Naomh Eanna hit the right mark with new online GAA skills initiative for youngsters
GOREY’S NAOMH EANNA GAA club members and their county players have taken to social media to encourage young players to keep working on their skills while isolating at home.
The idea came from club mentor Michael Bernie, who uploaded a video challenging viewers to work on their skill level so they’re ready to hit the field again once it’s safe to do so.
Over the days that followed as Michael introduced more skills, showing young players that all they need is a hurl, a wall and a ball to get their practice in. He was joined by other well known players, such as Eoin Conroy and Conor McDonald, in showing fans that, while they can’t go out and meet their friends, they can still work on their game safely at home.
The idea links in with a GAA initiative called Hurling 365, that sets challenges for clubs and players throughout the year, and Naomh Eanna wanted this to continue despite Covid-19 related restrictions.
Aoife Parle of Naomh Eanna GAA said that the videos have proven popular, and other GAA clubs from across the country have gotten in touch about how they can do the same.
‘It’s keeping the players engaged and involved, and showing them that they don’t have to be in groups to do this. It’s a great way so that the younger people can ask questions, we really didn’t think it would be as popular as it is. It started as a bit of banter and a bit of fun as we were all having withdrawals from the GAA matches being off. People need to see something else that is not about the virus, and the people in the community have been great as they are the ones that have been sharing it around and sending in their own videos.
‘People are losing their jobs, businesses and don’t have people around them, so it’s good to share the good news stories and send different things around,’ she said.
Aoife said that community spirit is certainly alive and well and it has made her proud to be part of the club even more so.
‘I want to thank Michael Bernie for starting it, he has been brilliant and all the different players and kids that have sent in the videos. A lot of people have reached out to us asking to help, it’s the simple things that mean a lot. So really there’s just great people in the club and community that have got on board with this.
‘It shows the kids that the senior players are staying in and still practising, to encourage them to do the same’.