The Coiste Oiliúna Blitz programme commenced this week with some very successful events held around the county.

Below are some of the reports from the Blitzes held by Games Development staff.

Bride Rovers GAA grounds was the host venue to a 3rd class hurling Blitz on Wednesday last, where the local schools in Rathcormac, Conna ,Watergrasshill and Fermoy attended. There were 70 children in total on the day and the teams consisted of 9 players to a team. The games were 10 minutes aside. The emphasis was on Fun and full participation for all the players involved. There was no scores kept and all the children really enjoyed themselves on the day .I would like to thank all involved on the day, it was a great success and the schools involved are already eagerly looking forward to the upcoming Blitzes after Easter

Sean Crowley
Games Development Administrator (Imokilly)

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On Wednesday 20th March in Bandon GAA pitch Noel Crowley ran a 3rd/4th class Hurling 9 aside Blitz.

The schools that took part were ;

St Patricks Boys N S Bandon ---4 teams ie 50 players
Enniskeans N S ----3 teams ie 38 players mixed boys and girls
Lauragh N S -----1 team 15 players mixed
Barryroe NS -----2 teams 23 players mixed
Timoleague N S -----2 teams 25 players mixed
Cloghagh N S -----2 teams 23 players mixed
Total teams 14 Total players 174
The Referees were Transition year pupils from Hamilton High School.
Six small pitches were used to ensure all teams played simultaneously.

Ross Cashman coached 2 of the teams who were not playing games and students received the perfect combination of games and coaching.
All pupils and teachers were tired but content as they left the GAA grounds after another hugely successful Coiste Oiliúna Blitz.

Noel Crowley
Games Promotion Officer

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On the 20th of March, a Primary School Blitz was held in Adrigole. Five primary schools participated, (two from Adrigole, two from Urhan and one from Glengariffe) culminating in up to 80 students playing over an hour's football in total.
This blitz was organised and ran by James Mac Carthy, with assistance from IT Tralee student David O Mahony as part of his work placement. It was decided to mix up all students with the overall emphasis on ‘fun'. Both boys and girls from the various schools split into 6 teams, with each team playing each other at least once. Three pitches were marked out, while every team was playing at the same time, with teams rotated after every 15 minutes. School teachers refereed the games.
This was a successful Blitz, with both students and teachers giving positive feedback and leaving happy with the event. Each school expressed interest in participating in further Blitzes which will be provided by Coiste Oiliúna Chorcaí.

James MacCarthy
Beara/West Carbery Assistant Games Development Administrator
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Clubs are asked to invite their local Primary Schools to a Blitz in their local GAA grounds on the week of the 16th April.
Schools have been e mailed through Sciath Na Scol and are aware that clubs may approach them with a view to running a Blitz.
Below is more detailed information.

COUNTY WIDE CLUB-PRIMARY SCHOOLS BLITZ DAY
We are all aware of how important our local Primary Schools are to our club in recruiting the next generation of players for adult teams. The link between the club and school has never been so important than today where other sports are played as frequently as GAA.
Coiste Oiliúna Chorcaí are asking all clubs around the county to forge greater links with their local primary schools by organising a blitz for 2nd and 3rd class pupils in their GAA grounds on the 16h April.
What Do Clubs Need To Do?
The Club Coaching Officer or Schools Liaison Officer is to approach the local Primary School(s) in the area with a view to arranging a suitable time for the schools to attend a blitz. The blitz can be either hurling or football and ideally, would be aimed at 2nd, and, or 3rd class pupils.
The club should run the blitz on the day with the schools mixing players up to play 7 a side Go Games. This will ensure all children get to know each other, even if they are in different schools.
The club can use the day to introduce some pupils to the local GAA grounds and to encourage more children to join the club on a regular basis.
It may also be your chance to impress on the local Principal and teachers how organised your club is and how the club is willing to support the schools in the promotion of GAA.

Need Help?
Contact your local GDA for advice