Future of hurling in Arklow looks bright after super summer camp
THREE days of fabulous fun and games at the Arklow Rock Parnells summer hurling camp suggests that the future of hurling in the town is bright with over 130 youngsters attending the popular annual event.
The organisers were blessed with beautiful weather, willing and able children, and friendly and enthusiastic coaches which all combined to create a wonderful atmosphere where the game of hurling was the real winner.
The once-powerful Rocks have endured some lean years in terms of adult success but all that could change in the coming decade or so if the great work being done at ground level bears fruit in terms of some of the talented youngsters who attended last week’s camp playing on into adulthood.
One of the most positive aspects of the camp is that numerous children attended from families who previously wouldn’t have any contact with the GAA and, indeed, two of the main organisers, Penni Heald and Fiona Byrne, would be newcomers to the club who along with Philip Byrne were the backbone of the camp.
A committed and passionate team of coaches put the young players through their paces for the three days and it is dearly hoped that many of those young hurlers will come through the ranks and hopefully, one day, line out at adult level for the proud Arklow Rocks club.