Rebel Óg awards a great success as Douglas win overall award

Denis Hurley, Sarsfields ‘Hall of Fame ‘ winner with Cllr Deirdre O’Brien, County Mayor and Cllr Deirdre Forde, Lord Mayor and members of his family at the Rebel Óg annual awards,  banquet sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silversprings. Picture: Eddie O’Hare

It was a night of celebrations at Clayton Hotel, Silversprings as the annual Rebel Og awards banquet was recently.

Underage players across hurling, football, camogie, ladies football and handball were all honoured  for their achievements in 2022, with a presentation made to all the monthly winners to mark their success.

More than 330 people attended the banquet as they got the chance to put away hurleys and footballs to relax and enjoy the occasion.

Two specials presentations are made on the night as well as a guest of honour to keep all present entertained.

MCs on the night were Ger McCarthy from The Echo and Colm O’Sullivan from RedFM, both media partners, who opened the proceedings by calling on Tracy Newman, general manager of the Clayton Hotel, Silversprings, sponsors of the overall and monthly awards, who welcomed all to the banquet.

The first person to be honoured was the Hall of Fame recipient, with Kevin Cummins of Cummins Sports, as the award sponsor.

Like the overall winner they don’t know until their name is announced who they are and the applause from around the room showed just how popular a choice Denis Hurley from Sars was.

In his speech announcing the winner, Michael Evans, chairperson of the judging panel, said: “This award highlights the culture which lies at the very heart of our association. It gives us an opportunity to shine a light on the ethos of volunteerism that underpins every aspect of our activities.

Peter Watson, right, vice-chairman Rebel Óg making a presentation to Nicola Cullinane, deputy marketing manager, The Echo and Eoghan O’Connor,  treasurer Rebel Óg making a presentation to Norina O’Callaghan, sales and marketing manager, Clayton Hotel for their work behind the scenes for the monthly and annual Rebel Óg awards. Picture; Eddie O’Hare

“It is really incredible to think Denis began  volunteering with his club in 1950 at the tender old age of 17 when he acted as club secretary. On the playing front he won two senior County hurling championship medals in 1951 and 1957.

“He played minor hurling for Cork and also played senior in the National League.

“In the Inter-county arena, our recipient was a Cork hurling selector with various Cork teams from 1966 to 1997. During his period as a selector Cork won four senior All-Ireland hurling titles, eight Munster championships and one National League title.”

The other award on the night was the Douglas minor sides who were named overall winner for the year from the monthly recipients. They were picked for winning the Premier 1 minor double, an achievement last done 20 years ago and they were all the first club to do so since Rebel Og was formed.

The night was rounded off with a Q&A with former Cork star Eoin Cadogan, who as well as recalling his playing days with the county, also had some advice for the young players present around nutrition and other parts of training.

A great night was had, with all looking forward to next year’s event already.

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New Cork GAA Jersey launched

A chara,

We are delighted to share with you details of our new Cork GAA Jersey.   The new kit offers a modern take on a classic.

Cork GAA – in partnership with Sports Direct and O’Neills – has unveiled its new home jersey for the 2023 and 2024 season. This is the second generation of Cork jersey sponsored by Sports Direct, which operates six stores across the county and 61 nationwide.

The new jersey incorporates a number of new features that resonate with classic jerseys from a different era. The white neck collar returns, while extra white elements have been restored to the sleeves.

The three lines on the white sleeve represent the three pillars of Cork GAA – Club, School, and County. The corresponding stylish white shorts offer the same pattern in reverse.

Features from the Cork GAA logo have been subtly added to the back of the jersey, featuring Shandon Bells with Queen’s Old Castle and King’s Old Castle on either side, and Bandon Bridge to the foreground.

Marc Sheehan, Chairperson Cork GAA, said, “Our partnership with Sports Direct has really borne dividends in the past two years, and we really look forward to seeing this new design on the pitches and in the stands when the league and championship begin in earnest in 2023.”

This is the third year of official sponsorship of Cork GAA by Sports Direct.

Leonard Brassel, Managing Director of Sports Direct Ireland said, “Now coming into year three of our partnership with Cork GAA we are proud of what the teams have achieved, not just at senior level but also with their minors and under 20s. As before, the new jersey will take pride of place in our Cork stores, and we expect there to be strong demand from some of the most passionate GAA supporters in Ireland. We wish the players, management and all in Cork GAA the very best of luck in the season ahead, we look forward to seeing this new jersey coming to life on the field and on the Rebel fans for the League and All-Ireland Championship in 2023.”

