from AAI website The last weekend in November was cold and frosty everywhere but the weather did not stop the Athletics Ireland Development Team from carrying out a wide range of activities throughout the country. Friday night kicked off a very busy and activity filled weekend for the Development Team. An Agility Challenge was held by Bart Rogers with the help of the Fingallians Athletics Leaders in Morton Stadium, Santry for 26 young members between the ages of 5 and 14 from Fingallians AC. A Little Athletics club refresher visit was also given by Ryan Montgomery to a group of young athletes from Roundwood AC.
In the West, an excellent jumps workshop co-ordinated by Paul McNamara was held in Claremorris on Saturday with a large and enthusiastic attendance. Jim Ryan of Claremorris AC took athletes and coaches through a high jump session before Ernie Deacy of Westport AC led the group in a long jump session. 30 athletes benefited from the workshop with a further 20 parents and coaches in attendance.
Also on Saturday in IT Sligo, Athletics Ireland kicked off its third Level 2 course this month with 18 experienced and enthusiastic coaches in attendance. The course was led by RDO’s Eamon Harvey and Paul McNamara with excellent contributions from Director of Coaching Gary Ryan, strength and conditioning expert Martina McCarthy, and throws coach Paddy Kelly of Castlebar AC. 28 Coaches attended the second weekend of their level 2 coaching course in Dublin over the weekend with excellent contributions on the course from many Tutors.
Further south, Jacqui Freyne and Steven Macklin were running the second weekend of a Level 1 course for 29 coaches who came from as far away as Dublin, Kildare and Kerry in Limerick. Excellent tutoring was given on this course by Sheelagh Quinn and Kevin Grant in hurdles, Dave Sweeney and John Sheehan Limerick in throws, Rob Heffernan in Walks and Gary Ryan in Speed Development as well as workshops led by Jacqui and Steven.
On Saturday in the foggy and freezing conditions, Morton Stadium Santry played host to one half of the Dublin/Leinster Regional Squad. 192 athletes and 46 personal Coaches attended the various events coaching sessions. Rosemary Daniels from Coaching Ireland gave a very interesting and informative talk on Diet and Nutrition to both athletes and coaches.
The other half of the Dublin/Leinster Squad was held in Tullamore and RDO Pat Ryan had 54 athletes and 13 personal coaches in attendance for a very informative and active session…
All in all a happening weekend for the Development Team of Athletics Ireland.