Although the Gaelic Athletic Association was founded in 1884 hurling and football flourished in Ireland for many centuries beforehand. Ball games have been played by man from the earliest stages of civilised society. The Old Testament, the Poet Homer and ancient Egyptian monuments all show that ball games were known in biblical times, in pre-christian Greece and in Pagan Egypt, Imperial Rome, Arthurion England and Viking Scandanivia all had their own type of ball games. So had the ancient Persians, the North American Indians, the South American Aztecs and the Celts of the Western Europe. The early Europeans played three types of ball games. In one, the ancestor of modern hurling and hockey, the ball was driven by a partly curved stick. In another, the ancestor of modern soccer, the ball was propelled by foot only. In the third type, from which modern gaelic football, rugby and Australian Rules all derive, the ball was partly thrown by hand and partly kicked. A version of this last game, popular in Ireland and England up to the mid-1800s was played across the open countryside by hundreds of participants, frequently pausing for individual bouts of wrestling - reminiscent of recent Compromise Rules games in Melbourne. There was also a cross country version of the ball game. The national game of hurling has been a distinctively Irish pastime for at least 2,000 years. Until the late 1840s hurling had been played all over the island from at least the early Christian period. As a sporting spectacle it has attracted the admiration of foreigners for centuries. It's the uniquely Celtic brand of the ball game played with the sticks it has survived invasions, wars, internal strife, famine and numerous official and semi official attempts at suppression. According to legend the first battle of Moytura, fought about 2,000 BC between two rival races, was proceeded by a fierce hurling match between two teams of 27 aside drawn from the opposing forces, the casualties were buried under a huge cairn. Another story from pagan times tells how Labhraí Loinseach, the king who is said to have worn his hair long to conceal his ass-like ears, was suddenly cured of deafness when on being hit by a hurley on the shin when a boy he cried out in pain. Hurling also features widely in rural folklore - played at moonlight by fairy folk, on the surface of lakes. However like so much else in rural Ireland the game was to be seriously disrupted by the Great Famine of 1847. Football on the other hand has been played in Ireland since the Middle Ages, though much less widely recorded, it flourished in England, Scotland and Wales. In Oxford in 1303 a student died while playing football with Irish students. In 1338 when the river Liffey froze over the men of Dublin played football on the ice, a feat their descendants repeated in 1740. An English play written in 1612 contains a story of Irish footballers with a human head for a ball, a gruesome detail also found in Kerry folklore. The well known English traveller John Dunton saw the footballers of Fingal (in North Dublin and maratime Meath) in action, noting their skill at shouldering and tripping. A poem published in Dublin in 1722 tells of "a match at football" played about 1720 at Oxmantown Green near the Phoenix Park between teams from Swords and Lusk. The winners each got a be-ribboned cup, the loosers a pair of gloves each, the ball was thrown and kicked and wrestling was permitted. As in the case of hurling, scattered references clearly show that football flourished in many areas in the first 40 years of the last century. Dublin and Meath (1805), Wexford and Wicklow (in the 1820s and 1830s) and Monaghan, Armagh and Louth (early 1880s) are counties from where accounts of football matches have survived. In Kerry the cross-country version known as 'Caid" was then popular, as it continued to be all through the century. The famine was not the only obstacle native games had to contend with in the last century. All over the country hurling and football were either discretely discouraged or openly prohibited by government officials such as policemen and magistrates, as well as by some of the catholic clergy and many landlords. Primary Schools Coaching • Underage Strategic Plan a) Club/School Link A 17 schools have been attended for the past 2-3 years by 11 clubs. Over 800 children were coached this year alone, from March-June in 2005, and received at least six coaching sessions each in gaelic football. Na Fianna club organised both football and hurling coaching. The following clubs were involved in this initiative: St Michaels; Syddan; Kilmainhamwood; Nobber; Blackhall Gaels; Ballivor; Summerhill; Na Fianna; Carnaross; Moynalty; Moynalvey. b) Club/School Link B This year 5 new clubs took on this initiative and they attended 5 schools. Over 300 children were coached in gaelic football from April-June 2005 and once again received at least 6 coaching sessions. The following clubs were involved: Walterstown; Ratoath; Oldcastle; Ballinabrackey; St. Pats. c) Club/School Link C The Meath Local Sports Partnership contacted us back in May 2004 with regards to funding and developing camogie within the county. So in conjunction with the Meath Camogie Board we established the club/school link. Six camogie clubs came on board and organised coaching in 9 schools. 400 children participated with at least 6 sessions per school; with camogie and hurling coaching for boys and girls. The following clubs were involved; Boardsmill; Kiltale; Dunboyne; Killyon; Donaghmore/Ashbourne; Kiltale The Games Promotion Officers were responsible for the coach education of all the coaches who attended the schools. Foundation Coaching Courses were organised for them. We also liaised with clubs and schools regarding the scheme and how it was progressing. Finally we were responsible for monitoring the initial coaching sessions in each school. Indoor Hurling/Camogie Formal and fun blitzes for boys and girls from 3rd-6th class were organised from November 2004 - January 2005. The fun blitzes were held in various venues around the county while the formal competitions were set up in Warrenstown College. At these formal competitions prizes were awarded to the winning schools (set of indoor hurleys) and all participants received hurling grips. 