County Head of Games Christine O’Brien delivered a comprehensive report on the work done by Coaching & Games during 2024 to this year’s Meath GAA Annual Convention. She also outlined our plans for 2025 and you can read the report in full here…
The Coaching & Games department has had a highly positive and progressive year, marked by significant achievements and impactful initiatives across all areas of our operations.
Our commitment to excellence has been evident in the delivery of innovative projects, comprehensive support for clubs, and the successful execution of our Operations Plan.
The Player Pathway Programme has been a cornerstone of our success this year. With clear structures and tailored support, it has fostered development at every level, from grassroots to academy teams. The pathway’s strong alignment with our long-term vision has ensured excellent participation and meaningful progress for players and coaches alike.
Coach education has been a major highlight, with exceptional engagement in both formal and informal settings.
From introductory workshops to advanced development sessions, our offerings have equipped coaches with the skills and confidence to excel.
The dedication of our staff has been instrumental in this success, with their expertise and enthusiasm shining through in every session.
Cul Camps
In 2024 the camp programme has continued its success with participating numbers holding their own. Cul Camps had 6,672 children participating across 53 venues.
We had GDC Conor Brennan take on the role as Cul Camp Coordinator and we thank him for his diligence throughout the year, ensuring the smooth running of all venues.
We are very grateful to all host clubs for their efforts and hospitality. To the 130 coaches who are a massive part of the success of camps, we thank them for their rapport and expertise with the children weekly.
We made an improved impact at Club, Easter and Halloween Camps this year, which we are delighted with. The targeted 8 Camps at Easter and 18 Club Summer Camps were achieved, whilst the Halloween Camps were down to 3 venues.
Nursery Programme
A concentrated effort to offer support of all Club Nurseries was assigned to all Participation Officers during the year with all PO clubs receiving additional training/workshops and visits during the year.
We are undergoing a Nursery Report which will be shared via our C&G website page before Christmas.
That will highlight the fantastic work being done by clubs to ensure our Foundation for participation and coaching is very healthy across the county.
Go Games
Again, we have worked closely with Coiste Go Games this year and we are determined to ensure the “Ethos of Go Games” is adhered to and embraced by all clubs.
Fintan Porter and Martin Kelly have been instrumental in driving this forward with C&G and we fully appreciate all the work the two men have put into Go Games and especially in the fixture coordination.
PO Staff have delivered a new series of “Go Games” coach support workshops across the county during Q2 and Q3 and this has proven to be of great quality and benefit to our juvenile coaches.
The design and delivery of Go Games Coach Support workshops have been a standout success, elevating the Child Pathway and setting a benchmark for engagement.
A total of 159 coaches have attended the “Coaching the Go Game”, “Bilateral Kicking” and “Find Your Keepers” workshops which were regionalized around the county.
Our efforts to drive support for the Go Games Referees wasn’t exactly how we had planned initially but we had 60 Young Whistlers attend our Go Games Monster Blitzes in Dunganny in September, which were excellent events.
Our GDC Owen Sullivan will play a major part in this drive to revive the Go Games ethos and ensure that all children are awarded the opportunity to play and enjoy our games in the positive environment they deserve and that our teenagers are supported in their learning as new referees.
Plans are forthcoming on how Go Games may look with a different focus in 2025.
Primary Schools
The Primary School Programme has been invaluable with regards to maintaining and in many areas increasing the participation rates in schools and clubs.
PO’s deliver quality programmes through our Coach Eile initiative, which has been designed by our staff, and it has gathered momentum throughout 2024.
Schools and clubs in consultation with their PO can choose elements of Coach Eile that they wish to incorporate into their schedule. The leadership programmes we provide for 5th and 6th classes through Reiteoir and Playground Leaders will help establish a culture of coaching and mentoring amongst the participants and give them invaluable tools in being an assertive and cooperative volunteer in their school and club community.
The programme is laid out as follows:
Junior and Senior Infants – Fundamental Movement Skills and Caman & Play
1st/2nd Class – Have A Ball and Caman & Play
3rd/4th – Cooperation Games, Go Games Blitzes, Coaching Classes
5th/6th – Reiteoir, Playground Leaders, Go Games Blitzes, Coaching Classes and 100 Touch Challenge.
Unfortunately, with the loss of some PO staff during the year our numbers were down significantly on previous years. As staff are replaced, we hope to be thriving here in this area once again.
NB: Post Primary School Report is covered in the PPS Committee Report
Coach Education
Coach Education has been in huge demand once again with our impact being divided between Formal (Award 1 & ICGG) and Informal (Workshops) more than ever before.
Thanks to Jenny Rispin who manages our LMS (Learning Management System) with such expertise and coordinates all staff and volunteer tutors in the delivery of our Formal Coach Education Programme. We are indebted to her contribution to C&G.
