Antrim GAA | CLG Contae Aontroim - The Official County Antrim GAA website

St Brigids GAC Cul Camp 2009

The Annual St Brigids Cul Camp took place this year from the 17th August to the 21st. The usual scanning of the weather forecast for the week was completed and the gates to the YMCA were opened for the children to arrive.

Over 160 children aged from four to twelve attended the annual Camp at the YMCA, which was one of the biggest camps in Country Antrim. The camp was divided into sections, with the four to six year olds getting their own special “Saffron Og” Camp with special activities teaching the basics of hurling and football through the Gaelic start programme.

The remainder of the children were coached for the week by a number of top GAA players including St Brigids own Antrim star James Loughery, alongside county teammates Kevin O'Boyle, Niall McKeever and CJ McGourty as well Armagh man Charlie Vernon. St Brigids Clubmen Ruari O’Neill and Duncan McAuley also represented the club. These coaches were ably assisted by a number of other club minor ladies and gents, who did a fantastic job assisting the senior players.

The young St Brigid's players spent the first four days developing their skills and techniques in both Football and Hurling, as the coaches passed on their knowledge to the younger generation during the day. On Friday all across the YMCA playing fields, as the boys and girls were competing in their mini "All Irelands", they had a visit from Antrim County Football Captain Paddy Cunningham. Paddy was kept busy during his time at the camp observing the children games, answering many questions, signing shirts and participating in some photographs.

The camp came to an end on the Friday afternoon, as the children all received their special Cul Camp kits and rucksacks. Everyone agreed it had been a great success.

Thomas McCarney, St Brigid’s GAC Under 10s

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