Busy times for Antrim Hurling Coaching

Ulster GAA coaches have been busy developing hurling in the county known for a strong hurling and camogie tradition – Antrim.  With both the Senior and Minor County Hurling teams in the Ulster Finals, and Antrim Camogs being crowned Ulster Senior Camogie Champions the county has high hopes for continued development of hurling and camogie to ensure that legacy is passed to a new generation.

As part of coaching development work over the past month Ulster GAA Hurling Coaches have organised two successful events – a U16 nine-a-side blitz and a P6 Hurling Blitz for local schools.

U16 Blitz

Antrim held their U16 nine–a-side blitz on Saturday 10th June. The A Group was held at Rossa Park with Rossa wining this group after a close final with Ruairi Ogs. St Johns was the other team in this section. Rossa will represent Antrim in the Ulster U16 nine-a-side which on Saturday 18th June.

The B section was held at Woodlands, with the following teams involved Pearses, Gort na Mona, St Galls, St Teresas and Rossa 2. Each team played 4 matches.

Thanks to referees Seamus Reid who did matches at Rossa with Fiontainn Mc Cotter and Ciaran Doherty refereed at Woodlands.

Thanks to all teams who took part, special mention to Pearse’s keeper, James  Proctor for a number of point blank saves which had everyone applauding him.

P6 Hurling Blitz

The following schools took part in a P6 hurling blitz on Thursday 23rd June, with over 60 children taking part: St Brides PS,  Bunscol Phobail Feirste, Gaelscoil na bhFál, Holy Child Ps, Christ the Redeemer, and St Kevins PS.

The venue was St Mary’s CBS Glen Road, the school also provided two pupils from Year 11 to referee –  Stephen Gaskin and Seaghan Shannon . The Year 8s had assisted with the setting up of the 3 pitches.

With the rain staying off, each school played four games and all enjoyed their hurling.

Many thanks to Mr Hugh Mc Gettigan for his assistance with the organising of blitz.  Thanks also to all the teachers from the Primary schools Mr Duffin, Mr Sean Mc Manus, Mr Fitzsimons, Mr Ó Eallain, Mrs Moran, Mr Bunting and coach Damian Mc Callin and Mrs Devlin for their attendance and support.