Our Informal Coach Ed Programme has been immensely boosted by the Youth Player Pathway Workshops that have been designed by Football Academy Head Coordinator, Paul Garrigan, and are being implemented by the GDCs across the county.
To date 31 of these workshops have been delivered with 405 participants attending to date.
Following the workshop with coaches we had Support Sessions for U13 to U17 teams, totalling 74 sessions.
We are all enthused as to where we can elevate this pathway to in the future with elements being added to the programme.
Hurling Player Pathway
In 2024 we had our Hurling Pathway established, through our lead Hurling GDCs Peter Durnin, Pauraic Burke and the Hurling Development Committee.
This was focused initially on the Child Strand, through the delivery of 20 “Grip and Swing” workshops to 183 Go Games and Nursery Coaches.
We have had an excellent response from the clubs to this and there will be a concentrated drive of the Child Hurling Pathway again in 2025 with the transition from Nursery to U7 being the focus for early Spring and then we will deliver to the U9 and U11 coaches with “Striking on the Run” content moving into the summer period.
We have identified all the new Hurling Pathway Mangers for each club which will be a huge asset to the clubs, C&G and the Hurling Development Committee as we continue to promote and improve our pathway.
Football Player Pathway
GDC staff delivered workshops on 5 different topics in regional areas across the county to include u13, U15 and U17 coaches.
To follow these workshops a series of support sessions were scheduled, throughout the year, to focus on individual topics targeted at certain age groups. This allowed all clubs the opportunity to have in person sessions with their teams and where management were present to be upskilled and challenged on the future delivery of similar coaching sessions to ensure the Player Pathway has a sustainable future delivery across the county.
This whole process began with Planning and Policy Meetings with the new Football Pathway Managers, in each club, and then the Pathway has followed our structure and resources shared on TeamBuildr with all Pathway Managers and Team Coaches.
This ensures every club is fully aware of and committed to the County Football Pathway.
The input from Academy Head Coach Paul Garrigan, Athletic Development Head Coach Daithi McCabe and the C&G staff ensures that the best programme will be shared with clubs and through the volume of in person, positive, delivery sessions the relationships have grown between staff and coaches and allows us to drive forward with tremendous enthusiasm for our Pathway.
The addition of Post Primary Schools to the Pathway delivery has been very positive to date. The Pathway, Athletic Development and S&C interventions should prove invaluable to both club players and those on academy teams.
Club Support & Innovation Projects:
The year saw a range of well-directed and widely received projects that have enhanced the connection between the department and our clubs.
These initiatives, grounded in a spirit of collaboration and innovation, have not only supported the development of club structures but also empowered coaches and players to achieve their potential.
Meath C&G supported and funded several projects throughout 2024, and huge focus went into these County Based programmes:
- Primary School – Coach Eile Programme
- Primary School – Club School Link
- Post Primary School – Combined Football Team and PPS Player Pathway
- Post Primary Schools Super 7s
- Go Games Referee Support
- Hurling Club Nursery Support
- Pathway Manager Recognition
- Coaching officer Support Training
All the above programmes have been in operation throughout the year, with most complete. The exception is the Coaching Officer Support which has only been designed and is now ready to roll out in early 2025. Q4 this year will see the position adjusted for all CO’s and this will be shared with all clubs in time for their AGM and then we will run a workshop to incorporate training for the position and confirm the role and responsibility going forward.
2024 Meath GAA Football Academy Report
In 2024 within the Meath GAA Academy, we used a game-based approach to assist us develop two sided Gaelic footballers who possess an adaptable skill set.
This approach helped our players to find solutions to game-based problems in line with our Principles of Underpinning Football Coaching Beliefs.
The Meath GAA Coaching Curriculum was also developed further to standardize all player and coach development within the Football Talent Academy. The objective was to provide all coaches with the right tools to be prepared and organised for each training session.
All session plans were specifically developed for all different age groups and levels in mind with a focus on developing players in the below 4 key areas.
- Technical
- Tactical
- Physical
- Character
Our Coaching Curriculum Priorities for all our squads in 2024 were:
- Q1: Bilateral Skill Development (January-March)
- Q2: Tactical Awareness (April-June)
- Q3: Tactical Awareness- What If’s/Coaching Scenarios (July-September)
Meath U14 Academy Football Squad
Our U14 panel consisted of 80 players this year with 4 teams playing in 5 National Game Days over the course of the playing season.
Skill Development and an Introduction into Tactical Awareness was the focus with these players in 2024. This panel of players competed well in all games during the year and considering we had a panel of 80 players it was very encouraging to see a huge number of players perform at a very high level.
