Rackard League is what it’s all really about in the G.A.A.

OVER THE past two weeks I have had the pleasure of covering all nine Nickey Rackard League finals, both boys and girls, and it was delightful to see the participants play without fear. The roots of the Nickey Rackard Primary Schools League go back to 1956 and it is now one of the longest running schools leagues in the country.

Over recent weeks one has read press releases announcing hurling games in Sydney and Boston as the G.A.A. endeavour to bring the greatest field game in the world to those working and living abroad.

While I’m sure the G.A.A. must broaden its wings, particularly in the eyes of sponsors and potential sponsors, those who descended on St. Patrick’s Park over the past two weeks were shown what the Association is really all about - the playing of football and hurling among the youth of the country, particularly in the schools, where so many of the present day’s players were first introduced to Gaelic games.

The football finals, in both boys and girls, made for the sweetest viewing. Having grown up alongside the Rackard Rural Schools League, as it was on its inception back in 1956, and having won both hurling and football medals with Kilmore back in 1961, I could understand the outpourings of emotion from players, substitutes, parents, grandparents and relations as they stood in awe of the thrilling football served up in the finals.

For many schools it was possibly their first title, and for others it was a long-awaited success, so it wasn’t difficult to understand the outpouring of excitement through the 40-odd minutes, plus extra-time in some games, and on the final whistle as the young players were overcome with joy on winning a major honour.

For the losers it was heartbreak, since sport can be difficult, but they can take consolation in the magnificent contribution they made to the finals and they were a credit even in defeat.

One had to marvel at the attendances at the finals, and the professional manner in which they were run off, with referees and umpires in place for all games.

However, it was frightening to think that with so many finals played over such a short space of time, not a single member of the adult board or under-age board thought fit to attend even one final evening.

When the schools are strong there is a real future for the games, as it’s those players who move on to their clubs, guaranteeing a healthy future for their parish club. So it’s equally important that the games are promoted, not just through the teachers, who are doing a marvellous job, but through all facets of the Association.

It is now light years since a group of teachers and clergy got together to introduce the Nickey Rackard Primary Schools League. It was one of the greatest moves for the Association in Wexford, as it thrived from year one, continuing to produce players for inter-county under-age teams, with many of those moving on to win provincial and All-Ireland glory with the county. That’s how important it is.

Thinking back through those early years, one can remember some great finals, but the Rackard League committee was not content to rest on its laurels, as they soon introduced the urban schools to the league. This helped to broaden the league and make it even more competitive.

In the intervening years the league has thrived, gone from strength to strength, as those responsible continued to introduce new grades and ideas, with last year an urban hurling section introduced.

This year they decided to once again expand with the introduction of the urban schools football league, which produced some wonderful games in both the boys’ and girls’ finals, coupled with the Rising Stars league.

The core message being sent out is that the Nickey Rackard League committee wants no boys or girls lost to hurling and football for want of an opportunity to play the game in a competitive environment. This they have succeeded in achieving, with the Nickey Rackard League taking on a whole new status.

In each of those finals covered it was delightful to watch the young boys and girls express themselves, and play open, expansive football, which contributed to many great contests, wonderful scores and outstanding individual displays. Now one hopes that these same players are allowed flourish and develop once they enter the club scene, as it’s the club that will be the winner.