U14/16s Fitness Programme

Fitness can be defined as the condition of being physically fit and healthy or the quality of being suitable to fulfil a particular role or task. Since our lads started these sessions on November 4th, some have transformed immensely and are able to now touch their toes with knees unbent, having not being able to when we started out! We had hoped for some improvements, but those improvements have exceeded our expectations. Anyone who has managed to partake or witness the sessions will attest to the quality of the classes and the competitiveness it brings out in players as they compete against themselves and their comrades around them. We finished our last session with a Power & Resistance specialty that put the players through their paces and some of the toughest exercises they have ever encountered, but they all accounted for themselves exceptionally well and were delighted when the final move was completed to bring Christmas a step closer. So from Southern Gaels, thanks to all Under 14s and Under 16s for broadening their horizons and participating in the programme – I think they’re all that bit healthier and more suitable for the hurling tasks of 2019. Thanks to Martin Geary, our new club chairman, for organising - and even participating in – these great sessions. Leading by example!

U10s/U12s Stay Healthy Stay Hurling

After the storm came the calm and our brave Hurlers came out in Gael Force 10 and 12 to Stay Healthy and Stay hurling for the last pucks of the year on Sunday evening. After a hard-fought session with plenty of skill and effort under the keen eye of Michael Cahill, ref. and mentor, both sides had much cause to be content. It seems word of hurling’s virtues has got to Lapland thanks to recognition by UNESCO and so our tired and happy players were met by Santa’s chief elf with some goodies to put under their trees for after the Christmas dinner. Well done to players, parents and mentors in 2018 and a happy Christmas to all.

County Convention

Thanks to Kevin Jordan, Ronan Farrell and Martin Geary for representing the Club at the Westmeath County Convention in the Radisson Athlone on Sunday December 16. There was a fabulous convention booklet put together for the review of the participants thanks to all the committee of the Westmeath County Board. The booklet had all the County Reports, which were paraphrased by the appropriate delegate and it was warmly received by all club delegates. The only contentious issue requiring explanations was the treasurers report, which comprising of a 1.3 million expenditure, was to be expected, but all was well and truly accounted for and well explained. There were a few motions up for discussions and a great speech from the Chairman Billy Foley who outlined plans for a Review of the County’s Coaching Programme in 2019, calls for more Club Stewards to be in attendance in Cusack Park at big matches and possibly a trial of some Silent Sidelines in the new year to encourage more Respect for all GAA gaels in Westmeath in 2019. Then there was some timely finger food from the Radisson, to affirm their underage sponsorship deal and send all delegates into Christmas being well-fed. Westmeath County Convention was a great success in 2018, with very promising signs for an improved Westmeath GAA in 2019 and so say all of us in Southern Gaels.

2018 Hurling Activities Drawing to a Close

After what is generally considered a pivotal year in our club’s development with all levels growing stronger both in terms of numbers and playing skills, the year is drawing to a close and all activities have stopped for a well-earned rest over the festive period. Academy and U8s have finished the indoor sessions in the Marist Hall, the U10s and U12s have finished on the Astroturf, with a lovely parting gift of a selection box and the U14s and U16s have finish the HIIT programme in the Gaelscoil.

The club mentors and managers, from Academy up to seniors, wish to thank all players and parents, stalwarts and new to the club, for their continued commitment to Southern Gaels and the Southern Gaels dream – a dream that is becoming closer to reality each time we pick up a hurley and ball! Thanks also to our outgoing committee for the work done over the past three years and best of luck to our in-coming committee for the next three. Undoubtedly, 2019 will bring more of the same and more pulling, pucking, running, rising, challenges and championship with hurling being the winner regardless of the results.

We face some interesting challenges in the coming year with a new manager to be appointed to the senior team and the potential of a national Féile title in the offing – no pressure! However, as has proven so often in the past, Southern Gaels love a challenge and so we say for 2019 – Bring It On!! Gaels Abú!

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