Presented by Meath Coaching and Games Committee Our Mission Statement The aim of An Mhi Coaching and Games Development Committee is to improve the quality of Gaelic Games in Meath, primarily through the organization and supervision of activities and coaching by our Coaching & Games Development staff to schools and clubs. We aim to improve coaching and games development by improving coach education, organizing "Go Games" through Blitz's, Fair Play Leagues and providing a professional back up to clubs and schools. We nurture and improve the talents of our underage county players to mould and shape their commitment to our games and the County through intensive Quality Coaching, Schools of Excellence and Development Squads. The Grassroots to National Programme (GNP) is the GAA's strategic programme for Games Development. It aims to maximize participation and optimize playing standards in Gaelic Games. The programme is underpinned by the OTu Games Development Model which consists of three strands; the Pathway to Elite Performance (PEP), the Skill Through Effort Projects (STEP) and the Coach, Administrator and Referee Education Programme (CARE for ALL). The Meath Coaching & Games Committee were responsible for the following projects in conjunction with Cumann na mBunscoil, Meath Second Level Schools Committee and the Coiste Iomana and Coiste Peil na nOg. Primary School Projects Club/School Coaching Link: This project proved to be a major success within the county in 2007 as clubs have taken the responsibility to either provide regular coaching in their local primary school/schools or indeed back up the great work that teachers have undertaken within this sector. A total of 2,545 children from 1st to 6th class were coached from March to June of 2007 in 42 different Primary Schools. Thirty juvenile clubs undertook the task of educating 110 coaches through various Foundation Coaching Courses and then ensuring that each coach attended our Club School Coaching Workshop. We envisage that these clubs and schools will go from strength to strength in the coming years as an extremely important bond and link has been established between them. In 2008 we hope that other clubs will see the importance of this particular initiative and that they will encourage coaches and parents to come forward and offer their time to coach children in the schools where fun and enjoyment are of the utmost importance. We are all striving to ensure each club remains in healthy stead and this is what the "Club School Link" encourages. Second Level Projects Post Primary Projects A new Post Primary Committee was formed in 2006 so that teachers and second level schools could have an input into the various projects undertaken for the year. This committee, which has the County Board Chairman as head of its committee, will be responsible for providing the coach education and games programme for these schools. An essential role will be to increase the participation levels in both codes and to ensure that opportunities to play are available to all students. Coach Education Schools of Excellence & Development Squads Squads have been an important source for Meath GAA as we endeavour to provide the opportunities for all of our players to reach and play at their potential and encourage them to be the best that they can be while representing their club and their county. Throughout the county, boys from the age of 12 to 17 have been coached by mentors from the clubs who have volunteered their time, experience and expertise to ensure each player has the chance to show and improve their playing quality. Each team participated in a series of leagues, tournaments, blitz's and games internally and externally in both Hurling & Football. Tuft Cup final The Meath U14 Development Squad recorded a deserved win over their North Dublin counterparts in the Tuft Cup football final in Darver Co. Louth on a scoreline of 3-7 to 0-7. Conor McGill, Tommy Rooney and Fiachra McEntee were very solid in defence while Bryan McMahon, Seamus Mattimoe and Bobby O 'rien were in excellent form up front. Meath - Aidan Boswell, Cathal Finn, Conor McGill, Ross Gore, Tommy Rooney, Fiachra McEntee, Mark McPhillips, Conor Sheridan, Neil Hannon 0-1, Liam Bourke, Jamie Farrelly, Bryan McMahon 1-1, Seamus Mattimoe 1-2, Stephan McDonnell 0-2 and Bobby O'Brien 1-1.Subs - Niall Coughlan for Seamus Mattimoe, Neil Shorthall for Jamie Farrelly, Darragh McGrath and Paul Meade. An Mhí 5-12 Áth Cliath 2-5. The An Mhi team which also beat Dublin in the competition was: Conor Murray, Garth Deery, Charles Brogan, John McDonald, Barry McConnon, Jonathon O'Reilly, Evan Murtagh, Mark McCullen, Martin Fox, Eimhne Kinsella, Sean Sheridan, James Toher, Robert Farrelly, Eoin Hannon, Collie Mc Cullagh, David Murtagh, Stephen O'Neill, Shane Melia, Ciaran O'Donoghue, Declan