Great Turnout at Young Whistlers Course

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Chill Mhantáin held a Young Whistlers referee course for Gaelic football in the North East of the county on Wednesday September 28th in Kilcoole Primary School. There was a great turnout, with eleven different school represented on the day. The participants were made up of mature, responsible 6th class boys and girls who share a passion for Gaelic football and are interested in learning more about refereeing.

The coaching session was led by North East GDA (Games Development Administrator) Garrett Doyle, who engaged the group in discussion about the basic rules of the game and how best to communicate those rules to players, coaches and spectators alike. There was a high level of genuine interest from participants, as evident from the very pertinent questions asked. It is heartening to see the next generation of young whistlers begin their refereeing journey, as without referees, we have no game! Thank you to all the 6th class boys and girls who volunteered and we look forward to seeing you refereeing your local Gaelic football games in the future!

 Some reasons for getting involved in refereeing (childrens’ answers):

Interested in GAA

Want to learn the rules better

Have fun

What does a good referee look like (childrens’ answers):

Be fair and firm.

Like to be fair to both teams.

Know rules.

Explain to players what they did wrong.

Course participants: Ezra Doyle-Matthews (St Cronans, Bray), George Donnelly (St Cronans, Bray), Ruairi O'Brien (Kilcoole PS), Ronan O'Brien (Kilcoole PS), Ornagh McDermott (Kilcoole PS), Saoirse Byrne (Moneystown NS), Jack Magee (Moneystown NS), Cillian Mac an Airchinnigh (Scoil Chualainn), Kate MacNamara (Greystones CNS), Tom Malone (Greystones CNS), Jack Campbell (Roundwood NS), Niamh Carpenter (Roundwood NS), Jack Gavin (Newtown PS), Clara Kirwan (Newtown PS), Jasper Kitson (Réalt na Mara, Brittas Bay), April Donohoe, (Réalt na Mara), Niamh Holohan (St Brigids, Greystones), Sal Maxwell (St Brigids, Greytones), Sean Minto (Kilmacanogue NS), Eva Morgan (Kilmacanogue NS), Kate McGillicuddy (Greystones ET) and Arlo Thompson (Greystones ET).