Secrets of Omagh Youth Success

One of the most popular workshops at the recent O’Neills Ulster GAA Games & Development Conference revealed a few secrets behind the emergence of Omagh St Enda’s as a serious force in youth football.

All Ireland winner and Ulster Council coach Joe McMahon hosted the workshop along with his childhood mentor Liam Grugan.

St Enda’s currently hold the Ulster Minor Club Championship and they were finalists in Ulster Under-21 Club Championship.

In the interviews where, Joe explains how the Omagh club had a long-term plan which required enthusiasm, planning and patience.

Liam Grugan refers to one particular story which encapsulates all of these elements – the learning of the National Anthem. Liam took a leaf out of Mickey Harte’s book and set about teaching the anthem to his management team and a group of minor footballers, which reaped rewards when the group bonded together on County Final day.

Omagh St Enda’s mentor Liam Grugan explains how learning the National Anthem bonded the players and management of the Omagh Minor team:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM9b9tbbUTw[/youtube]

All Ireland winner Joe McMahon talks about his childhood mentor at Primary School and at Omagh St Enda’s, as well as revealing a few of the secrets behind the success of youth football at the club:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf-MpyzwIAU[/youtube]