West Cork On Line Football Coaching Proving Popular

An initiative by games development staff James McCarthy and Paudie Crowley has proven to be a big hit with footballers from clubs across West Cork.
Throughout the month of May, Paudie and James are delivering weekly football training sessions via on line platforms. The sessions are open to boys between u12 and u14 in all Beara and Carbery clubs. The development officers come as a double act with age appropriate skill work and advice to the players.
Speaking on the success of the initiative, GDA James McCarthy notes “the aim of these sessions is to reach out to boys who may be missing activity with their clubs at present. By offering these sessions, boys are getting out and being coached and feel part of something positive and enjoyable. The aim is to help them with ideas on how they can develop their skills at home while providing mental health benefits that physical activity  brings”.
Paudie Crowley is delighted with the engagement so far with over 500 players getting involved in week 1 and great feedback from clubs and parents. “We are trying to keep the activity simple but challenging and players can get the sense of  being part of a collective training without being together which is a novelty”.

Advice for Clubs and Counties on Vetting and Construction Work

Please see below information relating to some operational matters for our units.
The vetting issue applies to clubs in the 26 counties only but information regarding development work applies to all of our units across the island.
Our units are also reminded that all of our facilities remain closed for recreational and games activity, including walking.
These measures are under constant review and any changes will be communicated to our clubs and counties at the earliest opportunity.

Vetting of GAA volunteers (26 Counties only)

Firstly, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all GAA volunteers for their continued efforts in supporting those in need in our communities during the Covid-19 emergency. It is making a huge difference and even though our games are paused, it places the GAA at the heart of our communities when most needed.

Due to the ongoing nature and scale of this emergency, we have been requested to re-examine if any or all of our Covid-19 initiatives require that we vet our volunteers.

When the Community Call commenced, we highlighted that the collecting and delivering of shopping did not require our volunteers to be vetted once they did NOT enter the recipient’s residence. This is highlighted in the guidance we issued at the time. The instruction not to enter a person’s residence has not changed, and once followed, vetting is not required for this volunteer role.

We also highlighted that if anybody was volunteering, for example, with or on behalf of a HSE funded project that they would require to be vetted. The ‘Covid-19 initiative’ heading was added to the new GAA vetting drop box for this purpose.  Again, this instruction has not changed.

There is however a change now in relation to those volunteering to deliver meals to people’s homes which is commonly known as ‘meals on wheels’ (according to our recent club survey this accounts for approximately 10% of the services offered by GAA clubs). The Garda National Vetting Bureau and Volunteering Ireland are of the view that where meals are delivered to a person’s home or residence and where our volunteer enters the person’s home for that purpose that this task requires vetting. As it is almost impossible to distinguish between those who deliver meals and do not enter a house or home and those who deliver meals and do enter a house or home, we have agreed to vet volunteers who participate in any ‘meals on wheels’ initiatives. (All other entities providing ‘meals on wheel’ in their community have also been asked to ensure all volunteers are vetted.)

We are therefore requesting all GAA Community Call groups who participate in meals on wheels initiatives to vet their volunteers who carry out this role.  When applying for vetting they should do so through the GAA website at https://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/child-welfare-and-protection/vetting and choose the ‘GAA Covid 19 Community Initiative’ role title.

Applicants will note many other role titles such as Coach, Match Officials etc. but on this occasion our meals on wheels volunteers should only choose the ‘GAA Covid-19 Community Initiative’ role title.

The expected turn-around for vetting approval is approximately one week.

Any queries on vetting can as always be sent to evetting@gaa.ie

Guidelines for GAA Clubs/Units undertaking development Work during the Covid 19 Crisis (Applies to units across all 32 counties)

The Government’s roadmap for re-opening society and business outlines that from May 18 that we can “return to outdoor work”.  This implies that construction and pitch development work can possibly be undertaken by our Clubs.  It is acknowledged, that whilst the Association has stated that GAA facilities would remain closed for the time being, that Club Officers are anxious to use this time to undertake necessary work on facilities which will improve them and make them better for our members. In this regard Croke Park will allow limited permission for approved works to proceed from the 18 May within our facilities.

In deciding whether to start or re-start such improvement works the following guidelines must be adhered to:

  1. Financing of development works

    Where developments and enhancements of facilities can be undertaken without recourse to borrowings, this is an ideal opportunity to undertake these works. However, clubs should factor into their decision making that there may be very limited further income this year before using up cash balances on capital works or maintenance. Clubs should be absolutely sure they have enough funding or forecasted income to see them through to the end of 2021 before incurring any capital spending at this time.

