Launch of Cork GAA U 14 Development Leagues
May 07, 2019
Speaking at the launch, Cork Chairperson, Tracey Kennedy welcomed the new format noting that "clubs throughout the county should benefit from this structure as there will be more club players involved in a full season of activity at a high level and they will return to their clubs as better players".
County Coaching Officer Ronan Dwane attended the launch and is very optimistic that the new league format will ensure that "very few players can slip through the net as the increase in teams from 4 to 8 means that squads are more localised allowing more players to be involved over a full season".
County Games Manager Kevin O Callaghan feels this is a very exciting move for Cork GAA and "given the size of the county, it is appropriate to cast the net wider given that there is much evidence across the world at this point to indicate that increasing participation in a development programme will result in an improvement in overall playing standards and a broader pool of players capable of playing at elite level in future years. The move away from formal inter county activity demonstrates a commitment to long term player development rather than short term inter county success which has no correlation with inter county performance in future years. In this context, this new format represents an age appropriate pathway for players to start out at representative level in Cork".
Games commenced in football on Monday 6th May with further games pencilled in over the next four months in both hurling and football. Modified rules are in place to ensure swift movement of the ball and to encourage quick decision making from players.
Pictured are Ronan Dwane (Cork Coaching Officer) Eoghan O Connor & Jim Healy Rebel Óg Officers, Tracey Kennedy (Cork GAA Chairperson) and Kevin O Callaghan (Games Manager) at the launch of the u14 Development Leagues in both hurling and football which will involve over 400 players across 8 regional teams over the summer.