Sheilds, Barry Clarke. Afterwards the Vice Chairman of the Louth County Board presented the Cup to the Meath captain Bobby O'Brien Juvenile Club Projects Go Games This has been an exceptional success throughout the county in 2007. The initiative began with our tremendous "Go Games Open Day" on May 26th in Dunganny with over 250 children having their inaugural "Go" at playing the First Touch and Quick Touch games. Children and parents alike were very upbeat about the project and all were anticipating a good summer of activity. Three dates were planned for the Club Go Games Summer Blitzes with June 16th, July 7th and August 25th being the eagerly awaited dates. Each date had 9 clubs selected as host venues, so in all 27 clubs played host to their neighbouring clubs. All host clubs must be commented on their welcome to travelling teams and the catering was excellent by all accounts. The "Go Games" were played in the best of spirits with the emphasis on participation, fun, enjoyment and no pressure on any child to perform. This was highlighted though the fact that the majority of referees were our new "Young Whistlers" who played a "No Score Keeping Policy". This did not deter in any way from the matches as children just concentrated on trying to improve their skills while having the best of fun. We are sure that the good relations that have been developed over the summer with clubs will continue to flourish in 2008 when others will have their opportunity to welcome their closest rivals to town.. June 16th = 1,122 Children Participated July 7th = 987 Children Participated August 25th = 923 Children Participated Fair Play Leagues The Coiste Peil na nOg Board ran two brilliant "Fairplay" leagues for U 12's and U-14's again this year which saw 9 groups playing at U 12 and 8 groups competing at U 14. In all over 1,960 boys were kept active over the summer months with these leagues. Meath GAA Cul Camps 24 camps were organised throughout the county for both hurling and football. Over 3,000 children participated over the 8 weeks. We had 14 new coaches on board with our well established Cul Camp crew. We look forward with great anticipation to 2008. Where do we go from here - Forward looking to the future : As with every walk of life for every strength there is a weakness & for every opportunity there is a threat. The GAA especially been an amateur sport with a professional approach is no different. Many obstacles and barriers must be crossed - which is why we ask all interested for help to keep the "GAA Alive" in our growing society. For these reasons we intend to bring new measures to ensure the most up - to date coaching methods will be available to all. 2008 will start with new improved initiatives & specialised workshops including: "Fun Do" - This new initiative provides an excellent source of coaching. It is broken down into different areas for age groups: 1. ABC's & Have A Ball Nursery: Agility, Balance & Co - ordination drills and activities for children in the Nursery age group (4-8 yrs). Also the basic skills of catching and kicking in football and lifting and striking in hurling. 2. Coaching Classes and Coaches Tips; This provides a resource of skill drills, warm up and progressive fun games for children from 8-14 yrs. It will have many new ideas to develop the individual skill level of players and aid in preparing players for games. 3. U Can Skill And Skill Star Challenge Awards. 4. Go Games Details. 2008 Coaching seminar Meath GAA Coaching Seminar in Simonstown GFC on 8th & 9th February 2008: - Building A Session around Tackling & Evasion - Fitness with the Ball - Flexibility & Stretching - Games for Better Play & Conditioned Games - Goalkeeping Drills - Player Burnout - Road from Juvenile to Senior The Committee are constantly upskilling themselves with regards to coaching & games development. This is achieved through a number of factors including workshops, seminars, courses and conferences. We aim to network this information and education through our Coach Education system to all the clubs and schools in the county. Meath Hurling Development Programme in conjunction with Leinster Council GAA This year has seen an increased growth in new and innovative Hurling programmes that have been widely supported by the clubs and schools of Meath. The drive to promote and heighten the profile of Hurling has seen an increase in participation for players at grassroots level, County School of Excellence and also the number of qualified coaches as part of the Hurling Coach Education Programme, a support system to invite coaches to become better coaches at club, school and county squad level. Other programmes that have highlighted the profile of the of Hurling in the Royal County have been at School level such as the Club/School coaching programme, Hurling for Health and Fitness at both