Cats sow seeds for future success
Last night, the second of two sports conferences organised by the county's development squad committee was held in the Marble City's Springhill Hotel to help coaches from around the county get up-to-date information on all aspects of games.
Coaches of teams from U10 level up to senior listened to the experts, such as surgeon Gerry McEntee, sports scientist Dr Niall Moyna and Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody, expound on preparation, training, playing and recuperating. The quality of the speakers was matched by their determination to pass on their knowledge.
The irony is, of course, that Kilkenny is the county most observers would say does not require such an examination. When it comes to structure and preparation, the All-Ireland champions are notorious perfectionists.
The development squad structure owes its existence to a decision four years ago after the county lost its first minor game in Leinster in 10 years to Offaly.
How fitting then, that the same committee should be behind the latest innovation.
"I take the point that people are probably looking at this thinking that Kilkenny is the last county that needs something like this," said Michael Dempsey, the former Laois football manager who lives in Kilkenny and is a member of the committee.
"There were a number of people who came to the same conclusion - that underage players were being asked to train too much and that in a lot of cases they were doing the wrong type of training.
"We wanted to look after the long-term interests of the players. In GAA, the feeling that more and more training is the answer to everything was becoming popular so we decided to get the experts in the field to talk on the matter."
From that idea, the conference morphed into an in-depth discussion on all things GAA today.
Last night saw Brian Cody talk about management and the mistakes he made down the years, while Kilkenny nutritionist Noreen Roche discussed the need for a balanced diet.
DJ Carey imparted some wisdom on the skills needed in today's game and Liam Moggin of the NCTC in Limerick reflected on how to get the best out of players.
Gerry McEntee spoke about wear and tear sporting injuries he has encountered as a surgeon.
Dempsey has been delighted with the conference's success.
"There were coaches of U12, U14 and U16 teams there so eager to find out how they could improve what they were doing in training, with their teams but what surprised me was how open to ideas everyone was," Dempsey said.
With all the expertise on one stage it was hardly surprising that people from counties like Waterford and Dublin attended on both nights, while representatives from soccer, rugby and hockey also sat in on the debates.
Still, the real winner again is Kilkenny hurling. Catching up just became that bit harder.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
