Central School eager to learn

Bright and early start for new additions to G.A.A. scene

STUDENTS FROM Gorey Central School were showing great dedication to their newly-formed G.A.A. team before Covid-19 arrived by attending weekly training sessions at 8 a.m.!

With over a quarter of the school’s population taking part each week, the sport is growing from strength to strength. This commitment is testament to the enthusiasm, enjoyment and excitement the children get from this new venture.

Gorey Central School are new to the game of Gaelic football, having welcomed Seamus Byrne, Games Promotion Officer with the Tara Rocks G.A.A. club, into the school to kick-start our team.

He has been a fantastic coach to the students and has managed to recruit some budding players for the Tara Rocks G.A.A. club along the way.

The school team is a hugely important part of the G.A.A’s ground-up approach and for the school now, and the time and effort of those involved is crucial. Staff have been very lucky to have Seamus and the Tara Rocks G.A.A. club at the helm for this project.

Fiona Jordan and Jackie Cousins are the teachers in the school spearheading this new venture. As well as coaching at the morning sessions, they have also facilitated a ‘lunchtime league’ with mixed teams from fourth to sixth class.

The children play weekly, giving them additional practice on the school’s astro pitch. These lunchtime games also highlight the positive impact of the introduction of G.A.A. to the school as it is viewed by many other classes who have an interest and who engage with the sport by being fantastic cheerleaders, and mini coaches themselves, on a regular basis.

Both the girls’ and boys’ teams have really shown that their hard work has paid off, with the boys’ team recently winning the final at a blitz day against the first team they played and lost to.

This was a great achievement for them, which also allowed them to see their own improvements, and it was championed by the whole squad.

We hope the team here Gorey Central School continue to grow and thrive and become a force to be reckoned with on the G.A.A. pitch when the games resume!

Fourth and fifth class pupils from Gorey Central School at the Peil For All event.

Dylan Cooper, Luca Symes and Luke Williamson enjoying the Peil For All event.

Seamus Byrne (Games Promotion Officer) and Catherine Breen (Tara Rocks club Secretary) at the Peil For All event in Gorey Central School.

A group of eager participants with their teachers, Jackie Cousins and Kate McDermott.

Rosie Rothwell and Emma Poole.

Will Jones, Eli Page and Julian Archer.