, Hugh Mullan, Sean Madden, Tommy Convery, Diarmuid McCloy, Damian McAlynn and Ronan Devlin (Tutor).

Child Protection and Awareness Course in Derry City

On Monday 22nd of February, Derry GAA ran out a Child Protection and Awareness course for coaches at Steelstown GAC. A large turn out of 35 coaches attended. The course was delivered by Brian Smith and Richard Ferris

Under 8 Go Games Indoor Football Blitz

On Saturday 20th February 15 clubs took part in a series of Under 8 Play and Stay blitz's organised across 7 venues. Approximately 230 children took part in a day of indoor football. I have attached some photo's from the various venues. Thanks to everyone for taking part and to the host venues for the use of their facilities.

Underage Youth Conference

On Saturday Derry had a delegation of nine young Gaels present in Croke Park for the National Youth Conference. They were addressed by GAA president Christy Cooney and
Ard Stiuritheoir Padraig Duffy among others. The purpose of the day was to listen to the views of our young members on the future direction of the GAA. It was a workshop based day where delegates worked in groups discussing various topics and providing feedback. Thanks to the nine young Gaels who represented Derry.

Underage Coaches Education Day @ Faughanvale GAC

18 underage coaches from Faughanvale GAC came out on a very cold morning which was organised by Faughanvale Youth Officer, John Mc Gee. Under the supervision of Richard Ferris they looked at modules on organising and planning a training session including warm ups, movement skills, developing the skills of Gaelic Football, phases of learning, introduction to games, fun games, modified games, shooting for scores and managing an effective coaching session. Thanks to all the coaches for taking part and to the ladies that provide refreshments.

Steelstown Under 12 Footballers Back in Action

Steelstown u12 footballers started back on the 2nd February in St Brigid’s Secondary School Carnhill. Steelstown are running in conjunction with the school and their Year 8's. They train every Tuesday night 6.45pm – 8.15pm. Anyone from the Steelstown Area who'd like to come along are more than welcome to do so.

The Road to Croker

Over the winter months, Derry GAA held an under-12 program consisting of an indoor football / hurling competition styled “The Road to Croker”. All participating clubs were entered into a free draw for an all expenses paid day trip to Croke Park, courtesy of Club Derry.

This year’s winners were the footballers of St Canice’s Dungiven who will now get the chance to play on the famous Croke Park turf. They will be joined by runners-up Glenullin footballers and the hurlers from Ballinascreen.

Each participating club implemented six rounds of internal blitzes, playing the “Road to Croker” one night a week. Different set conditions were imposed on the games each week, with each session designed to develop different skills in the young players.

Club Derry Vice-Chairman, Brian Og Mullan, explains why he thought the competition was important:

“The program helps maintain skill levels and aerobic fitness throughout the winter months when traditional club competitions have finished and both ground and weather conditions are less favourable. It is also importantly consistent with the message of “play and stay with the GAA” to our young players”.

Brian Og concluded:

“I would like to thank all the clubs for taking part and to Chris Collins and Derry Coaching Staff for overseeing the competition”

Photo caption
Club Derry Vice-Chairman, Brian Og Mullan along with Derry senior football and hurling captains, Gerard O’Kane and Kevin Hinphey, making the draw for “The Road to Croker” competition. Club Derry were sponsors of the main prize of an all expenses paid trip to Croke Park and a chance to play on the famous turf for the u12 players taking part.

Derry Indoor Under 10 Football Blitz's

On Saturday 13th February there were a series of Under 10 Indoor Football Blitzes organised across Magherafelt, Coleraine and Cookstown Council areas. Bellaghy, Swatragh, Greenlough, Lavey, Ballinascreen, Moneymore and Glenullin all hosted the teams. Approximately 300 Under 10's took part. Thanks to everyone who took part. Photo's from some of the venues are attached below:

Derry Indoor Go Games Hurling Programme

For the first time Derry have had an indoor Go Games hurling programme this winter. The format for the games has been that one club plays host to 2 other clubs. This weekend the host clubs were Kevin Lynchs, Banagher and Swatragh. On Saturday past, 13th January, Kevin Lynchs hosted Coleraine & Na Magha whilst Banagher hosted Ballinascreen and Lavey. On Wednesday evening Swatragh hosted Slaughtneil. There is a round of under 8 blitzes and a round of under 10 blitzes each month in January, February and in March. Last week was the turn of the under 8's while this week will be for under 10's. The clubs are supporting the programme very well and there is no doubt that we will see the benefits of getting the lads hurling during months where previously it would not have been the case. Here are the teams who took part in Kevin Lynchs blitz which was held in the Dungiven Sports Pavilion.

