Rebel Óg winter training squads unveiled

LAST Thursday the official launch of the 2019 winter training squads for the Rebel Óg squads took place in Mallow GAA Complex. The aim of the evening was to unveil out new U-14 players and their sqauds heading into the winter training programme. There was over 100 boys and their parents in attendance in Mallow GAA Complex. The academy brings together players from all the clubs in the North, from all different grades, from the region to train at a higher level.

The boys were presented with the training jacketrs made by Lenihan sports of Shanballymore. Each boy was presented with this top which is not for sale to the public; they’re strictly for these young men only. Going forward, these young men will be managed by Billy Hedigan of Doneraile in the hurling and he’ll be flanked by Pa O’Brien (Glanworth), Colman O’Reilly (Shanballymore), Tony McCall (Duarigle Gaels) and Bryan Barry (Fermoy).

On the football side, these boys will be managed by David O’Sullivan (Glanworth) and he’ll be aided by Martin O’Brien (Granard Gaels), Martin Farrissey (Kanturk), Liam Patterson (Limerick), Danny O’Connell (Fermoy) and Liam Fitzgerald (Ballyclough).

The boys will train once a week in Mallow GAA Complex up until Christmas and will then be part of a league between other Cork regions in 2020. The whole night was overseen by GDA Pat Spratt. A special thank you also to Peter Watson, Rebel Óg North Rúnaí for being the guest of honour and speaking on the night.

Cork County Games manager Kevin O’Callaghan, along with the new Rebel Óg Rúnaí will be overseeing the full development of these boys, and their league progress in conjunction with Conor Counihan and the Cork five-year football plan also. The GDA’s will also be monitoring the progress being made by these young men in both hurling and football. We wish them well for their training programme.

A special thank you to Liz Foley, Carrighoon Complex Manager, and all her staff for their help.