Development programme launched

Club Chairman, Cathal Austin, hosted the evening which included guests Humphrey Kelleher, an ex-Waterford inter – county player and Liam Ross, Armagh Hurling development officer, and made the point that hurling there was a strong need for hurling to be developed in the north Armagh area. He also made the point that hurling was not a threat to a predominately football dominated town but in fact, a chance for Gaels in north Armagh to play both codes and compete for both club and county.

The chairman reiterated the point that the club was open to attracting all ages of players from under 6 and up to minor who wish to get involved in hurling whatever their level or ability. Humphrey Kelleher and Liam Ross have agreed to mentor the hurling club in the redevelopment process which will be invaluable with the experience both men bring to the table.

Sean Treacy’s hurling club has already made inroads in recruiting new members with a major success in their Friday night hurling programme which has attracted new players from under 6, 10,12,14 and 16. This programme has recruited 50 new players through all age groups and has been due to the hard work of Colm McCrory, Kelly Laverty and ably assisted by coaches Paul Hand, Anthony Carville, Raymond Daly, Mark Magee and Declan Maher. A measure of how far this programme has came in a short period of time is with underage players Cian McCrory and Kane Laverty representing Armagh at under 10 level and Diarmuid Loney and James O’Hara representing Armagh in Croke Park at under 12 level with a number of players currently attending Armagh development squad trials.

They have a number of initiatives in the coming months in which they would like to take this opportunity to invite new players of all ages to attend. Players of all abilities are welcome and all equipment will be supplied. The Friday night programme, which runs in conjunction with their school programme, will start back on Friday the 9th of January.

It will run for a further 6 weeks and is open to players at under 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16. If you require any further information you can contact our underage officer Kelly Laverty on 07725626172.