    Where borrowings are required, Clubs are advised not to enter debt at the present time when the fundraising ability of our Clubs is significantly reduced due to the Public Health restrictions. The current crisis has given rise to a very difficult financial situation for all of our units, and indeed the wider economy, whilst we are all anxious to develop our facilities, we should take a prudent approach in this regard.

    It should be noted that loans already approved from the GAA Development Fund will remain committed and in place, but drawdown will not be possible until things return to normal and all GAA activities re-commence.

    Clubs should advise the Department of Sport (or other funders) where grants have been allocated that the project is being delayed due to the current restrictions.

    Clubs are advised that there will be no capital development grants available in 2020 but works undertaken will be considered for grant aid in future years.

  2. Insurance

    As per the terms and conditions of the GAA Insurance policy all construction activities must be notified and agreed in advance with GAA Insurance Department or GAA Insurance Brokers Marsh Ireland.   Failure to notify development works in advance will result in the development being uninsured meaning the GAA Property & Liability Insurance policy will not extend to development when completed.

    The requirements of The Association in relation to contractors undertaking construction work are as follows:

    •          Contractor to provide evidence of Public Liability insurance with a minimum limit of €6.5 Million

    •          Contractor to evidence of Employers Liability Insurance (if applicable) with a minimum limit of €13 Million

    •          Contractor to Provide evidence of Contractors All Risk Cover in place

    •          The limit of insurance on the Contractors All Risks policy must be equal or greater to that of the contract/ project.

    •          GAA club must be noted as Joint Insured in Contractors All Risk policy and are specifically indemnified (along with The Association) under the Contractors Liability Policy.

    •          A copy of the contract to be provided to the GAA Risk & Insurance Manager/Marsh Ireland in advance of any works taking place

    •          Contractor must operate the site in full compliance with Construction Industry SOP for Covid-19 return to work and have completed a Covid-19 risk assessment.

  3. Health & Safety

    All developments and enhancements of Club facilities must adhere to current Health, Safety and Welfare legislation, must comply with all relevant medical advice in relation to the safe operation of workplaces, take account of construction industry guidelines (i.e.  Construction Industry Federation – C-19 Pandemic Standard Operating Procedures and Construction Employers Federation NI guidance) adhere to all relevant Covid-19 specific legislation including social distancing measures.

GAA and TILDA host ‘How to Age Well’ webinar featuring Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh

The live, supported by Irish Life, event will feature evidence and anecdotes revealing the secrets of a long and happy life

Those in the GAA missing the unmistakable tones and tales of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh are in for a treat next Tuesday 19th of May 6.30-7.30pm when the broadcasting legend contributes to a special webinar on wellbeing on the topic of ‘How to Age Well’.

The event is part of a series of wellbeing-focused webinars delivered by the GAA’s Community & Health department during the Covid-19 emergency. The latest instalment features a partnership with Trinity College’s and will include a presentation and contributions by Prof Rose Anne Kenny, lead researcher on the TILDA project (the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing). Both the GAA’s Healthy Club Project and TILDA benefit from CSR support from Irish Life.

Prior to Covid-19, TILDA and the Community & Health department, supported by the GAA’s respective County Health & Wellbeing Committees, delivered live seminars on ‘How to Age Well’ to thousands of attendees in counties Longford, Mayo, Donegal, Cork, Limerick, Kerry, and Wexford.

The Covid-19 emergency has caused those planned for Louth, Galway, and Kildare to be postponed, but thanks to the wonders of technology, this live webinar broadcast on the Microsoft Teams platform will bring this valuable research and discussion into hundreds of homes across the 32 counties.

Mícheál will touch on his personal philosophy and approach to health – one that has seen him remain hale and hearty into his 90th year. Prof Kenny will present some of the key findings of TILDA’s 10-year Irish research while also highlighting evidence-based lifestyle practices from the world’s ‘Blue Zones’, regions with the globe’s oldest populations and some of highest levels of life satisfaction.

GAA President John Horan said: “The GAA is proud to represent every age demographic in Ireland. This webinar is not just for GAA members, it is are for anyone in the community that is interested in ageing well. Irish Life is a long-standing CSR partner of the GAA Healthy Club Project, and we’re delighted to broaden that relationship through this collaboration with TILDA.”

Prof. Rose Anne Kenny said: “TILDA is one of the most important research studies in Ireland which helps to better understand why bodies and brains age and how we can best ensure long and prosperous lives, for today’s adults and for future generations. This unique partnership with the GAA ensures that new research from TILDA and other international studies is quickly communicated to all age groups. As a research institution we are very excited about taking this new knowledge out to the Irish people.”

