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.

Club Derry Under 14 Hurlers Trip to Croke Park

The Club Derry Under 14 Hurlers also got to take part in Croke Park this year. Some photo's attached of the day:

Club Derry Under 16 Footballers in Croker

On Wednesday the Club Derry Under 16 Footballers got the opportunity to play on Croke Park. 31 players formed the squad that went down, due to a couple of injuries 29 players stripped out. The players arrived in Croke Park around 12 noon, after a spot of lunch they got changed under the Cusack stand and had a warm up in one of the warm up rooms off the dressing room.

Their first game was against Fermanagh which they won on a scoreline of 3-09 to 2-08. A few late lapses in concentration letting Fermanagh back into the game slightly.

The second game was against Armagh who are in the other side of the Buncrana Cup Semi Final and will face Tyrone. Over the 40 minutes Derry were comfortable winners with a scoreline of 3-09 to 1-03.

Although it was nice to win both games the most important thing was that as many players got to enjoy playing on Croke Park for the day and I know all the lads really enjoyed the experience. Some photos below, more to follow:

Details of Under 16 Footballers Trip to Croker

Wednesday 8th July 2009
Bus Pitch Up Points
Castle Car Park – 8.30am /Maghera Flyover 8.45am /Castledawson Roundabout 9.00am /St. Pius 9.05am /Cookstown Tyre Centre 9.20am

Arrival
All buses and spectators' cars should park in the Cusack Stand Car park. Croke Park security staff will be responsible for supervising the car park and all those entering the carpark must adhere to any instructions from security. Entry to the Cusack Stand car park is via Clonliffe Road and St James' Avenue.

The Cusack Stand Changing Rooms will be used throughout the day. There are two changing rooms and the Warm Up Room can also be used for changing. After changing all teams are strongly recommended to remove all their gear from the changing rooms and leave in their buses until after the blitz is over. Please also ensure that the bus is locked and all gear is secure.

The Games
All teams will play two games of 20 minutes each way, with a quick turnaround at half time in each game. Teams are not permitted to leave the pitch at half time

Counties should please note that this is a fun blitz, with the emphasis on participation not winning.The blitz must run on time to ensure that everyone enjoys the day. It will therefore be necessary to reduce the playing time if teams are late. Teams that are not playing are asked to remain seated in the Cusack Stand.

Blitz Format
12.20 Armagh V Fermanagh
13.05 Fermanagh V Derry
13.50 Derry V Armagh

Team Photographs
There will be an opportunity for spectators/parents to take team photographs at the end of each blitz. Photos will be taken at the sideline and photographers must remain in the Cusack Stand to take their photographs

Food
All players must bring a substantial packed lunch to keep you going during the day. The bus will stop in the Glenavon on the road home at approximately 6.30pm. We are responsible for clearing up any mess that we make so I would ask all mentors to ensure that the teams and spectators use the bins provided.

Museum and Stand Tours
2.45pm - Max 115 with 10 mentors – Armagh, Fermanagh & Derry
Mentors will be expected to act in a supervisory capacity and assist the tour guide with the group. The museum visit & stand tour would take one hour in total. Parents are not entitled to join the museum and stand tours that have been organised for the teams

Departure
The bus will leave Croke Park at 4pm, stop at the Glenavon at 6.30pm and should be back in Dungiven at 8.00pm

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.