Sciath na Scol is teaming up with Rebel Og Coaching GDA’s to offer Primary School children the opportunity to play hurling and football through its GAA Go Games Blitz Series. The Program will see 70 blitz venues host an estimated 5,000 children over the course of the academic year complimenting the existing more competitive offering from Sciath na Scol. Sciath na Scol Chairperson,  Dave Collins who launched the Blitz Series is excited by this initiative and noted “we would encourage as many schools as possible to get behind the Blitzes and enter at local venues through the year where a great day out is guaranteed for the students. The Blitzes are played at 5, 6 or 7 a side so all students get a chance to try GAA in a relaxed non-competitive environment where no scores are kept”.
Cork GAA Games Manager, Kevin O’Callaghan also spoke at the launch and outlined the flexibility of the schedule on offer. “Schools can enter 1 team or multiple teams at a venue and will be assured of a minimum of 2 games over a 2 hour block of activity. Schools should use the Program to give all their class groups an opportunity to play GAA and all standards will be catered for from those playing regularly with clubs to those playing their very first game. He also had a note for teachers, “the games are played in a very calm atmosphere and the main requirement of teachers will be to get the children to the venue and sort them into teams. No deep knowledge of the skills is needed so please sign up in advance of each Blitz and we would love to have your school represented “.
The Program commences in October and runs through to June 2023.
Round 1 of the Blitzes takes place on the 5th of October with Fourth Class Hurling.
Blitzes are open to boys and mixed schools.
Where schools have small numbers, they can call on the younger class group to get a team out, eg Third Class students can be brought to the Fourth Class Blitz on the 5th of October.
Schools will need to provide their own hurleys and helmets.
Blitzes will run from approximately 10am to 12pm and coordinated by our GDA’s
Cork GAA are currently seeking suitable candidates for the positions listed below.
Both roles will be based in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Please click on the relevant links to apply.

Accounting Technician – https://www.jobs.ie/ApplyForJob.aspx?Id=2090858

 

Office Administrator  – https://www.jobs.ie/ApplyForJob.aspx?Id=2090852

Request for Assistance Recruiting new Referees
A further Foundation Level 1 Referee Course for new referees will take place in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Thursday 29th September and Thursday 6th October (7pm to 9:30pm).
I am requesting that your club make every effort to recruit a new referee so as to ensure that the increasing volume of games from underage to adult can take place with a suitably qualified referee.
Already this year we have trained  42 new referees through 3 courses. I thank the clubs who have helped in the recruitment of referees in the recent past but I especially ask that clubs who haven’t a club referee to make every effort, by actively asking  a suitably able club member to go forward to do the new referee course.
Referee Development Plan Working Group
Over the last number of months the Referee Development Working Group consisting of County Referees Administrator Niall Barrett, Jim McEvoy Rebel Óg Referees Secretary and myself as Referee Recruitment Officer have been working together to see how we can recruit, retain and develop refereeing within the County. This work is ongoing. Refereeing is an area that really needs more investment in terms of putting in better structures, supports and development.
Some of the work to date has been to survey to all clubs in the County garnering suggestions as to how to make refereeing more attractive to members. A further survey conducted was to see how our 42 new recruits were fairing and see how they feel they can be better supported. The next questionnaire will be for all 234 referees in the county.  By analysing the feedback and input from new and established referees we aim to develop a proper strategic plan for refereeing in order to raise the profile of refereeing and to make it a better supported system and a more attractive role in the association. A further part of the work in developing the plan will be to engage with Officers and Referee administrators from all Divisions including Rebel Og Regions along with the County Board Executive.
 Sharing of Information about the new course
In the coming days there will be social media postings on twitter/facebook and I ask that you share these on your social media accounts. Information is already available on the Cork GAA website https://gaacork.ie/referees/
Before attending, participants must do a 1 hour online module in order to attend the two face to face sessions in Páirc Ui Chaoimh. This course is specifically for new referees who wish to referee Gaelic Football and Hurling. Please note that all new referees will have to be Garda Vetted before officiating at any games.
Applicants must be 17 years of age or older to take part in this course. Closing date for applications is Friday 16th September and successful applicants will be informed by email on Tuesday 20th September. Places are limited. Course tutors will include All Ireland Referees Conor Lane, Diarmuid Kirwan, Michael Collins, and myself. For specific queries about becoming a referee you can email refereerecruitment.cork@gaa.ie
The direct link to apply for the Foundation Level 1 Referee Course is at this link https://forms.office.com/r/nUxqiXgMya
Thanking you in advance for your co-operation.
Colm Lyons

Referee Recruitment Officer

Congratulations to all teams who took part in the U13 hurling competitions this year. A great day was had at Bishopstown GAA and the 4G pitch at Páirc Ui Chaoimh last weekend where six finals were held.

A selection of pictures below.

 

 

 

Rebel Óg would like to wish all students receiving their Leaving Cert results today the best of luck.