St Bernadette’s Letterkenny visit the Connacht GAA Dome

St Bernadette’s Letterkenny were one of the four Special Schools that were hosted by the Connacht GAA Games for ALL Committee, in collaboration with the Irish Special Schools Sports Council (ISSSC).

At the world’s largest Sports Air Dome at the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome, Bekan, Co Mayo, they were joined by St Anthonys School, Castlebar; St Josephs, Ballytivnan, Sligo, and Lakeview School, Renmore, Galway.

The group, consisting over of 50 players in all, filled up the Dome and enjoyed meeting and making friends from other schools. 

They were welcomed to the Dome by Billy McNicholas, head of Mayo coaching development, and divided into four groups and practised a range of coaching skills and activities at four different coaching stations, which included a game of Gaelic football. 

The coaching was delivered by courteous, personable, and knowledgeable coaches. Afterwards, the players were presented with a Cúl Camp sports bag by Denis O’Boyle and Mattie Kilroy to finish the event on a very high note.

“This was a very enjoyable and memorable occasion, and the children and teachers were in awe of the splendid Dome and sheltered from the harsh weather outside,” the organisers said.

“These games provide an opportunity for the GAA to promote inclusivity by exploring ways to encourage more people to play Gaelic games and live up to the motto of the GAA being a place ‘Where We All Belong’. This coaching and games in the Dome should help bring the benefits of GAA participation to children in special schools.

“Thanks to the coaches who did an excellent job. Martin Costello and Billy McNicholas, Ray McNamara (MSRP), Darragh Cox, Adam Roberts, Denise Fahy, Cian Breathnach, Oran Hester, and the coaching coordinator Cathal Cregg. 

“Also, thanks to coaches Gerry Tuohy and Pat Stenson, Tim Hynes who had the privilege of completing the St. Josephs school autumn coaching programme in the Dome.  Genuine thanks to Terence Shiels, Letterkenny, who coordinated the list of players from the schools.

"Sincere thanks to the School Principals and teachers who have taken the game on board as part of their sporting calendar and arranged for the pupils to travel.

“Special thanks to Connacht GAA Games for All chairperson Mattie Kilroy and Secretary Denis O’Boyle, who spared no effort in ensuring the event in the Dome went to plan. Also, thanks to the Connacht GAA for supporting these games and giving access to the Dome - John Prenty Secretary, and Kurt Reinhardt, Dome Administrator. 

“Finally, and most importantly, a real thanks to the players who travelled to the Dome and participated to the best of their ability and to the teachers who accompanied the pupils.”