The boys in red dominate the game in Croke Park
by Michelle Hourican

All praise must go to the organisers of the inaugural Leinster Play and Stay with GAA Go Games activity day in Croke Park on Thursday, July 10th when over 700 children took part in the under 8’s hurling and football Go games.

The large expanse of Croke Park was converted into six smaller pitches to cater for the 7-a-side games. For these GAA stars of the future it was a memorable experience playing in the national stadium and representing their clubs with great pride. St Brigid’s GAA was one of the lucky teams selected and our young boys in red took the opportunity gracefully.

What a start to the game! Just like all the senior teams who march out that famous tunnel so to did the Saints holding their hurls led by Tony Hegarty and Hugh Hourican. Opponents on the day were Scoil Uí Chonaill. Both teams played good hurling and fortunately for the reds, Scoil Uí Chonaill played most of the game in defence. St Brigid’s worked together as a great team demonstrating all their hurling skills to win the game 3 goals to 1 goal. The final result did justice to a 7-a-side team who played their hearts out for their club.

When the final whistle blew, both teams were taken to the Hogan Stand for the opportunity to hold the Delaney Cup. Who knows in the future maybe some of the boys will get to hold this cup for Dublin? All involved agreed that great credit must be given to the GAA for developing the Go Game structure.

Over the past number of years the GAA have developed an excellent programme for young boys and girls from the age of 4 upwards to join and stay with the GAA with a view to ensuring that children in both schools and clubs master the skills of the game in a positive playing environment and, in the process, derive maximum enjoyment from their involvement.

The term Go Games has its origins in children’s sport. Keen observers will recognise that when children play games amongst themselves, everyone will get a “Go” and will do so for the entire “Game”. Hence the term ‘Go Games’ is used in Gaelic games to identify small-sided hurling and football games called Go Hurling and Go Gaelic respectively.

The GAA is definitely thinking of the future, nourishing the players from as young as four to play a sport for life. The Leinster Play and Stay with GAA Go Games activity day in Croke Park was the icing on the cake inviting clubs to demonstrate all their skills in Ireland’s finest stadium.

The Under 8’s Blitz in Croke Park was a testament to how well GO Games works in practice.

 

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