Limerick GAA clubs' warm weather training camp for U14 players sparks huge debate online
TWO Limerick GAA clubs are planning a "warm weather training camp" in Portugal for their U14 players.
Organisers say it will be an "unbelievable trip for players as they will live like an intercounty hurler and experience the full benefit of warm weather training in a five star purpose built sports resort". Limerick's senior hurlers stayed there in 2021.
The announcement has gained a lot of attention online with some criticising it due to the cost and the very idea of a warm weather camp for teenagers. Others have praised the clubs for affording the young players the opportunity, saying underage tours abroad have been undertaken by Limerick schools, club rugby and soccer sides.
Details of the planned trip by Monaleen and Na Piarsaigh GAA clubs were shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. The post with the screenshots has gained 674,000 views to date.
"We are delighted to announce that we plan a trip to remember for our 2010 boys during the Easter break 2024. We have teamed up with our neighbours Na Piarsaigh to train and play hurling in Portugal," read the post which outlined details of the trip.
The trip is available to all on a first come, first served basis. Spaces are limited and a parent / guardian must accompany each player. There is no mention of the cost on the information shared.
Jim Canny, chairperson of Monaleen GAA Club, told Limerick Live this Sunday that the spirit and intention of this event was correct in that you have two codes - footballers and hurlers with another club - going to play games abroad, similar to what they do in soccer and rugby.
"That is the spirit and intent behind it. They were going to pay for themselves with no cost to the club. To me it is blown out of all proportion - I believe probably due to an incorrect choice of words that were put together on the document.
"I think the intention was good to take a bunch of young kids from two clubs and promote the code as they do in other codes like rugby and soccer," said Mr Canny, who was about to umpire a match when he was contacted by Limerick Live.
He said they are doing the best they can for children in Monaleen GAA Club.
"There is great activity going on. We have just finished a gym which is almost 2,000 square feet, spent a six figure sum leveling, draining and sanding the pitch behind the hurling wall, and are about to start an extension to create new mens' and ladies' dressing rooms and toilets," said Mr Canny.
Joe O'Connor, Limerick's 2018 All-Ireland SHC winning S&C coach, said on X that he didn't see the problem.
"Two progressive clubs with very good coaches and structures offering an opportunity for young players to have fun with a trip abroad playing the sport they love. This is done in rugby, athletics, cycling etc without a comment," said Mr O'Connor on X.
The post was shared online with ex-Laois footballer Colm 'Wooly' Parkinson, of the podcast Smaller Fish GAA, and he commented: "Other than cost which a lot can't afford and parents having to take work off to go and leave their partner at home with the other children sure it's a great idea. A warm weather training camp for u14, did you ever hear the like."
Mr O'Connor said he appreciates the cost may be a barrier for some unfortunately but thinks the “training camp” terminology is taken out of context.
"School tours often go abroad with no issue. If I was 14, I’d prefer to go hurling than a school tour. Could keep lads in club longer," he said.
Another person posted: "That has got to be the most ridiculous idea I have ever come across in the GAA. Coaches losing the run of themselves!" said one.
A similar viewpoint was: "When we were U14 we were lucky if the bus stopped in the shop on the way home from a match."
And the debate went on, with clubs also praised by many for the trip.
"What's wrong with this? Trip of a lifetime for two clubs planning it seven months in advance. Fair play to them. They'll have great craic," posted one person.
"It's similar to what the rugby and soccer clubs do here in Limerick. The kids will love it and I would be very surprised if any child will be left behind because of money. These two will be in the Feile final anyway. If it was a Scouts group nobody would take notice. Maith thú," was the view of another.
Limerick Live has also made efforts to contact Na Piarsaigh club.