‘ Promoting GAA games to all’
THE Centre of Excellence was the venue for the first ever Sligo GAA ‘ Have a Go Day’. This initiative in Scarden was promoting all GAA games to a wider audience.
GAA sports and activities were expertly demonstrated by coaches and the children and adults taking part had the opportunity to participate in this inclusive event.
The day was about introducing Gaelic games to new faces.
Bernardine McGauran, Secretary of the Inclusion and Games for All Committee said the event was a great way of promoting Gaelic games.
She said: “This was a festival of GAA sporting activity and the enjoyment on all people’s faces was evident as they moved through all the events with enthusiasm and a sense of adventure.
“It was truly a family fun day and all were keen to sample the full suite of Gaelic sports.”
Gaelic football was demonstrated to boys and girls by Liam Óg Gormley, Ross Donovan, Pat Kilcoyne and Natasha McDonald. Hurling was promoted by Stephen Whelan and players from Coolera Strandhill.
Rounders was instructed by Claire Maguire along with players from Easkey. Handball was expertly displayed by Gerry Coleman, Paddy Walshe, Seamus Duffy, Shane Bruen and Francis McCann, and the children were very excited about this game and showed great interest. Bernardine added; “Wheelchair hurling was showcased by Liam O’Boyle from Ballina who is a current All- Star Wheelchair hurling goalkeeper along with Mark Hynes, Kevin Buckley, Enna Clarke, and Denis O’Boyle from Claremorris who is Chairman of the Connacht Games for All committee.”
Scór and cultural activities were enthusiastically promoted by County Scór officials Tom Haran, Hugh Gallagher, Michelle Kilrehill and Peter Farrell. Club Health and Wellbeing was presented by Trevor Coen and Bernardine.
The Senior County football players also arrived and were heartily greeted by children and adults alike as they took part in the sports and signed autographs.
Bernardine said: “This was a super feast of Gaelic games and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The organising of this multi - faceted event required tremendous effort and support from many people to whom we are most grateful.
“Special thanks to all coaches and helpers who proficiently and patiently imparted the skills of the activities, to the stewards ably led by Seamus Cummins, Gerry Tuohy and Johnny Watters, to Gerry O Connor, Joe Taaffe, Gavin Cawley and Padraig Clancy from the Sligo County Board and to Sligo captain Neil Ewing and manager Niall Carew for organising the County footballers.
“Thanks to Ceola McGauran who designed a logo to symbolise inclusion and thanks also to Shane Hayes from Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership who supplied sports chairs.
“A special thanks to the children, young adults and parents who attended, and whose presence made this venture worthwhile. Finally thanks to the local media for promoting the occasion.”
The efforts put into organising the day by Bernardine was also commended.
The rain may have partly curtailed the outdoor activities but it did not dampen the spirit of the children as they moved to the shelter of the tent and enjoyed Irish music and dance.
All departed the GAA Centre of Excellence with great memories and new friends, and a better insight into what activities the GAA has to offer.