36 schools entered the various blitzes and 888 children played. Coached by GPO's The Coaching and Games Promotion Officers were involved in coaching hurling and football in 10 schools during May/June 2005. These were schools who had not been included in the Club/School link to date; Clonard (F); St Declan, Ashbourne (F), Kilbride, Trim (F); Naoimh Eoin, Navan (F); Moylagh (H); Kilbride, Mulhuddart (F); Ballinlough (H), St, Olivers, Navan (F); Dangan (H); Heronstown (F). Second level coaching Super Sevens This was the second year for this particular initiative. 15 schools participated organizing one or more internal house leagues for 1st year students, between February and April 2005, in any of the four codes. (Football, ladies football, hurling or camogie). At total of 23 leagues were organised and conducted by 5th year students in the schools. 835 first year students played. A county finals day was held in Navan O'Mahonys and Pairc Tailteann whereby teams of 10 school representatives competed for top honours. Polo tops were awarded to winning in house teams and teachers and overall winners were presented with fleeces. The aim of this competition is to ensure games for students making the transition from primary to post primary level. Transition Year Courses Five of these courses were organised in the 2004/2005 team with 40 students then following on and providing coaching sessions in 10 primary schools. Those who proved themselves as worthy coaches will receive the Foundation Course Cert shortly. We were responsible for monitoring these sessions. This term 2005/2006 six courses will be implemented. The aim is to encourage students to get involved with coaching in their own clubs and to provide a coaching schedule for local primary schools where courses have been run. Post Primary Skills Competition Once again this was the second year for this venture and was aimed at 5th Year students. We visited 11 schools this year and ran the individual football skills competition with 200 boys and girls participating during May 2005. The winners in each school received a trophy and a place on our Finals Day in Pairc Tailteann. Overall winners and runners up in the boys and girls categories received trophies sponsored by Rathmore Trophies. The aim is to encourage students to work on their individual skill levels. It is envisaged that a Hurling/Camogie Skill Competition will be organised in 2006. Indoor Hurling This was the first year that such a competition was organised at post primary level. Two separate days in Warrenstown College, in November and January for 1st years were organised with 4 schools participating each day. 80 boys played with all receiving hurling grips and the winning schools being awarded a set of indoor hurleys. The aim was to encourage hurling during the winter months. Also for players to work on their first touch. Indoor Camogie Again the first year for this competition. One day for combined 1st and 2nd year teams was organised in Warrenstown College in February. 4 schools participated with 40 girls playing the game. A set of indoor hurleys for overall winning school and grips for all the players. The aim was to help increase the numbers currently playing camogie at second level schools. Also to encourage the game through the winter months. Wall Ball Competition This was the inaugural year for this competition which was used as a pilot scheme within Leinster. Each county had to enter a 1st year boy and girl into the Leinster Wall Ball Final in Clonard, Co Laois back in May. We ran a competition in Rathmore Ball Alley with our two reps qualifying from St Josephs Athboy. 8 players participated in Rathmore. This is an exceptional game and could be encouraged and progressed further within the post primary sector if more facilities were available. The aim was to develop a game that would encourage players to practice their basic skills of striking, first and quick touch. The environment of a 'Wall' or 'Ball Alley' is ideal for this. Pre-schools of excellence U12 The initiative is a first in Leinster, where one hundred and five (105) players participate collectively in twelve coaching and games sessions over the summer months and thereafter monthly through the autumn and winter. Players were introduced to individual and team skills coaching. Most of these young players were quite devoid of the most basic of the skills or positional awareness in games. Over the sessions, the coaches drew up coaching programmes - revisiting and rehearsing the most demanding skills over and over again, with individual homework thrown in as well. On the final day a series of mine-games took place in Pairc Tailteann with a presentation of jerseys to each participant. Experience over the years has taught us that there needed to be an earlier intervention prior to the Schools of Excellence to have a compatible connection. This is due primarily to the lack of real skill or co-ordination in players coming from their clubs. Schools of Excellence U13/14 One hundred and twenty five (125) players attended ten coaching sessions which included mini and conditional games. The highlight of which was their involvement in the mini games at half time in the senior final. This consisted of three 10-a-side conditioned games, running simultaneously with three of our newest 'young' referees officiating. Coaches involved with schools; Brian Carberry, Tom