Ulster Hurling Roadshow

As part of the ongoing development of hurling in Ulster, the Ulster hurling development staff embarked on a novel way to assist with the development of hurling in Ulster. Rather than delivering single workshops over a number of nights one full day of six workshops was organised with an expert visiting coach used to bring and added interest to the day.

Proceedings started with a wall ball and catching session delivered by Ulster Regional Hurling Development Officer, Kieran Megraw and ex Antrim Hurling Manager, Dominic McKinley.  Meanwhile Dominic’s Antrim managerial assistant, Terence (Sambo) McNaughton and current player Neil McManus were donning their aprons for a cooking master class as they prepared two meals under the watchful eye of sports nutritionist Gavan Duffy.  Gavan analysed the content of the meals and provided valuable nutritional and hydration advice to the coaches.

The second round of workshops commenced at 11.30am with Ronan McWilliams delivering a session entitled ‘Using Games to Increase Intensity and Promote Decision Making’ in the indoor sports hall and Specialised Skills – Goalkeeping (Shane Elliott), Sideline Pucks (Brian McFall) and Free Taking (Johnny McIntosh) being delivered on the outdoor pitch.

Following lunch Micky McCullough demonstrated ‘The Use of Tackle Bags and Power Bags to Develop Functional Strength in Hurling’.

The final session of the day was delivered by Eamon O’Shea who was trainer to the All Ireland winning Tipperary team of 2010.  Eamon delivered a fantastic session on ‘Promoting Individuality, Freedom of Expression and Risk Taking into the Session’.  Eamon’s session concluded with a question and answer session where all coaches got the opportunity to ask those burning questions on coaching topics that they were having difficulty with.

A great day was had by all the coaches in attendance and it is planned that further Hurling Road Shows will be delivered in the future.