Tag Archives: James Murrihy

NEW YOUNG GAA All-Stars will show they are a match for the best when they showcase their skills on the biggest day in the Clare football calendar. Two groups of children with additional needs from Corofin and Éire Óg will demonstrate what skills they have learned and the fun they derive from participating in Gaelic Games before the Clare senior football decider in Cusack Park this Sunday. This initiative was the brainchild of Adrian Beakey from Corofin All-Stars who asked Clare sports inclusion disability officer, James Murrihy last May, if he could organise a slot for their group to play in Cusack Park before one of the county finals. While most teams have to win a championship in their county grounds before they can even dream of playing in Croke Park, Corofin All-Stars played in the GAA’s national hallowed stadium off Jones’ Road on August 22 last before their Cusack Park debut. Having secured a new kit of Corofin jerseys, …

Following the GAA Autism Summer Camp, sports inclusion disability officer, James Murrihy recalled the Clare Sports Partnership (CSP) wanted to build on the example set by Tulla and Derg AC by using this template for a similar programme in Corofin GAA club. What followed was the first Corofin All Stars programme for children with additional needs “An inclusive programme will only work if there is a drive and participation from volunteers within the club,” Murrihy pointed out. “It is also important to set up a sustainability plan with the help of the CSP to ensure it doesn’t end after six weeks. CSP can provide training and education for volunteers as well as advising them about grants for equipment.” Read Dan Danaher’s full report on the project here

THE organisers of the first Corofin All Stars programme for children with additional needs are thrilled with the success of their innovative pilot project, writes Dan Danaher. In fact, the success of the first dedicated programme for children with special needs in a Clare GAA club exceeded the expectations of Eimer Ni Riain, Crystel Robbins Rynne and Adrian Beakey. On Sunday, some of the Intermediate footballers and coaches dropped into the start of a new programme of training children in GAA skills. Ms Ni Riain, who has 30 years experience as an occupational therapist, doesn’t have any child involved in the sessions. The practice education co-ordinator on the occupational programme in the University of Limerick saw there was a gap for children with special needs who weren’t participating in sporting activities. “The programme helps children with special needs to engage with other children in a fun and safe way that is different to going to therapy and school. “In addition …

THIRTEEN children with additional needs from Broadford, Tulla and Sixmilebridge, thoroughly enjoyed a six-week inclusive athletics programme in Tulla. That’s the verdict from one of the coaches and child psychologist, Louise Fitzsimons, following the completion of the pilot project on Saturday, which was facilitated by Tulla Athletics’ Club and Clare sports inclusion disability officer, James Murrihy. Other coaches included Sarah Shally, teacher for the early intervention ASD class in Stonehall National School, Antonio Raffa, Sixmilebridge, who is heavily involved in athletics, Lucy Hughes, Michelle Greene, and Kelly Ann Brady, primary school teacher. Ms Fitzsimons said the coaches and volunteers have learned a lot over the six weeks about how to organise sessions and support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in getting used to different activities that suits their own particular needs. It is hoped to continue with more sessions during the summer with a review in August. “All children will not transition quickly or easily to the main athletics …