North West Indoor Under 12 Hurling Tournament

Sunday 14th February was the final of the North West indoor hurling tournament for under 12's. The competition ran over three Sunday's in 3 venues; The Old Library Trust Hall – Derry City, Aileach Youth Hall – Bridgend and the Letterkenny Community Centre. 3 Derry clubs Na Magha, Banagher and Slaughtneil competed against teams from Donegal and Tyrone. All 3 clubs competed in section division 1 of the competition and Slaughtneil were unlucky to lose out in the final against a very good Buncrana team. Thanks to all the players and their coaches for taking part over the three weeks, to those who organised the excellent venues and to Kevin Hinphey for coordinating the programme.
Pictured is the winning Buncrana Captain and the Derry teams who took part.

Foundation Football Course @ Roe Valley Leisure Centre, Limavady

On Friday 12th and Saturday 13th of February Roe Valley Leisure Centre hosted a Child Protection and the New GAA foundation coaching course for coaches. A large turn out attended the child protection; 55 coaches, then on Saturday 14 coaches completed the full course. Brian Smith, Emma Murray,Paul Simpson and Richard Ferris delivered the course. Thanks to Ollie Mullan and all the staff at RVLC for all their help and co-operation. Thanks to all the coaches who attended, they certainly applied themselves very well!

Glen Road to Croker

Diarmuid Scullion was in Glen tonight to get their 'Road to Croker' up and running. 18 boys and 1 girl took part. The teams were split into 4, Armagh, Tyrone, Dublin and Meath and the condition that we put on the games was that any goals scored with the weaker foot were counted double. All participants really enjoyed it and this was evident by the big smiles and red faces at the end.

Derry Coaching Conference Sponsored by Chambers

The second Annual Coaching and Games Development Conference, organised by Coiste Chontae Doire and sponsored this year by Chambers Coach Hire, will take place on Saturday 6th March 2010 at St. Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt.

The conference will aim to better equip coaches in Derry for the task of striving to make their players the best that they can be.

Derry Coaching and Games Manager, Chris Collins explains, "All sessions [at the conference] are designed with our coaches in mind. They focus on how to help them get the most out of their teams through examples, discussions and interactive workshops; to equip them with the tools and inspiration needed to deliver an outstanding level of service to their clubs, schools and county teams."

"We are really excited about this year’s Conference as we feel we have a group of presenters who are at the top of their game and would earn a place at any coaching event in the country. It's a great opportunity for all our coaches to avail of the expertise that will be available on the day."

This year’s speakers include:

Dr. Eugene Young
Eugene is the Director of Coaching and Games Development, Ulster Council GAA. A former Derry senior footballer, Eugene now oversees all aspects of the development of gaelic games at a provincial level.

Richard Ferris and Diarmuid Scullion
Richard worked as the Games Development Officer for 4 years in Derry and has delivered various courses for the Ulster Council. A member of the Derry 1993 All-Ireland winning panel, Richard now plays a key role in grassroots development in Derry. Alongside fellow county coach Diarmuid Scullion, the focus will be on all aspects of developing better links between clubs and schools in the county.

Johnny Bradley and Statzpack
Johnny is a Performance analysis at SINI, coaches attending his workshop will be given an introduction to video analysis. Performance analysis company Statzpack will also be demonstrating their product which doesn’t require videoing of games. The workshop is designed to aid coaches working at club and county level, team statisticians, PE teachers and players, Statzpack GAA allows you to record, share and analyse core game statistics.

John Morrison
John is a master tutor in Gaelic Games and has been coaching teams at the highest level for the past 15 years working with Antrim, Armagh, Donegal, Derry and Mayo (whom he took to the 2006 All Ireland final). He is the current coach of Leitrim senior football team, working alongside manager Mickey Moran, and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative coaches operating in Ireland today.

