Tir Chonaill Harps visit last weekend

Shannon Gaels were delighted to welcome Tommy Main along with others from Tir Chonaill Harps in Glasgow to Croghan last Saturday.

The reason they were visiting our club was for the "Pathway to Youth Exchange" conference which was held over the course of the day.

Tommy arrived with six young people and we added ten to this figure from our collection of players. These included James Deane, Cathal Sweeney, Liam Murtagh, Luke O' Dowd, Fintan Sweeney, Paddy Cummins, Niamh O' Dowd, Karen O' Dowd, David O' Dowd, James Filan and Shane Leydon.

The Harps arrived in town on Friday evening and things got off to a flying start the following morning as the conference was held in the newly built Community Centre in the village. This structure formally known as the Creamery was recently renovated by a handful of local residents.
The building is bright, spacious and immense credit deservedly should be given to those involved.
It boasts two meeting rooms with comfortable seating for conferences. An exercise room is situated downstairs.

The conference comprised of tutorials and practicals courtesy of Roscommon County Games Development Committee, the Connaught Council and Munster Council speakers.

Ten O' Clock saw the first of two sessions by Peter Carney, who spoke practically on coaching for young children as well as offering good advice on refereeing and Go Games.
After lunch, those in attendance were treated to a talk by Limerick man Pat Fitzgerald. He spoke with great insight into club administration which was highly beneficial to both our club and the visiting Harps.

Themes covered included
- Understanding the importance of committees and structures in your clubs
- What are these roles
- Where do young people fit in
- Do you want a voice in your club

Afterwards everyone skipped over to the Croghan hotel where Claire and Tracey Duignan had a lovely meal awaiting. Thanks a million girls.

At 5.30 the brilliant Go Games kicked off in the Astroturf in Carrick on Shannon. Tommy introduced how his players effectively carry out training sessions in Glasgow. His idea is based around the clear advantage of using smaller teams to enhance and develop the skills of all the children participating.

The Go Games was structured with 7 a-side teams along with a coach for each player. The extra coaches were simultaneously used as referees throughout the matches.
It was evidently beneficial to all taking part as the somewhat weaker players were able to hold their own against their stronger counterparts.

After this session, Tommy completed the day's events by conducting a talk to all contributors.

This was followed by an enjoyable time at the Senior Dinner Dance held in the Bush Hotel, Carrick at 8pm.

Special thanks to all involved, especially Tommy Main and Tir Chonaill Harps, Peter Carney, Pat Fitzgerald, all at the Roscommon County Games Development Committee (Willie Hegarty and Seamus Sweeney), Connaught Council and Munster Council. Thanks also to our coaches, players and anyone in attendance on the day.

Particular thanks goes to our main Chairperson Patricia who supported the event all day long...