Cork GAA camp to be run as Gaeilge

For the very first time, the GAA in Cork is running a summer camp for juveniles which will be entirely conducted in Irish.

The Cork GAA Summer Camp is being run in partnership with Gael-Taca Iománaíocht & Camógaíocht (Hurling and Camogie) at the Blackrock GAA grounds.

It will take place from Monday, July 6, to Friday, July 10, daily from 10am to 2.30pm and is open to children aged 13 to 15 who are active club members.

According to Ciarán MacCana, the Cork County Board’s cultural officer, it is being done to promote the Irish language.

“It’s another avenue to learn the Gaeilge as Gaeltacht scholarships are booked out some months in advance,” said Mr MacCana. “They have 150 of them at Coláiste Mumhan in Ballingeary and they are very popular every year.

“The summer camp at Blackrock GAA Club give us another outlet where boys and girls can improve their Gaeilge. These sports by their nature anyway are predominantly conducted in Gaeilge.”

Mr MacCana said he believes the forthcoming summer camp will be very successful and Cork County Board is likely to expand it next year.

“This year we are conducting it for hurling and camogie,” he said. “I have no doubt next year we will also look at conducting a summer camp for footballers and ladies football.

“We are also thankful to Foras na Gaeilge for their assistance.”

Those who wish to take part in the summer camp must be registered members of a GAA club. Application forms can be obtained through club secretaries or downloaded from the Cork GAA website.

The cost of the summer camp is €60 per person and a €30 deposit must be returned with the application form to club secretaries.

Mr MacCana said early booking is advisable, as places on the camps are limited.

“Bookings are on a first-come first-served basis and bookings close at noon on Wednesday, June 24,” he said. “A t-shirt is also included in the cost of Campa Samhraidh.”