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At the Ladies Football Mitchels/Boherbee Regeneration Project Football Blitz in John Mitchels Sports Complex were, from left: Rachel Prenderville, Erica O’Sullivan, Amy Cullan, Emma Sheehy, Lilly Collins, Roisin O’Connell, Grainne Green, Rory Kilgallen, William Harmon, Pat Sayers, Cora Carrigg and Anne O’Mahony. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
A SCHOOLS and GAA Club initiative, involving John Mitchels and two schools in its heartland, has brought the skills of Gaelic Football to primary school children, many of whom never played the game before.
Eighteen Presentation transition year students were tasked with training Gaelic Football skills to 80 third and fourth class Presentation Primary girls over a five week period.
The main aim of the project is to increase participation in sport at school and club level particularly by students and children in the Mitchels/Boherbee Regeneration area.
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The project concluded with one day blitz played off at John Mitchels Sports Complex where Kerry inter-county star, Marc Ó Sé, made an appearance.
“This is the first year ladies football is involved in such an initiative and we are delighted to be involved. The benefits of such a programme for all are huge,” said William Harmon, National Ladies Football Development Officer for Ladies Football.
“The Transition year students have developed personal and lifelong skills from completing the LGFA TY Programme, the primary school children will experience our game in a fun and safe way and also provides the local club in the area with an opportunity to strengthen their club/school link, so everyone is a winner!”
The initiative is a pilot scheme for the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and proved to be a huge success. One of the most pleasing aspects of the training was how the TY class took on leadership roles and were real mentors for the primary pupils.
Through this programme, the girls developed personal and lifelong skills in a fun and practical way in the areas of coaching, refereeing and event management.
The Ladies Football Mitchels/Boherbee Regeneration Project was supported by the Kerry County Council, Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership.
Third and fourth class Presentation Primary School pupils with Marc Ó Sé and Presentation Secondary Transition Year pupils. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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Presentation Primary School pupils with Presentation Transition Year students at the Ladies Football Mitchels/Boherbee Regeneration Project Football Blitz in John Mitchels Sports Complex. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
