Ballygarvan Cúl Camp 2010

Another year, another successful Cúl Camp at Ballygarvan GAA Club. This year we had over 120 register players, ranging from 6 to 13 year olds. A very active and enjoyable week was had by players and coaches alike and this was due in no small way to the support of the parents in ensuring that players wore their kits was attended on time at 2pm each day. Behaviour was excellent throughout the week and the players worked hard on the skills, the drills and the small sided games. Sticking with the 2pm to 5pm schedule proved very fortunate as the sun shone most days following morning rain. Last year’s pitch drainage program paid dividends as both pitches were perfect throughout the week. Club Development Committee take a bow!

This year our special guests Patrick Horgan and Ronan Curran we warmly welcomed by all in Ballygarvan. Patrick demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the best penalty takers in the country. Both players took plenty of time so sign autographs on Hurleys, Helmets and T-Shirts for the star struck players.

Special thanks to all Coaches: Sarah O’Donovan, Gary White, Cíarán O’Sullivan, Emmet Aherne, Mark Kennefick, Laura O’Callaghan, Luke O’Sullivan, Stephen Nyhan and Francesca O’Halloran, Sarah Quilligan, Tim O’Halloran, Lorraine Browne, Ciara White and Micheál Ó Sé.

Thanks again to Aileen Dunlea, Tony O’Brien and Mary Aherne for the off-the-pitch management

The following is selection of the responses from our young players, when asked what the best part of the week was.

“The penalty shootouts! The three goalies together could hardly stop Pat Horgan”

“Out playing with my friends all evening”

“Hoggy’s autograph!!”

“Learning to block”

“The cornettos!!”

“I made new friends!

It was wonderful to have young players from outside our own club and immediate area, attending for the week. You know where we are! Why not come along on Saturday mornings to meet the coaches, as this is the day that all the age groups attend our club for training sessions.

It was entirely appropriate that as the week ended, the tractors and excavators moved into the school end of the pitch to prepare for the ball wall and all-weather area. As always our club has the interest of our young community in mind in taking on this ambitious project. Scheduled for completion in mid September this will surely enhance the playing experience and develop the expertise of our players. Roll on Cúl Camp 2011!!