primary and Secondary and also Second level Colleges saw various games programmes to increase participation at blitz days and a new games structure to provide competition at Senior, Junior and Juvenile level. The following list will give a brief summary of the Hurling projects rolled out in 2007 Club Winter/Spring Games Programme There was a new dimension to the Winter/Spring club games programme using top of the range all weather sports surfacing both indoors and outdoors at venues such as the JJB Sports complex, Gormanston College and the Meath League District. These small sided games encouraged participation, skill development and enjoyment for all those who competed at U 8 to U 13 level. This programme brought clubs together collectively and to show that regardless of weather hurling can be made attractive and played during winter months using these excellent facilities. Summer Area Games The summer area games proved to be a great success due to the following reasons: - Co. divided into 5 areas - Each area had clubs geographically located to limit travel - Onus on the clubs to host and ensure smooth running of each games day - Refreshments provided to all participants - Clubs received 3-4 games in blitz format All Ireland Hurling Skills Challenge Programme This programme kept Hurling 'alive' during the summer months for clubs who under took the project for U 10 Hurlers. Clubs organized many Hurling activities i.e. coaching, blitzes, summer camps, etc. In doing this each player received an 'All Ireland Hurling Skills Challenge Programme card' and for each Hurling activity they attended they were given a stamp/sticker to be affixed on to a square that represented an Irish County. Children had to complete the card which had a total of 32 Counties/squares. Each player that completed their card received the following: - Hurley (As part of the Leinster Hurley Subsidy Scheme) - Sliotar - T Shirt Back 2 School U 12 Hurling Programme This U 12 games programme was a County twinning programme between Meath & Kildare with 20 clubs participating (10 per Co.) The games promoted Smart Touch as part of GO Games series. As well as refreshments, each player received a special promotional 'Back 2 school' pack that included: - A refill Pad - Pen - Ruler - Gym Bag Again like many of the games programmes the onus was on the invited host club to stage the games. Leinster Hurley Subsidy Scheme Many Hurling clubs benefited this year with reducing the cost of supplying Hurleys to players by purchasing Hurleys at a reduced cost rate from the Leinster Council Hurley Subsidy Scheme. Clubs were able to purchase Hurleys for ?3 and ?8. Primary and Secondary School 'Hurling 4 Fitness' Programme These games programmes in primary and Second level schools using top of the range all weather sports surfacing aimed to promote and heighten the profile of Hurling and the health and fitness benefits that can be achieved whether played at an elite or recreational level. There was over 700 players in attendance at these programmes that was also a twinning between Meath & Kildare. Club/School Hurling Coaching Programme Clubs had an opportunity to identify a club school coach in where funding, training, equipment, gear was provided to the nominated personnel. The club school coach conducted 10-20 coaching sessions in the local primary schools, assisted in other hurling activities where necessary and forged a link between the school and the club. Second Level Games Programme With a majority of second level schools not involved in Leinster Second level competition, we have now undertaken to organising an internal Co. games programme at senior, junior and juvenile for 2007/08. All schools will get a minimum of up to 4 games. One area that needs to be looked at is the area of refereeing during school hours which can be difficult in order for games to be completed. Club Coaching Resources A DVD for Volunteer Recruitment for Hurling clubs and Coaching drills for Striking & Catching are currently in progression and should be available as useful resources for the Meath Hurling clubs very shortly Hurling Academy (School of Excellence & Development Squad) The Meath Hurling Academy (School of Excellence & Development Squad) participated in many new coaching & games programmes this year. Funding from the Meath & Kildare Hurling Development programme provided the content, transportation, facilities, meals, and gear. One new initiative was the introduction to Sport Science to the U 15 hurling squad. This squad attended a day long visit to the University of Limerick for fitness testing, seminar on sports psychology and workshop on Strength and conditioning. The day was concluded with a game against a Limerick Developmental squad. Other School of Excellence and Development Squad Activities All Weather Floodlit games U 14, 15, 16 & Minor U 16 B All Ireland U 16 Leinster League U 15 University of Limerick U 15 Belfast Games Tournament U 14 Croke Park Leinster Hurling exhibition U 14 DJ Carey School of Hurling U 13 Meath/Kildare 4 Co. Hurling Blitz U 13 & 14 STEPS Hurling School of Excellence Now in it's 2nd year and very popular this Hurling Sport Through Education Programme (STEP) is based around the education of Hurling skill development and player welfare i.e. diet & nutrition, conditioning for U 13 and U 14 club and development squad players. Conducted with highly qualified coaches the programme also offers a high quality promotional pack, advice from top inter Co. star players and is twinned on the last day with the Kildare equivalent for a inter co. games day. Meath Hurling Coach Education Programme This has significant importance to new and existing Club and Co. squad coaches as we endeavor to provide a coach education system that trains and up skills all our hurling volunteers who give up their valuable time to promote and develop the game. 2007 saw the following education programmes provided: - Hurling Foundation Course x 3 (70 new qualified coaches) - Hurling Level 1 Hurling (22 new qualified coaches) - Diet & Nutrition 4 Hurling - Speed Agility & Quickness 4 Hurling - Conditioning & Flexibility 4 Hurling - Leinster Coaching Conference for Co. Development Squad Mentors - National GAA Coaching Conference (Funding provided for Development Squad Coaches) 2008 will see similar Coach Education programmes, an integration with hurling and football workshops and a close link with the Meath Local Sports Partnership. In addition there will all be a revamped Transition Year Hurling Coaching course and a teacher summer Hurling coaching course in association with the Drumcondra Teacher Training centre, Dublin. Conclusion In conclusion I would like to acknowledge the continued assistance and support that all clubs and schools give to the promotion and development of Hurling in County Meath and to the constant 'buy in' to the innovative projects that are rolled out on their behalf. Declan Power, Comhairle Laighean CLG, Hurling Development Administrator Meath Meath U14 Hurling 2007 The Meath U14 Hurlers had a very active year. TTraining started in early March for a squad of 40 Players under the Guidance of Brendan Fitzsimons, (Clann na nGael) Philip O'Brien (Wolfe Tones), James Toher (Trim) Kit McGovern (Clann na nGael) The squad trained at Weekend's in Dunganny Trim and friendly matches were arranged with Kildare and Dublin selections before a squad was picked for the Leinster Council Hurling initiative in Croke Park. The Leinster Council Hurling initiative for the Counties U14 Hurling Schools of Excellence/ Development squads in Croke Park was 'a huge success' according to Declan Power, Hurling Development Administrator for Leinster Council and Meath/Kildare region. "The day was broken down into 3 segments, a tour of the stadium, an educational seminar based on 'Best Practice' and of course the players got a chance to play on the 'hallowed turf.'," said Declan. The day featured all 12 Counties from the province getting a chance to shine in Croker. "The event for us certainly heightens the profile of the game and there is no better way of doing it than bringing the young hurling enthusiasts to the 'theatre of dreams'. "We stressed to the players that with plenty of practice and ambition the opportunity to play in Croke Park would again happen for most of them regardless of what competition it was i.e. Nicky Rackard, Christy Ring or the Liam McCarthy'. Meath played matches against Carlow, Kildare and Laois, winning all three matches." The players all received hints, tips and advice from some of the Countries top players such as Eddie Brennan, Jackie Tyrell (Kilkenny) and Damien Fitzhenry (Wexford) among other speakers such as Paudie Butler, National Hurling Coordinator and Declan Coyle, Sports Psychologist. In July a panel of 25 players and mentors attended the D.J 'Carey school of hurling in St Ciarans Collage Kilkenny. For four Days they attended training sessions with top class coaches from Leinster. They also played matches against County selections from Offaly, Carlow, Westmeath and Kilkenny. The panel also attended classes on diet, fitness levels, training methods, team work and hurl repair. But the highlight of the week was the training sessions with D.J. Carey. The skill standard of all 25 players improved greatly over the week. Tony Forristal U14 Hurling Tournament in Waterford The Tony Forristal U14 Tournament in Waterford on the weekend of 25/26 of August was the main focus for Meath U14 Hurlers from the beginning of 2007 as Meath were competing in Division 2 of this competition for the first time. The Tony Forristal Touranament is an All Ireland Tournament. In Div 2, Meath were drawn in