Cúl Camp nurtures stars of the future

GAELIC games remains a vibrant entity in the heart of the Millstreet Juvenile GAA.

The key to the trail is a dedicated club and schools structure with young players allowed nurture their talents from summer camps and the 2017 hosting proved an overwhelming success.

For many, the first step towards a promising career surfaced in the Kelloggs promoted event attended by Cork senior footballer Aidan Walsh and Cork minor hurler Conor O’Callaghan.

Millstreet is no stranger to the supply of players to Cork teams - the current generation sees Mark Ellis and Kevin Crowley progress from Millstreet underage ranks to inter county senior level. And evidence from the recent Cúl Summer Camp, many of the 180 young boys and girls in attendance want to follow their illustrious footsteps.

For the most part the weather was favourable and those participating enjoyed the fun element along with developing and improving skills in a programme under co-ordinator Jenifer Collins.

Club Chairman John O’Riordan said the summer camp is a traditional big week for participants. “The GAA plays a huge part in the community and the hope is these young boys and girls will go and play football, hurling and camogie. Its been a great week, everybody enjoyed the schedule, thanks to one and all for putting in a huge effort”, he said.

In changing times, Millstreet Juvenile GAA are providing the ideal opportunities to ensure the years ahead are adorned with players and teams accustomed to maintaining the identity of a proud Gaelic game base.

To offset falling population and a keeness to participate in competitive grades, amalgamations sees Millstreet joined with Cullen in football as Duarigle Gaels and in hurling Millstreet are paired with Dromtariffe as Keale Gaels.

A sprinkling of players from both Cullen and Dromtariffe supported the Millstreet summer camp staging to ensure the GAA remains attractive in a traditional stronghold.