The panel was managed and coached by Kevin Walsh (Trim) Jack Reynolds (St Colmcilles) Paul McManus (Drumbaragh) Marty Reilly (Dunshaughlin) Fin O Driscoll (Trim) Brian Boshell (Gael Colmcille) Jarlaith Brennan (Bective) and James Brennan (St Ultans). The squad was coordinated by GDC Owen O Sullivan with Athletic Development support provided by Conor Brennan.
Meath U15 Academy Football Squad
Our U15 Football panel consisted of 48 players this year with 2 teams competing in the U15 Adam Mangan competition during the year.
Games against Kerry, Kildare, Cork, and Westmeath were of a high standard this year and players showed great improvements in their technical, tactical, physical and character development in all these matches.
The panel was managed and coached by Trevor Giles (Skryne) Alan Nestor (Blackhall Gaels), Ben Hoey (Simonstown) Garrett Dooley (Dunderry) and Owen Creevey (Trim). The squad was coordinated by GDC Pauraic Burke with Athletic Development support provided by Ruth Caffrey.
Meath U16 Academy Football Squad
Our U16 Football Panel consisted of 44 players this year with 2 teams competing in both the U16 Gerry Reilly and Ted Webb Competitions.
Both squads competed well in 2024 with final appearances in both competitions. There were big improvements in their Tactical Awareness and Skill Development in games v Mayo, Tipperary, Kerry, Louth, Laois, Kildare, Armagh, Dublin, Clare, and Monaghan during the year.
There would be positive signs with this group that can develop into a competitive team in the 2025 U17 Leinster Championship.
The panel was managed and coached by Kenny Morgan (Trim), Nicky Hamill (Skryne) Finbarr Clarke (Trim) Pat O Sullivan (Bective) and Alan Mulvaney (Seneschalstown). The squad was coordinated by GDC Jenny Rispin with Athletic Development support provided by Stephen Dawson.
Finally, a huge thanks to all the clubs who provided players and coaches to our Academy in 2024 and to the Meath GAA County Noard who provided support to all our teams.
We had over 170 players from U14 to U16 in the Academy who took part in our player development pathway training sessions and games. We also ran Development Panels for over 150 players during the year for players currently not on our Academy squads. These panels provide sessions for late developers and many of these players joined our main Academy squads during the year.
This pathway is supported by our Meath GAA Model and Coaching Curriculum which will allow and assist our players to maximise their potential and hopefully go on to represent our clubs and county in future years.
2024 Meath Hurling Academy Report
High Kings
Meath Coaching and Games held a 3-day camp in Dunganny COE for the Meath u13 High Kings for 2025.
Almost 100 boys from every corner of the county attend the camp which was ran over the Halloween midterm. The program included various skills testing, small sided games, full games and plenty of work on technical proficiency.
These players will now work on their skills for the coming months before attending trials for the Meath u14 panel in the springtime.
Special thanks to the members of staff and to Paul Reilly, Mark Owens and Ger Clarke for helping.
U-14 Hurling Academy
The Meath u14’s started their year back in March with trials taking place over 6 weeks.
Over 90 players attended these trials which included games against Louth and Wicklow. A panel of 52 panels was then chosen. Throughout the year the took part in 5 official blitz days with 3 taking place in Dunganny and 2 in Abbottstown.
In their opening couple of blitzes, they struggled to get up to the speed of the inter county games but by the time the last 2 blitz days came around massive improvements could be seen.
The year ended with a bonding trip to Limerick to take on some top club teams in Munster.
Special thanks to the management team of: Eddie O’Brien, Fergal Hanlon, David McGuiness, David Wade, David McGowan, Dáire Leharte, Adrian Hobbs, Seamus Ryan and Paddy Kelly.
U-15 Hurling Academy
The Meath U15 Hurling Development Squad had a highly successful and encouraging season in 2024, showcasing the depth of talent and commitment among the county’s young hurlers.
With 47 players on the panel, the team set an ambitious goal at the beginning of the season: qualification for the prestigious Arrabawn Tournament Tier 2 in Tipperary in August.
This objective drove the team’s preparation, culminating in a series of notable performances throughout the year.
Arrabawn Tournament Highlights
The squad’s qualification for the Arrabawn Tournament was a testament to the hard work and dedication of players and coaches alike.
Competing in the group stages, the team secured impressive victories over Dublin and Tipperary, demonstrating their skill and determination.
While a narrow loss to Westmeath prevented a perfect record, the team advanced to the quarterfinals, where they faced a strong Cork 1 side.
Despite a valiant effort, Meath fell short in this encounter. However, the team displayed resilience and character in the 3rd & 4th place playoffs, delivering an outstanding performance to overcome Clare and secure a top three finish in Tier 2.
