Midwest News
Coaches from around the Midwest Division gathered at the GreenTree Sportsplex in Pittsburgh over the April 15th and 16th weekend. They represented each code – hurling, camogie, men’s and ladies’ Gaelic football. Meeting them was football instructor and Clare Games Development Administrator (GDA), John Enright (pictured), and hurling/camogie instructor and Clare Games manager, Mícheál Duffy (Pictured below).
Global Games Development Fund
The weekend was made possible through the Global Games Development Fund – a partnership between Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the GAA, in which the GAA administers grants to support programs abroad to increase and improve opportunities for the Irish Diaspora, as well as strengthen the Irish networks internationally. The instructor pair was selected by the Munster GAA for the development, as the USGAA is partnered with the province.
Although portions of the training reviewed the foundational basics of quality instruction, the weekend concentrated more on building games-based approaches to training sessions, some skills drills, balanced player development, player management, and training session planning.
The coaches connected with the lessons in more ways than they expected, as they became the players being coached for the hour’s long sessions. Ah, sure some of the old glory was back in their steps, but it was a slow burn to get the fitness back.
*Coaching Development Weekend – Coaches Feeling the Slow Burn with John Enright (Clare GAA)
Global Games Development Fund
The weekend was made possible through the Global Games Development Fund – a partnership between Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the GAA, in which the GAA administers grants to support programs abroad to increase and improve opportunities for the Irish Diaspora, as well as strengthen the Irish networks internationally. The instructor pair was selected by the Munster GAA for the development, as the USGAA is partnered with the province.
Although portions of the training reviewed the foundational basics of quality instruction, the weekend concentrated more on building games-based approaches to training sessions, some skills drills, balanced player development, player management, and training session planning.
The coaches connected with the lessons in more ways than they expected, as they became the players being coached for the hour’s long sessions. Ah, sure some of the old glory was back in their steps, but it was a slow burn to get the fitness back.
All-in-all, it was a well-attended, highly engaging weekend that will surely pay-off in the season to come. Buíochas de CLG, Comhairle na Mumhan, agus Roibeard Ó Tíghearnaigh
In upstate New York, the Roc City Gaels and Albany Rebels kicked off their season, literally, with a men’s Gaelic football match. The hosting Rebels beat the freshman Gaels (the Roc City club’s inaugural football team) by the score of 8-12 (36 points) to 1-5 (8 points). The double-header day saw the hurler’s take the field, but this time it was the Gaels turn to thump the freshman Rebels (Albany’s inaugural year for hurling). The final tally posted at 5-7 (22 points) to 1-7 (10 points).
See the table of upcoming games to watch live. We will be reporting back on the results next month along with highlights from the Cleveland Memorial 7’s tournament.
Midwest GAA Update
Cleveland Selected to Host the Midwest Division Gaelic Athletic Association Finals
The Cleveland GAA has been selected to host the Midwest GAA Finals. The club has reviewed the requirements for the growing Midwest Division against the available facilities and is excited to be headed back to the Barton-Bradley fields in North Olmsted, site of the 2013 USGAA Finals.
There will be excellent competition and Irish culture at its purest and finest on display. Stay tuned as we grow the buzz around town for the event. Reach out (contact info below) if you would like to be involved as a volunteer, sponsor, or advertiser.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh (thanks y’all) to our readers and supporters. We need your help and involvement but would most like to share the fun of Irish sport and Cleveland community with you. Consider getting involved at any level.
Fáilte (welcome) to all. The Gaelic Athletic Association is Ireland’s largest sporting organization and a bit of home for the Irish abroad here in the US of A. Beyond sports, the Association also promotes Irish music, song and dance, and the Irish language as an integral part of its objectives. Cleveland GAA is open to all who want to play competitive sports, meet new people, and join an athletic, fitness-minded club for all ages.
Follow @ClevelandGaelic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the 2022 activities for Men, Women, and Youth, or visit ClevelandGAA.com.
*Vincent Thomas Francis Xavier Beach is a proud Greater Clevelander and emigrant of Michigan. He joined the St. Pat’s Gaelic Football Club in 1999 and, with much help, is the current caretaker of the Cleveland GAA. His Irish is a cross of dialects from the University of Cincinnati and An Cheathrú Rua. With his wife, Michelle, he enjoys watching time absolutely fly by as their children grow. His other hustles are coaching CYO basketball at St. Mary of Berea, coaching soccer in Olmsted TWP, teaching Construction Management at CWRU, and laying down some engineering skills on local water/wastewater projects.
