Too Cúl for schools as magazine launched

THE crucial role played by the GAA in the physical and social education of youngsters was referred to by Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Micheál Martin, as he launched the first edition of Datz Cúl magazine.

Published by the Cork GAA Designated Area Scheme, the magazine was described as “a novel way of informing people about the varied activities of the scheme” in schools from Togher to Mahon.

“When you read of youngsters enjoying their hurling, and intimating that they will one day play for Cork, it shows how important it is to get young boys and girls playing sport at the earliest age possible,’ Mr Martin said at the launch at Scoil Neasáin, Sullivan’s Quay.

Mr Martin’s brother, Lord Mayor Cllr Sean Martin - in his last official duty before handing over the chains of office to Cllr Deirdre Clune - urged GAA and school authorities to ensure teenagers keep playing.

“There is a fall-off when players get to 16 or 17, and we have to make sure all the effort that goes into getting people to play from aged seven or eight is not lost; the structure of post-primary competition needs to be looked at critically,” he said.

Datz Cúl magazine was edited and produced by the scheme’s project manager, Mick Finn, who applauded the schools and pupils for their creativity.

He said he hoped the magazine could be a regular production.

“Along with regular coaching and social development initiatives, I hope Datz Cúl - which shows the diverse range of talents imbued in young people - will become as much a feature of the Designated Area Scheme as Iomáint Cois Locha.”

Chairman of Bord na nÓg na Cathrach, Jim Harrington, applauded the Irish Sports Council (which funds the Designated Area Schemes) for supporting sport in communities.

The magazine will be distributed to all schools in the scheme who contributed news and features from their year’s activities.