Flynn, Stan Kennelly, Dermot Rooney, Sean Brennan, Michael Garland, Peter O'Halloran. U14 County Team Following regionalised games, a panel of 50 players was selected for ongoing coaching and collective training and games. This panel had two games each week, including tournaments, blitzs and Leinster leagues, winning the latter and the turf cup. Here the manager - Pat Coyle and his selectors, Brendan Darby, Richie Cahill and Martin Blake did exceptional work. Development Squads U15/16 Following a number of games and coaching sessions held at regionalised venues the original panel of 100 U15 and 75 U16 was further reduced to 60 for each age group for ongoing developments. These sessions were conducted on a weekly basis over a nine month period, interspersed with tournaments, blitzs and leagues. U15/16 County Teams Two U15 teams were fielded all year, playing seventeen games. The two U16 teams played a total of 24 games and are still involved in the Leinster tournament with a final versus Laois in Pairc Tailteann. Each of the squads received more indepth, advance and collective coaching and training from experienced and guest coaches. The U16 teams promised much with some fine victories but were just edged out on a number of occasions. Manager - Pat Flynn. Selectors - Gerry Morgan, Patsy McHugh, Pat Coyle and Eddie Battersby. Minor team A new management structure was installed this year under the leadership of our own games promotion officer Dudley Farrell ably assisted by Sean Kelly and Sean Barry. The squad this year was our first U14 school of excellence from four years ago. They reached the Leinster semi-final missing out to Offaly by a single score. Unfortunately three of the original defence were injured, which proved too severe to overcome. How and ever the squad are high for the coming year. Club Coaching Street Leagues U5-U9 This programme has been going from strength to strength, with huge numbers of children participating. This is the first step in inducing and exposing them to our national games. It is a programme that should be repeated in each parish, village and town throughout the county. The juvenile committee in Donaghmore/Ashbourne have developed and honed this programme very effectively over the last number of years. The club are reaping the rewards of their initiative, with a very progressive and talented group of underage players at all levels. U10 All County mini games Again these games provide players with plenty of opportunities to improve their skills while having fun and enjoyment in a non competitive format. U10 Tournament These are run by clubs in various regions under two auspius of the Juvenile Committee, again without the competition 'win at all costs' mentality. Summercamps The summercamps again have proven very successful with large numbers again attending. The games promotion officers promote and organise the camps throughout the county by engaging the local media and radio. The promotional gear this year was of a very high standard with each child receiving a jersey, shorts and socks. Again senior county players attended and participated at the camps. As is usual, the coaches and supervisors were of a very high quality. Breakdown of attendance at the camps this year; Total number of camps - 23 Total number of coaches employed - 32 coaches, 2 supervisors Number of football camps - 16 Number attended - 2330 Number hurling camps - 7 Number attended - 498 Breakdown boys - 1938 Girls - 890 The camps were visited by intercounty stars, Martin Comerford (Kilkenny) and Brian Farrell and Nicky Horan (An Mhí) Coach Education Foundation Level Courses There were courses held at the following venues. Kilbride; Curraha; Navan O'Mahonys; Gael Colmcille; Walterstown; St Vincents; Oldcastle A total of 240 qualified as foundation level coaches. Its at this level that we are striving to engage parents, supporters and 'hurlers on the ditch' to become involved in coaching the basics of our games. These coaches are our county and club managers of tomorrow. Level One - Football This year a total of 56 coaches from clubs throughout the county took the level one course. This was a very experienced group, with many years of playing and coaching behind them. The course was delivered by tutors, over five weeks encompassing ten sessions. Our GPO's have recently joined the level one coaching team. Level Two An additional four coaches from the county are taking this course. Coaching Workshop This was held in Walterstown in June and was a great success with 45 coaches attending. Brian Talty (Dublin selector) for the coaches through a series of advanced skills and skill drills over two hours. This was followed by three 'go' games exhibited by 80 children from 8-12 years old under the supervision and direction of Dudley Farrell, Christine O'Brien and Noel Delaney. This workshop was a tremendous success. "Go" Games "Go" games - hurling and football, can be defined as small sided skill development games, individually known as First Touch (U8), Quick Touch (U10) and Smart Touch (U12) where the playing rules and equipment are modified to ensure that the children develop the basic skills of the game and derive maximum enjoyment while doing so. The 'go' games were launched by Leinster Coaching and games development committee in early October 2005. This was followed a week later by the Meath launch in Walterstown by the coaching and games development committee in association with Cumann na mBunscol. 