Children from Primary Schools in Coventry were joined by local Coventry City FC star Michael Doyle recently for a launch of an exciting Gaelic Games programme, which will involve over 700 children try their hands at Gaelic football.
The East Midlands Schools GAA initiative will see young people from 13 Primary Schools and 6 Secondary Schools from Coventry, Nottingham, Leicester and Rugby take to the Gaelic football field. Michael Doyle is no stranger to Gaelic sports, who himself played underage county level for Dublin before switching codes and joining Glasgow Celtic then heading south to Coventry City FC. The star, who recently made is full debut for Ireland, was on hand to give the children of St. Anne’s RC School some GAA tips and give his support to one of the fastest growing sports in the midlands.
Primary School children will take part in a 6-week Gaelic football scheme which will culminate in a championship tournament on 1st March. EMSGAA coaches will introduce a number of fun activities such as a design a kit competition before taking to the field to participate in the McDonalds Catch and Kick skills competition.
All eyes will be on St. Augustine’s RC School in Coventry who will return to defend their championship title whilst St. Anne’s RC School will be hoping to improve on last years runners-up placing. Coaches from Naomh Padhraig G.A.A club and the Irish Cultural Society will be supporting the introduction of Gaelic football in 4 primary schools in Leicester. Gus O’Gorman and his team of coaches will be responsible for raising the profile of Gaelic sports in Leicester and preparing the school teams to compete in the championship.
This year will see the introduction of Gaelic football to primary schools in Rugby. EMSGAA coaches and the Rugby Gaels GAA club will use the school programme to launch
an underage team to compete in the Warwickshire league and championship competition in 2005.
The Secondary School Gaelic football programme will take place in 6 schools across the east midlands during 8-week of after school clubs. The scheme will lead to a regional Gaelic football championship before schools qualify for the national champion-ship in June. Bishop Ullathorne RC Secondary School will be aiming for a repeat of their 2003 winning year when they clinched the championship cup in a dramatic final with Bishop Challoner School. Under the coaching of teacher Shane McGreary, Robert Sutton School from Burton-on-Trent will be looking to build upon last years performances and challenge for the championship title.