This result highlights the continued progress and potential of the squad as they develop into future stars for Meath hurling.
John Doyle Tournament Success
In addition to the Arrabawn Tournament, the Development Squad entered a second team into the John Doyle Tournament, held in August.
This provided an excellent opportunity for additional players to gain competitive experience and represent Meath at a high level. The team competed against Kildare and Carlow, performing admirably and earning praise for their skill and determination. The tournament underlined the squad’s depth and the strength of the county’s hurling program.
The achievements of the Meath U15 Hurling Development Squad in 2024 are a source of great pride for the county.
From their successes in the Arrabawn Tournament to their strong showing in the John Doyle Tournament, the players demonstrated exceptional commitment, teamwork, and skill. These young hurlers have laid a strong foundation for the future of Meath hurling, and the experience gained this season will undoubtedly stand to them in the years ahead.
Congratulations to all involved, and special thanks to the coaching staff, parents, and supporters who made this season possible. Here’s to even greater success in the seasons to come!
U-16 Hurling Academy
The 2024 U16 Hurling Academy began 9th December 2023 with Strength and Condition Sessions. A group of 45 players enjoyed challenging Saturdays out in Garlow Cross. Big thanks to John McCarthy for this space.
After 10 weeks of S&C following a trial period in February, the squad of 35 was selected. Our decision to train/meet only on Saturdays unless a game was coming up was welcomed by all. With 34 out of 35 players being dual, their playing time and load is considerable. We encouraged players to play with their Clubs and if that meant missing an odd Meath match that was fine. We strongly encouraged players to bring the training standards of the Academy on Saturdays back to their Clubs and push their training on during the week.
Meath entered 1 Team in the Celtic Challenge. Following wins against Laois, Kildare and Armagh we met Offaly A in the Q/F. Another victory over Offaly meant we met Laois again in a Semi Final, losing out by 5 and having lead for 45 minutes.
In addition to the Celtic Challenge, we played Dublin, Kildare B and Derry in challenges. All were excellent learning opportunities for players.
Based on the results we qualified for a higher division for Academy League games. Again, we defeated Offaly and lost narrowly to Waterford. Our final group game before the end of year blitz saw us take on Wexford A in a game where we learned most.
The final blitz day saw us defeat the Clare team and lose narrowly out to Galway. That experience for this group against these oppositions gave them huge belief.
At training, the focus for the first half of 2024 was technical ability. We demanded two- sided fast playing hurlers and we were extremely pleased with how players reacted and improved their skillset.
The second half we focused on training pitch depth and width to find space, as well the final third of the pitch for goal opportunities.
It should be noted that a decision to make dual players choose a code at 15 or 16 is something worth reviewing. No other County in Leinster enforces this and the consequences, good and bad, should be valued.
Meath Football and Hurling Academies must do better to accommodate our brightest talents for a longer period, and we could possibly pool time and resources for the athletic development of these players, as this is the common ground for both codes.
C&G Staff
Unfortunately, there has been a turnover of staff again in 2024 and this continues to be a challenge for C&G and the clubs.
Our team had been reduced from 9 POs to 6 in a matter of months, in the first half of the year, with staff following opportunities elsewhere. We wish each of them well in their new careers. We would like to acknowledge the impact that Noreen Sheridan, Carolanna Foley and Stephen Reilly had during their time with us.
We have had Oran Smullen join our PO staff in the last few months. He has settled in perfectly with our set up and we are sure he will thrive in his new role. Our GDC team has grown also, and we welcome Conor Dillon. There is no doubt that Conor will revel in his new role with Meath C&G.
None of the achievements mentioned in the report, would have been possible without the incredible efforts of our Coaching & Games staff. Their ability to influence, lead, and collaborate has driven the success of our programmes and strengthened our impact across the board. From leading innovative projects to inspiring engagement at every level, their contributions have been exceptional.
As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering impactful programmes, enhancing club and coach support, and continuing to build on this year’s success. Together, we are creating a positive and sustainable legacy for Coaching & Games.
Thank you to our Coaching Officer, Eamon Barry, for all his efforts to support our initiatives and to communicate our efforts to the County Committee. We also wish to thank the County Board, The Football Development Committee and The Hurling Development Committee for all their support in our endeavours to develop both codes at club and county level.
Finally, a huge thanks to Tara, Senior Administrator, who has been an invaluable resource to us on all financial matters.
Thank you to all who added submissions to this report:
Paul Garrigan – Football Academy Head Coach
Peter Durnin – Hurling Academy Head Coach
Academy Coaches
Report by:
Christine O’Brien – County Head of Games
Eamon Barry – Coaching Officer
By Meath Coaching & Games Thu 19th Dec
