A series of Ulster GAA football coaching workshops and webinars are taking place over the coming winter months and into 2026.
The Winter Coach Development Programme (CDP) will explore topics across GAA Coaching & Games and will be delivered by coaching experts.
PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: Creating The Environment for Skill Development/Building The Skills – Roger Keenan
7.00pm, Monday 8th December 2025
Armagh Harps GAC, Co. Armagh
This outdoor observation session will focus on developing skilled players in key areas such as:
- Creating a positive learning environment
- Kicking and repetition
- Bi-lateral focus
- Understanding the key coaching points
- How game intensity sharpens the skills
Roger Keenan captained his club St Patrick’s Gortin to their only Senior County Final in 1985, and has won county football titles with both Gortin and Carrickmore as manager. Responsible for Coach Development in Ulster GAA, he is also currently the Tyrone GAA Coaching Officer.
WEBINAR: ‘The Rise of the Underdog’ – Ciaran Sloan
7.00pm, Wednesday 10th December 2025
Online
Ciaran Sloan is currently an Assistant Lecturer at DKIT and has previously worked with Louth GAA and Ulster Rugby. His background is in athletic development.
On this webinar Ciaran will share his story of how Louth over the last few years has become one of the most exciting counties in Gaelic football at both underage and senior level. He will share his insights on coaching, culture and performance and real strategies behind Louth’s resurgence.
WEBINAR: ‘Positive Empowering Coaching in GAA and Life‘ – Enda McNulty
7.30pm, Monday 26th January 2026
Online
Enda McNulty played inter-county football for Armagh for 15 years, winning an All-Ireland medal in 2002 and awarded an All-Star.
He has taken everything he has learned on the pitch, combined it with deep study into the human brain and has become one of Irelands top coaches in the areas of performance, leadership and mental toughness.
PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: ‘Attacking Lines to Break Down Defensive Systems and Transition at Pace’ – Michael McDermott
7.30pm, Monday 23rd February 2026
Bailieborough Shamrocks GAA Co. Cavan
This outdoor observation session will focus on:
- Loading & flushing runs to create space for attackers
- Gameplays to create scoring opportunities
- Spreading / switching plays to create opportunities to break defensive lines
- Transitioning at pace to ensure scoring opportunities are created before defensive structures can be implemented
Micheal McDermott, a native of county Cavan, is a successful club managers/coach who has won county titles in Cavan, Clare, Limerick and Meath, as well as bringing Kilmurry Ibrickane (Clare) to the All-Ireland Club Final in 2010.
PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: ‘The Tools Required for the Modern Day Goalkeeper’ – Liam Swift
7.30pm, Monday 23rd March 2026
Glenswilly GAC Co. Donegal
This outdoor observation session will focus on two very important areas in modern day goalkeeping:
- The kick-out and the technique of kicking high and low from restarts
- Shot-stopping
Liam Swift is a vastly experienced goalkeeping coach for over 15 years and has coached in numerous counties including Monaghan, Tyrone and Dublin.
By Michael Devlin Wed 1st Oct