The Number 1 jersey will be a throw-back to the 1990s, with a dramatic return of the red and white stripes worn by the goalkeepers on the All-Ireland double-winning team.

Kevin O’Donovan, CEO Cork GAA, said “Cork fans are tremendously proud of their jerseys, and we hope that this year’s design will join the list of classics worn by the Rebels over the decades. The design has been carefully crafted by O’Neills to incorporate the best elements of jerseys from times past, and we are particularly proud of the return of an iconic goalkeeper design. We look forward to seeing our teams succeed in this new jersey.”

Tony Towell, Managing Director of O’Neills added, “We are very proud of the new Cork jersey for 2023. The new 3D silicone badge, silicone stripes, and county name on the sleeves showcase the latest manufacturing techniques we use to full effect. The watermark on the back of the iconic towers and Shandon Steeple depicted in the county crest is unmistakable. These features along with an overall traditional look will give the Cork people a jersey they can be proud of.”

The new Cork Kit – manufactured by O’Neills – goes on sale exclusively in Sports Direct Stores or online at https://ie.sportsdirect.com

and https://www.oneills.com/ from 10am today.
Fans can enjoy €10 off* with every purchase of the Cork GAA Home jersey and/or kit in all Sports Direct stores or free delivery online (*€10 off in form of a voucher on the next purchase).
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Cork GAA Games Development Manager

Clubs are reminded that a recruitment process is currently underway for the appointment of a County Games Development manager as outlined on Cork GAA media channels, last week
The deadline for applications is 3pm, on this Friday, November 11th.
For details, go to:
https://gaacork.ie/2022/11/01/job-posting-games-development-manager-cork-gaa/
This role will have overall responsibility for multiple initiatives under the central themes of Participation, Performance and Coach Education, with full responsibility for the management of all Games Development staff.
Considering the significant increase in funding which will be invested in coaching across the county in the next few years, it represents a significant, but rewarding challenge for candidates with the required vision and ambition.
The appointment will be a key one in the promotion of our games and indeed, the success of our teams.
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Douglas minors honoured for their double success

RORY NOONAN

The Douglas minor squads are the September winners of the monthly Rebel Óg awards.

They were honoured for their recent success in both the Premier 1 and 2 minor championships, becoming the first club in 20 years to hold both titles at the same time.

It was also the first time in the club’s history they won both titles in the same year, having enjoyed success in recent times in either hurling or football but not in the same season.

Since 1926 only six other clubs have done the double, with some doing it on more than one occasion as Douglas now joins that small band of elite winners.

In the hurling decider, they defeated Midleton, with goals from Charlie Lucas, Joe Harnett, and Ronan Dooley helping to secure the title.

It was a quick turnaround, and a week later they faced Valley Rovers in the football final.

But the momentum of the hurling win helped them get over the line with goals from Harry Quilligan, Robert Hanley, and Alex Lynch raising green flags on the night.

At the presentation ceremony, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Deirdre Forde congratulated the players, their mentors, and the club on their success.

The Lord Mayor said they were an example for all your people and she hoped they would continue to both play and enjoy playing sport for many years to come.

Michael O’Mahony, chairman of Rebel Óg also congratulated the winners and said that to win one county title in a season is a major achievement but to win two in the one year at Premier 1 level is simply outstanding.

He congratulated all involved on their hard work, not just this season, but over many seasons that led to this success and the historic victory, it was for the club.

If you want to nominate a club, team or individual for the monthly award then email probng.cork@gaa.ie stating the reasons why.

 

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GAA Referee Respect Day 2022

A chara,

At the meeting of Ard Chomhairle 24ú Meán Fómhair, I announced that the GAA will hold a national ‘Respect the Referee Day’ across the weekend of 22/23rd October 2022 to link in with county finals that will take place on these days; this allows the GAA to raise the profile of referees and, more importantly, an awareness among the rest of our members about the level of respect that we expect when it comes to supporting match officials.

If your county is hosting a county final on the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of October, you are asked you to do the following to draw attention to the role of Referees:

  • Invite all active referees to attend
  • Announce the appointed referee in advance of the final, on the county website and/or social media.
  • Highlight the importance of ‘Referee Respect’ in the match day programme, (resources for this will be circulated by the GAA Communications Department).
  • Include a RESPECT Exhibition GoGames match at half-time
  • Have a football/sliotar presentation before the match to the match referee, this could be done by the RESPECT Exhibition GoGames Referee

As part of Referee Respect Day, the GAA will run a campaign on radio and social media platforms to highlight the importance of match officials, with a national launch taking place this coming Thursday, 13ú Deireadh Fómhair 2022.

