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!

P.6 Indoor Football Blitz at Swatragh GAC

Today Diarmuid Scullion was in Swatragh GAC for the last in his series of P6 Indoor football blitzes. 25 matches were played in two hours this morning with St. Patrick's Glen, St. Mary's Glenview, St. Brigid's Tirkane and St. John's Swatragh taking part. The boys had a really enjoyable days football, a special thank you to Swatragh GAC for use of the hall and to Sean Mc Williams for his assistance.

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.

Primary 5 Blitz @ Swatragh GAC

Today the South Derry P.5 blitz took place in Swatragh GAC. 41 players from St Brigids Tirkane, St Johns Swatragh, St Patricks Glen and St Marys Glenview took part. Thanks to Swatragh GAC for the use of their hall.

New Foundation Coaching Course @ Swatragh GAC

On Saturday 9th January despite the heavy snow Swatragh GAC hosted a new GAA foundation course for their coaches. Chris Collins and Richard Ferris delivered the course to 24 coaches. Thanks to all the coaches who attended, they certainly applied themselves very well!

A Busy Weekend

On Friday 6th March Tony Scullion delivered an excellent coaching workshop with the Derry Under 17 squad. It was disappointing only 20 coaches turned out. Thanks very much Tony for what was a very enjoyable evening.

On Saturday morning we had the Club Derry Development squad trials for the Under 15's and Under 16's close to 200 young hopeful's took part in a series of games in Owenbeg. We will trial again this weekend, anyone who couldn't make it to the trials on Saturday have been given the benefit of the doubt. Names will appear on the Derry website bu Wednesday.

While the development squad trials were taking place we also had 2 Under 12 Indoor Hurling blitz's beginning in Limavady and Swatragh. The following teams took part Kevin Lynch's (3), Swatragh (2), Ballinascreen (4), Coleraine (2), Na Magha (2) and Slaughtneil (2).

Indoor Hurling in Full Swing

We're well underway with our indoor hurling programme within Derry this winter. The Under 8's enjoyed a valentines blitz, the coaches were itching to get back to their other halfs. I spotted a big bunch of Red Roses in Hinphey's car for the women; Kevin's really romantic!

The clubs were split between Swatragh GAC and Roe Valley Leisure centre, the young lads all enjoyed a great days hurling.

On Saturday the Under 10's are out, we're using the same venues from 12pm and should be finished up before 3pm.

For the Under 12's we have two blitz days planned. One on the 7th March and the other 21st March. Many of our hurling clubs are also taking part in the North Antrim Indoor League which takes place just after Christmas, the extra indoor games should be a good aid to the players development.

Kevin Kelly from Ballinascreen has recently been appointed as the Ulster Council hurling officer and he's waisted no time in organising some indoor hurling blitz's that clubs can also enter. Some are a little out of the way for Derry clubs but at least they will throw up a few new faces to play against which I think is very important particulary when we only have 8 clubs.

As part of the 125 celebrations Kevin is hosting a large Provincial blitz for Under 10 hurlers in Meadowbank, all our clubs should be taking part on the 19th April. I am actually looking forward to going and seeing someone else under pressure at a blitz, 50 teams played off in an hour and a half :) - I'm not doubting him at all, no beter man!!