Glenravel - Con Magees

Progress at youth level

Within the Con Magees club we have youth teams in both football and hurling.

In football we compete in South West Antrim league from under-12 through to minor age. Over the past few years we have seen a strengthening of these teams.

At under-12 level we had a very strong record in 2008 only loosing twice in the league and qualifying for the top four, only to be beaten by Sean Stinstons. At under-14 level again we had a very strong run on the league and likewise qualified for the top 4 where we were beaten by Dunloy in the semi-finals. At under-16 we had some very good wins through the year and narrowly missed out on top 4. After some intense matches in the shield competition we qualified for the final, only to be narrowly beaten by Glenavy. We did not field this year at minor level.

U12 Team

For the younger age groups we have a continuous program of development based on the 'fundamentals' training approach. We run various programs both out-doors during the summer months and in-doors over the winter. We also take part in blitz competitions with other local clubs at under-8 and under-10 levels. These have proven very successful in recent years in ensuring development for our children and keeping them connected to our club.

We also hold annually our 1 week football summer camp for children up to 12 years and have this year also started an under-14/under-16 camp for the first time to continue the development program.

Couple of kids at the Summer Camp

We have also over recent years put a lot of effort into developing our coaches, running within the club both fundamentals and foundation courses.

In hurling we compete in North Antrim division 1 leagues from under-12 to minor level as a part of the St Brendan's team (a combination team with Cloughmills and Cushendun clubs). This approach has proven a very successful forum in ensuring a high standard of hurling for our youth at all age groups. We have seen success in 2008 particularly at under-14 level where the team were just pipped at the post by St John's in the Feile final and won the North Antrim Championship. Our under-12s have found the going a little tougher, however have had some notable victories against local neighbours. At under-16 and minor level we have seen varied results through the year but the most important aspect is the quality of hurling being experienced by our youth.

We support these teams with a youth fund raising committee which have run various events through the year including the very popular 'Santa's World'.

Although not a very successful year on the pitch for our senior teams in either hurling or football, achievement of note includes the winning of the North Antrim Junior Feis Cup by the Reserve Hurling Team.

Con Mag Aoidh Glenravel is very much looking to the future and to the further development of our youth teams under the exceptional guidance of Ian McKeown and the youth development team he has around him who all are dedicated to the youth of the parish and the club.

With construction work just about to begin on our new facilities which we hope to have up and running within the year and the continuing youth development the Club is looking to the future with excitement and hope for the achievements to come.