Coaching concerns for GAA at schools level
Delegates heard two teachers express serious concern, with one of them saying if the situation wasn’t improved at primary level the players wouldn’t be around in the secondary schools in the future to play Gaelic games.
They heard outgoing coaching officer Jerry O’Sullivan say their voluntary workers were not able to compete with rugby and soccer because they were “professional” sports and were sending in “paid” coaches.
The discussion was instigated by Secretary Frank Murphy, when he said he was worried by the decline in the number of games at under-age level, especially in the city. While the point was made that there wasn’t a problem at schools shield level, Mr Murphy said he wasn’t referring so much to “mainstream competitions” but games at a subsidiary level.
Central Council delegate Bob Honohan agreed there was a problem with the promotion of games down to Under-14 level, saying the final of the city Under-15 football championship had yet to be played. Mr Murphy later said it was his understanding the hurling championship hadn’t yet begun.
“How can you demand loyalty from young players if we are not providing for their needs?’’ said Mr Honohan.
“We are already reaping the whirlwind. These players are lucky they have other games to play.”
Several speakers alluded to a lack of co-operation - and co-ordination - among the various bodies running competitions. Vocational Schools representative Sean Cooney said what was needed was for them to be “streamlined.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minor Board, Jim Healy said that competitions were being held up because of school tours being organised at different times and because of school exchanges.
Killeagh Secretary Tracy Kennedy told the convention that as a secondary school teacher she was well aware of a “serious lack of coaching,” adding that it was an even bigger problem at primary schools level. This was influenced by what she described as “the increasing feminisation” of the teaching profession - a theme taken up by Clonakilty delegate Tommy Lyons.
He pointed out that he had a son in teacher training college and there were just five men in a class of 60.
In West Cork, he said, the schools were almost totally dependant on “outsiders” coming in to coach the children. And that posed a problem in itself in relation to insurance, for the reason that schools did not allow anybody to take out a team out for coaching unless accompanied by a teacher. And, where it did happen, Gaelic games were certain to disappear from any school in the event of an accident taking place.
“We have a serious problem. Soccer is played at every cross-roads in the area. We have 70 schools and they are crying out for help. Every young fellow I know is playing the game and playing rugby and it’s only by sheer determination that you can get them to play our game,’’ he said.
He didn’t envisage “anything positive” being done in his lifetime to bring about an improvement.
Jerry O’Sullivan agreed with him that finance was a big problem. In his view the only solution was local clubs to take responsibility for the primary school in their area. And, where there were teachers available, every support possible should be provided for them.
Incoming Coaching Officer Des Cullinane stressed that communication was vital. There should be no conflict between the various bodies promoting their games, he said.
Presidential candidate Christy Cooney - the Youghal Chairman - referred to the warning given by the Secretary in relation to clubs purchasing property in the future. It was vitally important to ensure that grounds were used primarily for Gaelic games, he stated, recalling to the recent controversy in Killarney and Glanmire.
And, taking account of the decision taken by the Central Council at the week-end to open up Croke Park, Mr Cooney said that all clubs needed to be reassured that the status of their property “would not be affected” in any way.
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