180 people supported the launch, which was performed by Pat Daly, Head of Games, Croke Park and Noel Delaney, Director Coaching (Leinster). The next stage will involve the piloting of the games in five areas through the primary schools identified by Cumann Na mBunscol in association with the games promotion officers. Then another five areas will be targeted through the clubs, and include both hurling and football. By their very nature and concept of small sided modified rules, the go games underpins the principle of ensuring that each players gets a full game. The 'Go' games allows every child the opportunity to reach their full potential by providing an environment where learning from mistakes is supported by positive feedback and individual attention. The 'Go' games are the way forward on a twofold basis. a) for the children - as games are their first introduction to our games - in a very structural, progressive format and every child plays - everywhere. b) for the coach as he/she may be inexperienced or just helping out - the games are so structural that they afford those coaches the confidence and expertise to continue developing their coaching skills. I think now is an ideal opportunity to replace U10 tournaments, blitzs and leagues with Go games. Thus ensuring that the children participating are enjoying themselves and most importantly getting a game in a non competitive environment. This is a goal for our coaching team for 2006. Daoine a Fhreagairt As the year closes in, it is important to salute the excellent, efficient and courteous way our two games promotion officers - Ms Christine O'Brien and Mr Dudley Farrell deliver our coaching schedules throughout the county. With an ever changing, developing job description both coaches are most adaptable to meet any new challenges. To my colleague Mr Paddy Kelly, our Leinster Council representative, for his unselfish work for hurling within the county and the DJ Carey School of hurling. Our own coaching and games, secretary Mr Francis Flynn who is also Runaí of Cumann an mBunscol for his imputs throughout the year. Francis is already in the process of identifying the five to pilot the Go Games through the primary schools. Once again the County Committee and Coaching and Games Committee along with the hurling and football subsidiary committee have been to the fore in ensuring the delivery of a visionary coaching plan. The amount of support and advise afforded the coaching and games development committee by Mr Colm Gannon has been remarkable, given his workload - overall. We also wish to acknowledge the unrelenting support and advice given to us from Mr Noel Delaney, Coaching Director, Leinster and Mr John Horan, Chairman Leinster Coaching and Games Development Committee in implementing and coaching schedules. Coaching Review '05 - Hurling by Paddy Kelly U12 Development Squad Mentors Brendan Fitzsimons, James Toher This squad has been together every Sunday morning during the summer months and there is a panel of about 50 players with all clubs represented. They travelled to Laois to play two Laois development squads and also to Tipperary to play two Tipperary squads and forty players travelled each day. The U12 squad went on to Nenagh after playing the Tipperary squads to support Meath U21s who won the All-Ireland against Kerry. The mentors have suspended the squad sessions because of the U12 championship and hope to resume indoors shortly. U13 Development Squad Mentors John Andrews, Conor Ferguson, Paddy Magee There was a squad of 60 players together for combined training sessions on each Saturday afternoon over the summer months. The squad went to Offaly and played two Offaly development squads and Antrim came to Trim were Meath played the Antrim squads. Offaly are due to bring their squads up to Meath and the Meath squad will travel to Antrim in the coming weeks. Coaching sessions were organised with Tipperary star Tommy Dunne on two Saturdays. U14 County Hurling Squad Mentors Vinny Guy, Mattie Mullen and Anthony Sheridan This squad attended the DJ Carey School of Hurling for a week in July were they were resident in Saint Kieran's College. That got expert coaching from DJ Carey, Henry Shefflin, Damien Fitzhenry, Rory McCarthy, Brian Cody, Tommy Walsh and also attended Kilkenny County team training sessions. This DJ Carey School of Hurling has proved very successful venture by Leinster Council and it was the brain child of Meath's Leinster Rep Paddy Kelly. The County U14 squad went on to take part in the annual Tony Forrestal Competition in Waterford and were narrowly beaten by Westmeath in the final which was televised on Setanta TV. Meath U15 squad Mentors Paddy Kelly, Martin Massey, Gerry Kelly This Meath squad won the Leinster U15 blitz in May and have played numerous challenge games against Laois and Dublin Development squads. The U15s are currently in the final of the Leinster U15 league after beating Dublin, Westmeath and Laois along the way and p lay Kildare in the final on Saturday 12th November. This team will continue its preparation with a view to winning All-Ireland U16 'B' competition in 2006. Meath Under 16 Squad Mentors; Jimmy Burke, Martin Heffernan This squad stated training in February in Warrenstown College and continued right through the year until the All-Ireland U16 'B' final in September which they lost to Carlow. Yet again this competition was destroyed because Leinster completed their section within the timeframe provided and the final was fixed for 13th August only to find out at that stage that Ulster had not started their section. This squad is very strong and if it stays together should contest the minor final in 2007. Under 17 squad The competition for this squad starts in November with the Leinster U17 League in preparation for minor championship 2006. Paul Reilly and Michael Bailey will look after this team. Under 8 Squad Meath Under 8 Indoor Blitz 11/12/05 Gormanstown College Organiser: Paddy Kelly and Meath Juvenile Hurling Board 20 Meath Hurling clubs will take part in the Gormanstown U8 blitz. Panels will comprise of 12 players. Each player will get presentation of a new hurley. Tweet

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