Club Chiaráin 2024
What a wonderful week of hurling, camógie and Gaelic and Ladies Football we had between the dates of Mon Jul 1st and Fri Jul 5th at “The Track” in Shanbally.
Club Chiaráin, our annual hurling focused Training week for the boys and girls, had big numbers this year with 90 of our own members. The coaches, many of whom were giving up their spare holiday time, kept everyone entertained all week in the various groups.
One of the highlights of the week was the visit of the Ice Cream Van on the Friday and just like every other day, everyone went home happy to dream of one day playing for Cork in Croke Park like their heores on Sunday next!! Thanks to all who made it such a memorable occasion for all the kids and we will be back again next year in early July!
Below is a report on each day
Day 1
When the calendar turns to July, in Shamrocks that means only one thing – our annual summer Hurling Training Club/Camp for the boys and girls of our club.
And so it was on Monday morning, under grey skies but a dry sod, that Club Chiaráin officially started. With nearly 90 of our young boys and girls at the ready, things got started and it was FUN. Thats the only way to describe out. FRom 5 year olds up to 13 year olds, the ash was swinging, there were a few belts and knocks, but everyone went home with a smile on their face.
The ancillary staff will be mentioned later in the week but they made sure everything was in order with gear, food (no sausages left at breaktime), hurleys and helmets for anyone that needed them. The (fully qualified and vetted) coaches will rotate each day so for today, we thank Carol and Ronan, Andy, Ailbhe and Síomha, Gary and Hannah, Ronan and Rachel, Pa and Socket, Alannah and Ellie and John Herlihy NT and Kieran.
Roll on Day 2
Eanna about to receive a pass, Club Chiaráin Day 1
Carol and Ronan with the smallies
Limbering up at the Registration and start of Club Chiaráin 2024
Day 2
Once again, our young boys and girls got stuck into 2/3 hours of Gaelic Games – this time Gaelic/Ladies Football.
Big turnout of Shamrocks players and coaches once again – everyone is having fun and thanks to our kitchen staff Mairéad and Dee who kept everyone fed and watered.
Make sure everyone combs their hair, puts on their greenest Shamrocks gear and practises ther smile as we’ll have a photographer with us on Wednesday.
Roll on Day 3
Kevin O’Grady gees up the 10s
Gary and Cathal with the 9s
Pick up to start the morning
Day 3
Day 3 of Club Chiaráin took place inn beautiful Shanbally sunshine. Back to the ancient game of hurling and camógie once again and the same enthusiasm and vigour was on display.
Today we give a shout out to the ancillary staff who keep things ticking over in the clubhouse – Mairéad and Dee (Childrens Officer) are responsible for all things food and liquid, with plenty of tae and sandwiches for the hungry and thirsty coaches.
Seán Ó Tuama, Pat Mac and Deano are in charge of the gear and everything is on hand for the coaches from 9.45am onwards each morning.
We also had a visit from an official photographer (Siobhán Russell) and they will hopefully be in the NEXT edition of the The Carrigdhoun Newspaper in 2 weeks time.
We cant wait for Thursday with what looks like another sunny morning
U8 girls with Ronan, Clodagh, Deirdre and Maura
U12 girls with Ellie Hickey
U10s with Kebin, Alan Mac and Pa
Day 4
Another great day of FUN at Club Chiaráin with Gaelic Football being on the menu on Thursday. Plenty of laughter and the atmosphere and vibe was so positive today up the Track.
We even had THREE birthdays – all celebrated in style with cake
Our thanks to our coaches Carol & Rona, Paul & Ailbhe, David & Cathal, Ronan, Maura & Sharon, Pa, Socket & Hannah, Síomha, Ellie & Alannah, John and Kieran. Fantaastic work guys and gals!!!
We will finish off a wonderful week tomorrow with the “Game from the Gods” as one of our coaches said earlier in the week. On Friday, we might even have a special guest or two!
John Herlihy reffing at the end, u12s
Alex’s Birthday
Ready for action, mixed game
Day 5
Club Chiaráin 2024 came to a close on Friday with day 5. It was a magnificent and highly successful week indeed.
As is tradition, John Herlihy ran his annual Poc Fada competitions for all the participants and we thank John for this great jesture in providing momentos for the winners.
The clash of the Ash went quiet arounf midday as yet amother tradition, the visit of the ice cream van, took place. The camáns were tossed aside as everyone, on the field and off it, were treated to a large ice cream after a fantastic weeks work.
As always – EVERYONE went home happy !
We will have a full report on the week from a man who did so much to make this week work, our resident poet Seán Ó Tuama