Paudie Butler
Paudie is the National Director of Hurling and a highly regarded coach. Best known as a coach who stresses the importance of skill development above all else, Paudie has limitless enthusiasm for the game. Hailing from Drombane, Thurles, Butler played hurling at all levels for Tipperary and for his club Drom-Inch with whom he has been heavily involved as a coach. At inter-county level, he coached the Tipperary minors to three Munster Championships and was also involved with the Tipperary Under-21 team. Most recently, he enjoyed a successful spell as manager of the Laois senior hurlers and was manager of the Ireland U-21 Hurling/Shinty team for four years.

Roger Keenan
Roger is the current Ulster GAA Coach Development Manager. Roger hails from Gortin, County Tyrone and was previously the High Performance Manager for Gaelic Football at SINI. Roger was development officer with the Tyrone County Board and manager to previous Tyrone club champions Carrickmore. Taking the prime example of his native county, Roger will discuss nurturing talented young players.

Daithí Regan
A Birr and Offaly man, Daithí played hurling with his club with distinction and was a member of the Offaly senior inter-county team between 1989 and 1999 Winning 4 Leinster and 1 All-Ireland hurling medal. Regan has had an illustrious career as a manager with his club and county. Diathí currently works as a hurling analyst with TV3.

Terence McWilliams
Terence is the Ulster GAA Games Development Manager and will focus on the Gaelic Start Program which is designed to get young children playing gaelic games. Terence often stresses the importance of small-sided games in the development of generic skills such as catching, throwing and kicking. These fundamental skills, developed with a focus on enjoyment, can be applied across a range of sporting activities.

Tommy Stevenson
Tommy is best known as a hugely successful Strength & Conditioning coach. He is a specialist on such topics as core stability, weight training, power exercises, medicine ball, swiss ball and functional movement. Tommy previously worked with the Armagh football squad and is the current Strength & Conditioning coach with the Antrim Senior hurlers.

The event is made possible this year thanks to the partnership of Derry GAA and Chambers Coach Hire. Collins remarked:

"We are absolutely delighted to announce that Chambers have agreed to sponsor our Conference on the 6th March. Chambers have transported Gaels from Derry to every corner of Ireland for many years, bringing a few trophies home along the way. Chambers has been wonderful supporters of Derry GAA in recent times and their support for the Conference is another indication of the great partnership built up over the years."

Five time Irish tarmac rally champion and business development manager with Chambers, Eugene Donnelly expressed equal satisfaction with the partnership: “I am delighted that a county of Derry’s stature is involved with Chambers Coach Hire, and we look forward to transporting the team throughout the upcoming league and championship campaign.”

The registration cost for the conference is £10. Coaches and other interested parties wishing to register will do so through their club. All club secretaries will shortly receive registration forms for the event, these are to be completed and returned to myself via email. Please register with your club, we will then directly invoice the club for the amount of participants they have booked. The £10 fee covers the price of your meals throughout the day, so it is really good value for money.

Please try and get to the Coaching Conference, we are hoping to have between 200-300 coaches attending, there should be something for everyone.

Participants not affiliated to any Derry clubs can register directly with myself, Chris Collins (Email: chris.collins.gm.derry@gaa.ie or phone +44 (0) 78 432 32208).

Swatragh Gaelic Practice Coaching

Diarmuid Scullion Magherafelt Area GPO, was in Swatragh on the 9th February for some Gaelic Practice coaching with Swatragh's U8's and U10's. 37 boys were coached and really enjoyed the session. In addition the 6 Swatragh coaches found the session really useful as it gave them a few new ideas for coaching the boys indoors.

Slaughtneil Gaelic Start Underway

Diarmuid Scullion, Ruairi Convery and Ronan Devlin were in Slaughtneil tonight and got the Gaelic Start programme up and running. 50 children took part and were assisted by 24 parents, all had a really enjoyable evening.

Level 1 Graduates at Owenbeg and Swatragh GAC

On top of a busy weekend in terms of Go Games Blitz's there was also a substanial amount of work going on with Coach Education. 15 coaches from 10 different clubs completed their Level 1 Coaching Qualification at Owenbeg having completed the second of the two weekends with Chris Collins and Richard Ferris.

At Swatragh GAC the second weekend of their Level 1 course was also taking place. Danny Quinn and Joe McGurk were the tutors at Swatragh club where 16 of their own coaches completed their level 1 coaching certificate.

Congratulations to all the coaches involved.