Laois Games and Gaels Podcast Episode 15
🎧 Listen to Episode 15 of the Laois Games and Gaels Podcast now
What happens after the cup is lifted?
The celebrations eventually end, the photographs are taken and attention moves towards the next championship.
But the real value of success is found in what comes afterwards.
It is found when the Joe McDonagh Cup is carried through the doors of a Laois primary school. It is seen in the face of a child meeting a county player who once sat in the same classroom. It is created by coaches, teachers and volunteers working quietly to ensure that the next generation has an even greater opportunity to represent Laois.
That is the story at the heart of Episode 15 of the Laois Games and Gaels Podcast.
Shane Keegan and Dean Malone return with a revealing and wide-ranging discussion about the work taking place across Laois GAA, from primary schools and development squads to Cúl Camps, coaching resources and the staging of a hugely successful National Féile.
Taking the Joe McDonagh Cup to the next generation
Laois’ Joe McDonagh Cup triumph was a major moment for the county, but the impact did not stop at the final whistle.
The cup was brought to primary schools across Laois, with members of the victorious panel giving their time to meet children, answer questions, sign autographs and share the success with communities throughout the county.
The visits produced flags, songs, posters, photographs and unforgettable memories.
More importantly, they helped Laois GAA win what Shane Keegan describes as the ongoing battle for the “hearts and minds” of young people.
When a child sees a Laois player standing in their school with national silverware, the dream of representing their county suddenly feels much more real.
Episode 15 takes listeners behind the scenes of those visits and explains why moments like these could have a lasting influence on the future of Gaelic games in Laois.
Gaelic games becoming part of school life
The podcast also examines the continued development of the Laois GAA Schools Heritage Flag initiative.
Schools are encouraged to make football and hurling part of everyday school life through coaching sessions, Gaelic games homework, projects, scrapbooks and other activities.
The initiative is growing, the level of engagement is increasing and more schools are proudly flying their Laois GAA Heritage Flags.
There is also an insight into the summer coaching course provided for primary school teachers, helping them gain the knowledge and confidence required to introduce Gaelic games to children in an enjoyable and effective way.
These programmes may not always make headlines, but they could prove every bit as important as anything that happens on championship day.
Where are the next generation of Laois players?
Shane and Dean provide a detailed update on the county’s football and hurling academy teams at under-14, under-15 and under-16 level.
They discuss the progress being made, the strength of the opposition facing Laois and the importance of exposing young players to demanding inter-county games.
There are major tests against counties including Kerry, Mayo, Waterford and Limerick, offering Laois players and coaches a valuable opportunity to discover exactly where they stand.
For anyone interested in the players who could form the backbone of future Laois senior teams, this section provides a fascinating insight into the county’s development pathway.
A new resource for every coach in Laois
Episode 15 also introduces the new Laois GAA Coaching and Games WhatsApp channel.
The aim is simple, to give coaches throughout the county regular access to practical, high-quality resources.
A new coaching resource is being shared every day, covering everything from nursery games for young children to ideas that can be used in senior team environments.
The channel is already growing rapidly, with resources being downloaded, forwarded and shared throughout clubs across Laois.
For volunteer coaches searching for fresh ideas, session plans or new ways to engage players, it could become an invaluable tool.
An honest conversation about Cúl Camps
The delays surrounding the delivery of Cúl Camps gear have caused understandable frustration for parents, and Shane and Dean address the issue directly.
They explain what has caused the backlog, provide the latest update and acknowledge the disappointment experienced by families.
However, they also make an important distinction between the problems with the gear and the quality of the camps themselves.
With full-time staff now overseeing more camps, increasingly experienced coaches working with the children and stronger structures in place, the on-field experience is continuing to improve.
One of the most significant developments is the availability of SNA support for children who require one-to-one assistance at mainstream camps.
It allows more children to attend alongside their friends and fully experience the enjoyment of a Cúl Camp.
It is described in the podcast as a genuine game changer.
Setanta, O’Moore Óg and the importance of volunteers
The Setanta and O’Moore Óg programmes are also reviewed following another year of major participation.
Shane and Dean discuss the work being done with players from under-10 to under-13 level, the contribution of full-time staff and the enormous value of volunteer coaches.
Former Laois senior football manager John Sugrue is among those helping to develop young players, while Alan Hartnett and Podge Phelan are also praised for their work.
These programmes are fully inclusive and give children an early opportunity to develop their skills, wear the Laois jersey and begin feeling part of the county pathway.
A National Féile that showcased the very best of Laois
The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on Laois’ hosting of the National Hurling Féile.
It was an enormous undertaking involving clubs, coaches, organisers, referees and volunteers across the county.
The result was a day that showcased Laois GAA at its very best.
Visiting teams from across Ireland praised the facilities, organisation, hospitality and welcome they received at the different host venues.
From the Centre of Excellence to the outstanding work carried out by clubs across Laois, the event demonstrated what can be achieved when the county works together.
It was not simply a successful tournament.
It was a statement about the strength of the volunteers, clubs and communities that keep Laois GAA moving forward.
This is where the future is being built
Episode 15 is not only a review of recent activities.
It is an insight into the people, programmes and decisions shaping the future of Gaelic games in Laois.
It is about bringing county success into schools.
It is about giving coaches better resources.
It is about creating stronger development structures.
It is about making camps more inclusive.
It is about volunteers giving their time to deliver something special.
Most of this work takes place away from the spotlight, but its impact could be felt across Laois GAA for many years to come.
🎧 Listen to Episode 15 of the Laois Games and Gaels Podcast now and hear the full story behind the work shaping the future of Laois GAA.
By Padraigh Dermody Thu 16th Jul
