Minister O’Dowd attends Conference

Minister for Education John O’Dowd was the keynote speaker at the O’Neills Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Conference held in the Glenavon Hotel on Saturday 28th January. The theme of this year’s Conference was Education and Club Links in Gaelic Games.

Up to 400 delegates attended who are working in education or at GAA Club level. The conference highlighted the importance of embracing coaching across all age groups.

In many of the workshops research had been undertaken over the last 12 months to support the presentations. Ulster GAA recognises and values the huge contribution that education plays in the support and development of our games and it is aware of the changing environment within education.

Welcoming the Minister Ulster GAA President Aogan Ó Fearghail said: “Ulster GAA are pleased to welcome Minister O’Dowd to our Coaching Conference which is now in its 7th year. Leading academics and GAA coaches from across Ireland attend on an annual basis and the event has become one of Ulster leading sporting conferences.

“The Department of Education and Minister O’Dowd continue to support Ulster GAA by the ongoing significant investment in the Foundation and Keystage 1 Primary School Coaching Programme. This programme, which is world renowned continues to promote Gaelic Games and physical literacy to over 20,000 pupils per year. Additionally it provides much needed employment for 32 young highly trained coaches, many of whom are qualified teachers. I thank Minister O’Dowd for this investment and his continued support and confidence in Ulster GAA ”

The Minister for Education John O’Dowd said: “My clear priority as Education Minister is the creation of an education system that ensures that all our young people fulfils her or his full potential by benefitting from a high quality education which both enriches their lives and helps to grow the local economy. However, I recognise the need to develop not just the intellectual and vocational needs of pupils – but also their physical well being.

“That is why I very much welcome this opportunity to highlight the important and valuable contribution GAA coaches continue to make to my Department’s Curriculum Sports Programme. This year there are over 36,000 pupils from across the north of Ireland taking part in the programme which is aimed at developing the generic physical literacy skills of our youngest children through enjoyable sports, as well as providing valuable support to our primary school teachers in their delivery of Physical Education.

“Active participation in the Curriculum Sports Programme has helped to raise pupils’ confidence, their self- esteem and also their motivation to learn and achieve in other curricular areas – particularly literacy and numeracy. It also reflects the inclusive nature of the work in schools, ensuring participation of all children, including those with special educational needs.

“I would therefore like to congratulate everyone involved in Ulster GAA for their help in delivering the Programme and promoting the many benefits of actively participating in sport, which helps to develop the skills our children need to maintain a healthy and happy life-style.”