Wicklow Primary School Hurling Blitz Ignites Young Athletes’ Passion for the Game
There was a fantastic attendance in Bray Emmets for the 5th and 6th class boys hurling participation blitz on Thursday, 12th of October.
Fifteen teams from ten different schools put on an exhibition of hurling for those who were lucky enough to attend. The massive potential for hurling in the Greystones area was highlighted by the fact that six different teams lined out from the area; two from Greystones C.N.S, two from Greystones Educate Together and one each from Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath and St. Laurence’s. It is no wonder either, how Bray Emmets are becoming a hurling powerhouse with the work that is being done in the local primary schools. Two excellent teams St. Cronan’s took part, along with a very talented team from Scoil Chualann. St. Fergal’s of Bray have been putting in super work in recent times, also turned out 2 teams. Two quality teams from St. Patrick’s N.S Wicklow Town, one skilful team from Kilcoole and an excellent side from St. Joseph’s Glenealy made up the rest.
Every team got to play four 10-aside games each. This meant that every player got plenty of touches and were able to experience playing in a range of positions.
Year after year, the numbers and skill levels of the young players continue to improve, which is testament to all the hard work being done by teachers and hurling coaches in Wicklow schools. A big thanks must go out to Cumann na mBunscol treasurer Eamonn Hughes who presented every school who attended on the day with a pack of sliotars. I’m sure they will be put to great use!
For the older classes we will look forward to the Credit Union Cup later on in the academic year. In the meantime, please keep an eye on the Wicklow Cumann na mBunscol website and twitter for upcoming events in both hurling and football. We would also encourage schools to organise practice matches between each other over the course of the year.
Girls Star in Hollywood!
On the 12th October, West Wicklow held a blitz for girls in 5th and 6th class on a fantastic morning weather-wise in Hollywood. 7 teams took part made up of Baltinglass NS, Blessington Senior National School, Gaelscoil na Lochanna, Valleymount and Hollywood.
All the games were very competitive with all the teams closely matched. Special mention to Mr Moran and Mr Timmins for helping with the refereeing on the day.
Camogie Girls Put on Great Show
The 5th of October saw teams take to the field in Bray Emmets for the first camogie blitz of the year. Schools represented included Scoil Chualann, Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath, Greystones Educate Together, St. Fergal’s, St. Laurence’s, St. Brigid’s, Gaelscoil Uí Chéadaigh and St. Joseph’s. Well done to the girls for a great day of skills and sport.
Hurling Awake in the West!
Blessington was the venue for a very enjoyable hurling blitz for 3rd and 4th class boys and girls in West Wicklow. Attendance was very positive with over 70 children making light of the autumnal conditions. There was a fantastic mix of experienced players who delighted in getting to represent their schools at the sport they love and new players who were eager to pick up a hurl and participate in a hurling blitz for the first time.
Well done to all the schools involved: Scoil Nioclais Naofa Dunlavin, Hollywood NS, Gaelscoil na Lochanna (2 teams), St. Mary’s SNS Blessington (4 teams).
Special thanks to Conor Daly GDA, Blessington GAA and Western Gaels for their help in coordinating the blitz, providing hurleys and helmets and setting up pitches.
Young Journalists Lily and Kirsten Report on Girls Blitz in Aughrim
A super day out and a fantastic report by Lily:
Date: September 28th 2023
Sport: Gaelic football
Venue: Aughrim Indoor Centre
September 28th was a great day for members of 5th and 6th Class girls from Scoil Chaoimhin Naofa, Laragh. We played four matches against Ballycoog/Annacurra, Aughrim 2, Annacurra and Aughrim 1. Everyone had such an exciting day and all teams played excellently. What really made the day so enjoyable was the incredible teamwork and great sportsmanship that our team and other teams showed. What also made our day even better was the encouragement from other teams and teachers supporting each other.
The bus ride back to school was a lot quieter than the ride there, as all of us were about to fall asleep in our seats but we were still chatting away about the fun time that we had. Over all it was a fantastic day and we are all looking forward to the next blitz even if it is a while to come yet.
Kirsten Clotworthy
Football Young Whistlers Trained up and Ready to go!
Cumann na mBunscol Wicklow held a Young Whistlers referee course for Gaelic football in the North East of the county on Wednesday September 27th in Kilcoole Primary School. This course has grown from strength to strength over the last number of years from 12 to 26 participants. There was a wide representation across the district, with thirteen different schools represented on the day. The participants were made up of mature, responsible 5th/6th class boys and girls who share a passion for Gaelic football and are interested in learning more about refereeing.
The coaching session was led by North East GDA (Games Development Administrator) Garrett Doyle, who engaged the group in discussion about the basic rules of the game and how best to communicate those rules to players, coaches and spectators alike. The course content covered topics such as: Motivation to be a referee, Knowledge of rules, Problem scenarios and Communication styles. The children worked very well together in group and pair work and showed a high level of engagement and enthusiasm throughout. It is heartening to see the next generation of young whistlers begin their refereeing journey, as without referees, we have no game. Thank you to all the boys and girls who volunteered and we look forward to seeing you refereeing your local Gaelic football games in the future!
