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.