In addition to the ‘Referee Respect Day’, several other initiatives will take place over the coming months, including:

Rules Review

  • Review of the Rules concerning infractions against Match Officials

Procedures

 Review of how serious infractions against match officials within the Association are processed

  • Updated training courses on disciplinary procedures for disciplinary committee at all levels
  • Additional training for match official reporting of infractions

 Going Forward

  • An in-depth review of the ‘Give Respect Get Respect Campaign’

To be the embodiment of the GAA manifesto, Where We All Belong requires that no one is left out or left behind. The people who act as match officials ensure your games take place, and without them, there would be no games. These people are just as important to the GAA as every player, coach, committee member and volunteer. They are dedicated to Gaelic games, have a passion for their vocation and have families who are proud of the contribution they make. How we treat them says something about us and the only treatment we should tolerate is one of utmost respect.

If you have any feedback, please feel free to contact me or Bernard Smith in the Games Administration Department (bernard.smith@gaa.ie or 01 865 8694.)

 

Is mise le meas

Lathrás Mac Carthaigh

Uachtarán

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New GAA development course at Farranferris Education and Training Campus

THE Cork College of FET and Northside Community Enterprises have announced details of a new training programme, GAA Player and Coach Development, which is now accepting applicants for the new term.

The programme is the first of its kind, with participants receiving a weekly training allowance while achieving their QQI Level 4 qualification in Sports and Recreation through the Farranferris Education and Training Campus.

Modules covered during the 48-week, full-time course, will include manual handling, first aid response, fire safety, and HSA training in dealing with slips, trips and falls.

Participants will also receive the foundation award of GAA Coaching during the programme.

The course is open to those who are currently unemployed or moving on from second-level education, with an interest in developing a career in Sports. A background or involvement in coaching is not required to join this programme.

THE Cork College of FET and Northside Community Enterprises have announced details of a new training programme, GAA Player and Coach Development, which is now accepting applicants for the new term.

The programme is the first of its kind, with participants receiving a weekly training allowance while achieving their QQI Level 4 qualification in Sports and Recreation through the Farranferris Education and Training Campus.

Modules covered during the 48-week, full-time course, will include manual handling, first aid response, fire safety, and HSA training in dealing with slips, trips and falls.

Participants will also receive the foundation award of GAA Coaching during the programme.

The course is open to those who are currently unemployed or moving on from second-level education, with interest in developing a career in sports. A background or involvement in coaching is not required to join this programme.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Brian at 021-4228100 or Fachtna at 087 6811760 to find out more information or to request an application form.

NCE has been delivering essential training programmes in Cork since 1993. Working with educational organisations and government agencies, the NCE offers effective solutions to enhance workforce preparation and grow area employment levels.

Participants are encouraged to have an interest in sports, however, experience or involvement in coaching roles is not necessary to be accepted.

Training allowances are currently made available at €208, and this figure will rise under Budget 2023 to €220 per week, for those eligible for Jobseekers Allowance.

The Farranferris Education & Training campus also hosts childcare facilities for students.

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Midleton and Ballincollig win Rebel Og award for August

Ballincollig U13 footballers and Midleton U13 hurlers are the joint winners of the Rebel Óg award for August.

Both sides enjoyed wins in their respective Premier 1 finals recently, with the Village appearing in both finals.

The finals were held on respective Saturday mornings, with games taking place at either the 4G pitch at Páirc Uí Chaoimh or at Bishopstown GAA Club.

Over the two days of finals, 12 finals were held with the Magpies and Village taking the top prizes on offer after some great games across both days.

Midleton and Ballincollig enjoyed a battle all through the hurling decider before a goal proved to be the crucial score for the winners after a highly entertaining game.

The football final was every bit as close and it took extra time before Ballincollig managed to get the better of St Finbarr’s.

Chairman of Rebel Óg, Michael O’Mahony, congratulated both teams on their success and said it was great to see so many great games over the two days of U13 finals.

He wished the young players all the best going forward and said he hoped to see many of them go on to play at adult level for their club in the years to come.

Mr O’Mahony also said that they will always remember days like this and that the friendships they make now through the club will be ones that will stay with them forever and will look back in the years to come.

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Sciath na Scol and Cork GAA launch primary schools blitz programme

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
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hrxFrNSvpUKfwz6H4bd_zqinPdf15iFBvL63giW9LmxUN0VGSlJQSjdETDlBSUtQMVo5N1JMR1VRNi4u
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Cork GAA job vacancies

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

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New Referees Course

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

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