group A of the draw with Kildare, Carlow and Laois. First up Meath played Laois on Saturday morning, This was a very tough test for the Meath lads but they started well with Meath forwards well on top in the first half. In the second half Laois came back strong at Meath, But the lads battled hard with some outstanding work from the midfield and backs. Final score Meath 3-6 Laois 1-9. Next up was Carlow, again Meath started well clocking up three goals in the first half and were well in control, Again Meath tired in the second half with Carlow coming back strong in the final ten minutes but Meath were not going to be beaten in this match finishing up on a scoreline of Meath 3-7 Carlow 1-6. The next match was against a strong physical Kildare outfit but this was Meath's best performance by far scoring at will and winning on a scoreline of 1-17 to 0-2. As Meath had won all there matches in group A, They qualified to meet the winners of Group B, which was Westmeath who had beaten Kerry, Antrim and Waterford. The Final was played in Walsh Park before a large crowd in wonderful sunshine. A large number of Meath supporters traveled down on the Sunday morning to support the boys in Green and Gold. Meath started well in this game and gave as good as they got from a very strong Westmeath outfit, Gavin Mullin put Meath in front with a point from play, Meath were well on top early on and had a sixty five score disallowed by the ref which would have put Meath up by two points. Westmeath struck back and scored three points without reply to lead at half time by Meath 0 01; Westmeath 0.03. In the second half Meath backs battled hard to keep the Westmeath forwards at bay with fine displays from James Kelly, Killian O'Brien, Arron Ennis, and Ger Foley. But up front our forwards could not get the better of a very strong Westmeath back line, In midfield Ciaran Fitzsimons gave another outstanding display, James Toher, William McGrath, and Seamus Mattimoe scored points to leave the score Meath 0-5 Westmeath 0-7 going into the last minute, Westmeath goaled in the final seconds of normal time, followed by a point to leave the final score ; Meath 0.05; Westmeath 1 07; This was a great achievement for Meath's U14 Hurler reaching a Div 2 final at there first attempt and if this bunch of players are kept together going forward there is no reason why these players will not bring home silverware in the future. The Meath panel was: C Murray (Trim),G Foley (Killyon), A Ennis (Clann na nGael) B Wright (Dunderry), C O Brien (Wolfe Tones), J Kelly (Kiltale), J O Sullivan (Clann na nGael), C Fitzsimons (Clann na nGael), J Toher (Trim) capt., C Doyle (Kilmessan), J Reilly (St Martins), B McMahon (Ratoath), S Mattimoe (Gaeil Colmcille), W McGrath (Moylagh), C O Sullivan (Kiltale), R Hamilton (Clann na nGael), D Brennan (Kiltale), S McGee (Trim), G Mullen (Kildalkey), D O Byrne (Trim), G O'Sullivan (Clann na nGael), S Carty (Dunderry), D Mulligan (Rathmolyon), C McCabe (Kiltale) Stellar performance form U13 Juvenile Hurling Development Squad The good and hard training work put in by the current U13 hurling development squad was not only evident but paid off enormously in an U13 hurling blitz organised by Declan Power (Hurling Development Administrator for Meath and Kildare) on Saturday last, November 3rd. The blitz was held in Ballitore, Kildare and featured four teams Kildare A, Kildare B, Wicklow and Meath. Each team played each other. The Meath team, working hard from the first whistle to the last, showed great skill, panache and determination to ensure that three solid victories were obtained and with just a minimum of two points being conceded over the three fixtures. It is expected that this success will spur on the lads as they enter into an important year next year. Well done to all concerned! Match 1 result: Meath 1-5, Kildare (A) 0-1, Match 2 result: Meath 2-6 Wicklow 0-1 Match 3 result: Meath 1-11 Kildare (B) 0-0 Squad Conor Darby (Boardsmill), Adam Farrell (Boardsmill), Phillip Carey (Blackhall Gaels), Shane Whitty (Blackhall Gaels), Martinn Quinn (Donoghmore Ashbourne), Sam Benville (Donoghmore Ashbourne), Kevin Hacket (Longwood), Vinny Moore (Navan O'Mahonys), Danny Murphy (Navan O'Mahonys), Conleth McLarnon (Ratoath), Sean Gavin (St Martins), Paul Mooney (St Martins), John Cunningham (Trim), Shane Lenihan (Trim), David Fox (Trim), James Andrews (Trim), Gareth Whyte (Trim), Conor O'Shea (Dunderry), Dylan Keenan (Dunderry), Adam Flanagan (Killyon), Darren McNevin (Killyon), Gary Ryan (Rathmolyon), Eamon Ryan (Kiltale), Dylan Regan (Navan O'Mahonys) Mentors: Conor Gavin (St Martins), Ken McKenna (Donoghmore Ashbourne), Harry Randle (Donoghmore Ashbourne) There will be further trials session next year as we aim to reach a final panel of 24, Tweet

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