Hurling and Camogie Young Whistlers Fully Trained!

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Chill Mhantáin held a Young Whistlers referee course for Hurling and Camogie in the North East of the county on Thursday January 19th in Kilcoole Primary School. There was a great turnout, with ten different schools represented on the day. The participants were made up of mature, responsible 5th and 6th class boys and girls who share a passion for hurling and are interested in learning more about refereeing.

The coaching session was led by North East GDA (Games Development Administrator), Conor Daly, 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 boys and girls who volunteered and we look forward to seeing you refereeing your local hurling and camogie games in the future!

Course participants: Fionn Crean Nic Oireactaigh, Caoimhe Finnerty, Etain Finnerty (Greystones Educate Together), Ruairí Nolan, Eabha Finucane (St Fergal’s NS, Bray), Dexter Whyte, Tadhg Fry (Delgany NS), Alex McKenna (St. Joseph’s NS Glenealy), John O’Boyle, Orianna McGuigan (St. Laurence’s Greystones), Ryan Keane, Alanie Flood (Kilcoole PS), Finn O’Sullivan, Susie Cleere (St. Brigid’s NS, Greystones), Conor Eglington, Nessa Ní Chonchubhair (Scoil Chualainn, Bray), Ciarán Kenny (St. Cronan’s, Bray), Úna Cooper (Gaeilscoil Clocha Liatha).

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

Interested in GAA

Want to learn the rules better

Have fun

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

Be fair and firm.

Like to be fair to both teams.

Know rules.

Explain to players what they did wrong.