Course participants: Jack Coughlan, Jack McCloy, Molly Bates (Nuns Cross NS), Sean Levins, Orla Meehan (Kilmacanogue NS), Zach Hollingsworth, Saorla Ní Artlaigh (Gaeilscoil Chill Mhantáin), Eva Power (St. Coen’s, Rathnew), Chloe Doyle, Mila Dowling (Greystones ETNS), Rafa Toolin, Fiona Marschner (Greystones CNS), Blaithín Keating, Evan Hatton (Kilcoole PS), Ciarán Ó’ Rodáin, Róisínn Ní Annaidh (Scoil Chualann, Bray), John Hogan, Zac Brien, Jack Taylor (St. Cronan’s, Bray), Tommy Ryan, Aoife Elliot (Newtown PS), Amber Boden (St. Brigid’s, Greystones), Hayley Carraher, Max Heatly (Roundwood NS), Henry Doyle and Clodagh Phelan (St. Saviour’s, Rathdrum).
North-East Wicklow Fixtures – Term 1
The Allianz Girls’ Football Participation Day (3rd and 4th Class Girls Football) that was due to take place on Thursday 19th October in Bray had to be cancelled due to the weather, it is hoped to reschedule this fixture later in the year.
Allianz Football Participation Day (3rd and 4th Class Boys)
A Boys Football Participation Blitz for 3rd & 4th class will take place on Thursday 26th October in Bray Emmets GAA Club.
Please note an earlier start time for the Blitz this year – 10:30am.
We kindly ask schools to arrive 15 minutes earlier in order to start the Blitz at 10:30am.
Young Whistlers are welcome to attend to assist with refereeing on the day.
Team Mentors are asked to support the Young Whistlers with refereeing. Team Mentors may be needed to referee as well.
Matches will be 9 a-side.
Matches will follow the 2-touch rule (1 hop, 1 solo; 2 solos).
Points only
Date: Thursday 26th October
Time: 10:30am
Location: Bray Emmets GAA Club.
Please let Áine Quinn, Oifigeach Peil na mBuachaillí, know via email/WhatsApp (086 8803729) by Tuesday 24th October if your school will be in attendance and, if so, how many teams you will be sending and if you will be sending Young Whistlers.
Hurling Young Whistlers Course on 8th November
Cumann na mBunscol Chill Mhantáin will hold our annual ‘Young Whistlers’ (Hurling) course in the week straight after mid-term (see details below). Please fill out the following google form link to apply. Entries should be in no later than Wednesday October 25th.
Young Whistlers Hurling Course Registration Form:
https://forms.gle/27unxVgMCQ8nSLZg8
Course Details:
Young Whistlers Hurling Course
Kilcoole Primary School (St Anthony’s Building)
Wednesday November 8th
3:30 – 4:45pm
Please note that this course takes place entirely indoors so is not weather dependent!
Places are limited so please be advised that spots will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
These Young Whistlers will be asked to help referee at our upcoming Blitzes. A responsible, reliable pupil who shows enthusiasm and initiative would be a fantastic candidate!
Allianz Tráth na gCeist
It is that time of year again as we prepare for the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tráth na gCeist. It will take place in Lynham’s Hotel in Laragh on the 9th of November @7.30pm.
Any school that is interested in attending should contact Billy Cuddihy by email (cuddihybilly@gmail.com) by Friday the 27th of October. As space was tight last year, we cannot be sure you will be able to attend if contact is after this date. There is a maximum of 4 pupils per team (no subs allowed to sit with a team) and each school is allowed to bring up to three teams if they wish. Parents may attend but seating has been limited in the past, so maybe let parents know this in advance. Each school is asked to bring some small GAA related prizes for the raffle on the night. We look forward to seeing you there.
South Wicklow Fixtures – Term 1
Focus on participation-based games
Upcoming Fixtures
Allianz 1st and 2nd Class Girls Football – Indoor Thursday 16th November at 10:30am in Aughrim Community Hall. 9-a-side.
Allianz 1st and 2nd Class Boys Football – Indoor Thursday 23rd November at 10:30am in Aughrim Community Hall. 9-a-side.
Allianz Tráth na gCeist Thursday 9th November at 7.30pm in Lynham’s, Laragh
West Wicklow Fixtures – Term 1
Thurs 9th November Mixed 5th/6th Hurling 9 aside Kiltegan (Boys&Girls)
Friday 23rd November Boys’ 3rd/4th Football 9 aside Dunlavin
Friday 30th November Girls’ 3rd/4th Football 9 aside Baltinglass
Please contact Cormac Noone for football (086 7013403) or Conor Day (086 0442762) for hurling to confirm if you will be taking part.
Please note: Each blitz is scheduled to have an 11am throw-in. Blitzes would generally be finished by 12.30pm. Number of players on a team can be slightly altered to accommodate different schools. Size of school will be factored in on the fixtures as much as possible for fairness. Blitzes will remain as participation games.
Please send results, reports or photos to pro.cnmb.wicklow@gaa.ie, follow us on twitter @cnmbwicklow Keep up-to-date with all Allianz Cumann na mBunscol news in Wicklow on our website www.cnmbwicklow.ie