David Harney, CEO Irish Life, said: “Our commitment at Irish Life is to make every community in Ireland healthier, and that commitment extends across all life-stages. With life expectancy in Ireland at 81 years, we want to ensure that people fully enjoy the years approaching and beyond retirement.

“We have been a long-term supporter of TILDA and their vision of making Ireland the best place in the world to grow old. I believe that the GAA’s support of the ‘How to Age Well’ seminar series will bring valuable healthcare information to the wider community and help people of all ages, but particularly those over 50, to embrace change in their physical, emotional, and social lives.”

Ageing starts the day we are born therefore the content of the webinar is relevant to everyone who wishes to age well regardless of their chronological age. However, the partners involved would particularly like as many older adults as possible to enjoy this event and are encouraging young GAA members to assist older relatives to access this session while maintaining social distancing recommendations.

You can access the webinar by clinking on the join webinar link below:

JOIN MICROSOFT TEAMS WEBINAR

For more information contact:
Colin Regan, GAA Community & Health manager on colin.regan@gaa.ie

Prof Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator, The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin on rkenny@tcd.ie

For those who cannot attend on Tuesday you can access the recording after on GAA YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/officialgaa and GAA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/officialgaa

Tom O’Donoghue R.I.P

Cork GAA would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of All Ireland medal winner Tom O’Donoghue R.I.P (Sarsfields). Tom also won Railway Cup medals in 1968 and 1969 and also a National Hurling League medal in 1969. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/thomas-o-donoghue-cork-city-cork/423412

Tom O’Donoghue was an old school defender who delivered for Sars and Cork

THE death has occurred of one of Cork’s toughest hurling full-backs.Tom O’Donoghue anchored the Rebel side that defeated Kilkenny in the 1966 All-Ireland, a huge shock at the time and considered one of the county’s sweetest ever victories. That team contained three McCarthys: Gerald, the captain, Justin and Charlie.

The Sars club man, who hurled for Mayfield in his youth, was a Cork minor in 1958 before making his senior debut in ’64.

He was hard as nails, in an era when every number three had to be, and his duels with Tipp’s Seán McLoughlin were legendary. O’Donoghue also won two Railway Cup medals with Munster, succeeding iconic figures Austin Flynn (Waterford) and Mick Maher (Tipp) in the full-back berth.

Sars’ Jim Murphy paid tribute to an “outstanding servant”.

“He gave great service to the club all the way through his career. He protected every goalkeeper he stood in front of, and when he played, that was very important and not easy to do. He was an outstanding servant to his club and county.”

 

Members of the Cork 1966 team at the function in Sars. Back: Fr Seanie Barry, Paddy Fitzgerald, Tony O’Connell, Peter Doolan, Denis Murphy, Charlie McCarthy, and Denis Hurley (selector); front: Justin McCarthy, Colm Sheehan, Gerald McCarthy, Ted O’Mahony, Fr Michael Waters and Tom O’Donoghue. Picture: Eddie O’Hare

All-Ireland medal winners pictured at Dunlops in 1970. Tom O’Donoghue, Johnny Clifford, Jimmy Brohan, Billy Campbell, Micka Brennan, Billy Murphy, Derry Hayes and Joe Twomey.

The Liam McCarthy Cup at Greenmount in 1966. Back: Gerald McCarthy who captained Cork in 1966, accompanied by Peter Doolan, Tom O’Donoghue, Tony Connolly and Charlie McCarthy. Pictured in back row are Liam McGrath, and brothers Justin, Walter, Conleth and Ailbe.

Sars’ All-Ireland winners Kieran Murphy, Tadhg Murphy, Tom O’Donoghue and Bertie Óg Murphy at the function to honour the Cork ’66 All-Ireland winning team. Picture: Eddie O’Hare

Calling all Cork Scór Patricipants Past and Present

This current pandemic has seen a huge amount of musical entertainment featured here on Facebook… And Cork Scór want to be part of it!
As the founding county of our wonderful organisation, we plan to put a video montage together showcasing the best talent the rebels have to offer.
From Boherbue to Sam Maguires, from Kilshannig to Bride Rovers, and all clubs in between, we welcome videos from participants across all competitions.
If you’d like to be part of this video montage, please forward on a video clip (30-60 seconds) of your party piece, along with your name and club details by email to ellemarieodwyer@gmail.com or watsapp to 085 7849716 on or before this SATURDAY 16th MAY at 2PM.
It is important to ensure that your recording device is held LANDSCAPE and be sure to wear your club or county gear if you have it!
If you have any questions, message Scór Chorcaí.
We look forward to receiving your recordings!
Corcaigh abú!