On Tuesday the 5th of March in St.Vincents GAA grounds Coiste Oiliúna held an 11 a side first year hurling blitz. The blitz organised by Paudie O'Brien and Brian Murphy was attended by schools from Imokilly, Avondhu and Seandun. In total six schools and eight teams took part. St Colmans College Fermoy and Glanmire CC had two teams each and Mitchelstown CBS, Rochestown College, Colaiste an Craoibhin Fermoy and Colaiste Spiorad Naoimh had one team each.

Schools were allowed to use rolling substitutes and in total over 120 boys got game time representing their schools. Each team played 3 matches and to the credit of all the coaches, schools and players involved, all games were played in a competitive and sporting manner and in spite of the windy conditions great skills were displayed by the players involved.

A word of thanks also for the transition years from Mitchelstown CBS who helped set up the pitches and refereed the games.

Eight schools and ten teams descended on Mallow on Thursday 5th March for a first year football blitz. GDA's Brian Murphy and Noel Crowley organised the event for North Cork schools.
The 120 players present competed in what could best be described as inclement weather conditions.
Despite the driving rain, the players skill levels were of a high standard and this will give teachers a good platform to build strong teams in the next three to four years at senior level. Schools represented on the day were Patrician Academy Mallow, St Fanahans Mitchelstown, Milstreet CS, Boherbue CS, Scoil Mhuire and Colaiste Treasa, Kanturk, Doneraile and Buttevant.
The games were 11 a side which meant the players got more touches of the ball and worked harder during games. This game presented new challenges to players from the 15 a side equivalent and they really enjoyed it as a break away from the traditional game.

At the end of both blitzes, schools were presented with a training accessory bag full of cones,balls, bibs and a carrier bag to aid the training of players in their school.
Further blitzes are planned for April and also for September and October 2013.

Coiste Oiliúna are putting huge effort in to the promotion of Gaelic Games at Post Primary Level through the provision of coaching hours and blitzes coordinated by County Games Manager, Kevin O Callaghan and the Games Development Administrators.
While schools are currently under pressure with both financial and curricular constraints, it is hoped that supports being provided by Coiste Oiliúna will help in promoting GAA to the forefront of teenagers hearts and minds at Post Primary level.