REFS OF THE FUTURE
New group of young whistlers complete course in Bray
WELL done to the newly qualified Young Whistlers - Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Cill Mhantáin held its now annual ‘Young Whistlers’ refereeing course on Wednesday last in Bray Emmets clubhouse.
Experienced referee Eddie Leonard and games development officer Garrett Doyle guided the children through the fundamental skills they need to learn to be an effective and fair Gaelic football referee.
The course was very interactive as the children worked in groups to explore the best methods of keeping scores in their notepads, what the essential ref’s kit should contain and what the common fouls players make when they have the ball.
Children practised how they would signal any foul they saw and they discussed how they would continue to build their confidence in refereeing games in the future.
The young whistlers were keen to mention the importance of giving and getting respect when refereeing, playing and watching our Gaelic games.
Each young whistler received a certificate of achievement, an O’Neill’s windbreaker and, most importantly, their whistle!
We hope that these newly trained referees will take their skills back to school playgrounds and football pitches with them.
Well done to the following primary schools who had repre- sentatives in attendance: Holy Rosary Wicklow, Kilcoole, Newtownmountkennedy, St.Kevin’s, St.Cronan’s, Scoil Chualann, St.Brigid’s and Kilmacanogue. Thanks to Bray Emmets for use of their club house, Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Laighean who sponsored the gear and Eddie and Garrett for the presentation of an excellent course.
Information on National Awards - The Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Cornmarket Awards are upon us again and now is the time to promote and showcase the great work your school are doing to promote our Gaelic Games and culture.
The awards event is a memorable and special night, which recognises the immense contribution that we as teachers give to promoting our national games and culture in our schools.
Please pay extra attention to category 5 which now can only be submitted in digital format and may be of great interest to many of you and your pupils. See www.cnmbnaisiunta.com for a full outline of the categories and the fantastic prizes to be won. Entries are to be submitted by Wednesday, January 10, so there is plenty of time to get working on your project!
Please send results, reports or photos to pro.cnmb.wicklow@ gaa.ie, follow us on twitter @ cnmbwicklow.
Keep up to date with all Allianz Cumann na mBunscol news in Wicklow on our website www. cnmbwicklow.ie.