GAA makes new resources available

As part of the GAA's Games Development Programme, a number of significant new resources were launched in the theatre of the GAA Museum in Dublin today.

'Ceim ar Aghaidh/Step Ahead' is a comprehensive cross-curricular resource based on the theme of the GAA and integrating all subjects of the primary school curriculum. Schools have already received middle cycle and senior cycle packs in recent years. The junior cycle pack, launched today, is the third edition of the resource.

'The World of Gaelic Games' is a children's dual language book aimed at 8 to 12-year-olds and telling the stories of newcomer children and Diaspora children who are playing Gaelic games.

It is the culmination of a project involving a number of schools and pupils all over the country and was supported by the Office of the Minister for Integration, the Inclusion and Diversity Service, Northern Ireland, and the National Action Plan against Racism.

GAA co-ordinator of Gaelic games in Primary Schools, Micheal Martin, has overseen the development of both projects.

Speaking at the launch, GAA President Nickey Brennan said: "I am very pleased to formally launch the third edition of our Ceim ar Aghaidh/Step Ahead resource for primary schools. The middle and senior cycle resources have been extremely well received by Primary teachers and the INTO and the launch of the junior cycle programme completes the set.

"I wish to thank the support of the Office of the Minister for Integration, the Inclusion and Diversity Service, Northern Ireland and the National Action Plan against Racism for their assistance in completing 'The World of Gaelic Games.'"

Minister Conor Lenihan commended the GAA for its excellent north-south initiative and commented that 'sport can break down barriers and 'The World of Gaelic Games' shows how young pupils from all over the world have engaged in our national sports.'

Catríona Ruane, the Minister for Education, Northern Ireland, said:

"Everything we can do to support young people in being active will help us to start addressing issues they face and help them have a healthy lifestyle. These resources are a positive way of supporting this in our schools."