Camp Ciarán was held in Shanbally from 1st July to the 5th July. Ciarán was definitely looking down on us for the week as he made sure that the weather was fantastic for the week. Last year we had 80 boys and girls registered. This year we had 131 boys & girls enrolled. This itself is a major achievement for the club.
On the Monday morning it was all hands on deck to ensure a smooth start to the week. Credit must go to the children and parents who had the patience in the first enrollment, the distribution of jerseys and the allocating of the different groups.
The coaches had everyone on the playing pitch at 10.30 to the delight of all. The coaching staff of John Herlihy, Aidan O’Leary, Gemma Kavanagh, Mary Coveney, Alan McCarthy, Sean O’Brien, Joey Brady and Senan Andrews were assisted by some of our U16 players namely, Darragh & Cormac Scriven, David Barry, Mark Hitchmough and Coby O’Grady.
The kids were split up in to 6 groups with a minimum of 2 coaches per group. The coaching drills were suited to all ages so that everyone was involved at all times. The younger children were introduced to new friends from the schools in the parish. New members were welcomed in to the club. The first refreshment break was welcomed by all to quench the thirst and hunger. Our kitchen was in full operation in supplying everyone with their requirements. The camp Co-ordinator and Executive Treasurer, John Twomey Shanbally ensured that there was plenty of fresh food daily which was supplied by the local Spar Shop in Shanbally. After recharging the batteries it was back to the playing pitches for more enjoyment. 12 noon came too soon for the younger kids who were finished for the day. Some of them insisted in staying on and train with the older lads. They were accommodated and didn’t look out of place at all. The final whistle sounded at 1PM for the completion of Day 1. Time flies when you’re enjoying yourself.
Day two started at 10am on Tuesday morning. The weather was a bit on the damp side but nothing was going to stop 131 kids getting out on to the pitches to show off what they had learned on Monday. It was the same routine as Monday and this carried on for the rest of the week. Matches were played against each other and when the day finished there was a lot of tired bodies heading home for some well earned rest.
On Days Three and Four the weather again picked up to the delight of all involved. Howard Crowdy from the Carrigdhoun Newspaper arrived to take some lovely Photographs of those involved in Camp Ciarán.
Day five arrived and to the disappointment of all, this was the final day of a fantastic week. The different groups were again showing their skills and it was evident to all that what they learned during the week they were putting in to practice. Our P.P. Fr Sean O Sullivan graced us with his presence and he was very impressed in what he saw. Kieran Kraemer in addressing the parents and children thanked everyone for the excellent attendance and behaviour throughout the week. On behalf of the club there is a long list of people to be thanked. The following is a list of those involved in the organising and smooth running of the camp.
- The two John Twomeys, Gemma Kavanagh & Kieran Lynam for the Trojan effort they put in in the weeks leading up to the camp and also the week itself.
- All our coaches who were on hand for the full week.
- Our first aider Evanna O Keeffe
- The committee of Geraldine Twomey, Kieran Kraemer, Pat McCarthy, John Jordan and Declan Turner. Without these people it would not have been possible to run the camp so successfully. From Kitchen duties, to setting up pitches, to arranging parking etc they were readily available.
- Adrian Ryan and his Staff at Sports Gear Direct who worked tirelessly to ensure all the jerseys were available on time.
- To Spar Shop Shanbally who provided the refreshments on a daily basis.
- And finally to all the children who participated and to their parents who turned up daily.
If I have forgotten anyone please accept our apologies as it’s impossible to remember all those who helped out.
We will be inviting everyone back again on Saturday 7th Sept at 11.00am for a follow up and refresher training. Our Academy will then start on Saturday 28th Sept in the pitch in Shanbally.
Once again thanks to everyone involved and to enjoy the rest of the school holidays.
