Spotlight on National Games Development Conference

Liberty Insurance was today announced as the new title sponsor of the GAA National Games Development Conference that will take place over two days on Friday 11th January and Saturday 12th January 2014 at Croke Park. 

Their support for the annual conference is part of a wider commitment and partnership with the GAA in the areas of coaching and responsible sport.

Some of the top names in Gaelic Games coaching will be involved in the Liberty Insurance GAA’s annual National Games Development Conference – “Inspiring Children: Fostering a Love of Gaelic Games.' 

This will the 11th annual Conference, and aims to address issues related to the child player that are of most concern and interest to members of the GAA community.

Run as a partnership between all of the Gaelic Games Association, the Conference will offer the 700 delegates an opportunity to access talks relating to key coaching issues in hurling/camogie, Gaelic football and ladies football, handball and rounders which are specifically related to the child player.

Eamonn Ryan (Cork ladies football team), Jody O’Connor (Clare), Paudie Ó Néill (Dublin) and Joe Brolly (Derry) will present the final key note address at the conference.

“Go Games” which has proved revolutionary in the development of players across all Gaelic games will be a key focus of the Conference.

A dedicated forum will discuss the evolution of games and how the Go Games are the ideal opportunity to introduce young players to Gaelic Games.

A special feature of the Conference will be the hosting of the first Games Development Research forum, which will feature a number of the leading young researchers who will present their findings related to Gaelic games. This will form the Friday night session.

Reflecting the partnership approach in the organisation of this year’s Conference, Joan O’Flynn (Árd Stiurthóir, Camogie), Walter O’Connor (President, GAA Handball), Paula Prunty (National Games Development Officer, Ladies Gaelic Football Association) and Joe O’Donoghue (President, Rounders Association) were in attendance.

The cost of attending is €50 and further information on registering to attend the Conference can be obtained by phone at 01-8658625, by emailing gamesdevelopment@gaa.ie or at www.learning.gaa.ie.

Conall Collier