Underage

2021 Drumgoon Éire Óg coaching officer report

Drumgoon enjoyed another successful year on the playing fields in 2021. A total of nine
teams from U7 to senior represented the club with distinction this year. We have been in a
lucky position in Drumgoon to have such dedicated coaches and parents who give freely of
their time to encourage and facilitate the playing and enjoyment of games for so many
young people. In 2021 we had a total of 20 coaches working with our various juvenile teams
from nursery to u17. This is a massive boost for a small area to have so many quality
coaches willing to give their time and efforts with our teams. I would also encourage anyone
else who wishes to become involved in our player development to contact me and come on
board with our coaching team.0

U7

Thank you to John McDonald and his coaching team for their excellent guidance and
coaching of our youngest players this year. This age group is where children experience their
first taste of GAA with Drumgoon and it is essential that we have well educated, efficient
and caring coaches to facilitate their introduction to our games. Saturday mornings have
been a hive of activity on Boyle Park and the level of detail and care taken by the coaches at
this level has been of the highest standard. We thank them all sincerely for their efforts with
this group as they begin their journey with Drumgoon Éire Óg.

U9

This year saw the largest number of players ever at one age group in Drumgoon. A total of
32 U9 players registered at the start of the year and their enthusiasm and enjoyment of
Saturday mornings on Boyle Park was infectious to anyone who saw it. A very big thank you
to Martin Morris and his fellow coaches for their efforts and time given to such a large
number. They continuously implemented a high standard of coaching and facilitated and
attended numerous Go Games blitzes throughout the year. We hope to see all these young
players again progressing their skills on Boyle Park in the new year.

U11

Our U11s also developed excellently throughout 2021 and through may blitzes and training
sessions their progress was clear to see. Their skill set has improved greatly again and they
will in no doubt be ready for competitive competition from 2022 onwards when they join

the U13 squad. Thank you to Martin Clerkin and his coaching team for their time, efforts
and hard work with our U11s this year.

Cúl Camp

We were delighted to host the GAA Cúl camp again this year. Having not hosted last year
due to Covid 19 it was important for us to once again provide this wonderful week of skills
and fun for all our primary school children. A total of 110 children took part in games and
fun throughout the week and brought great colour and fun to Boyle Park during the
summer. Thank you to Aidan McCabe who was the camp facilitator and we wish him well as
he moves on from Cavan GAA coaching and games.

U13

The Drumgoon nursery and Go Games coaching over the past ten years has undoubtedly
been a massive success as the dam burst for our U13s in 2021. This fantastic group of
players won the county league and championship double. They performed heroically in both
competitions and thrilled us all with scintillating football week in and week out. They were
very deserving winners of Mountnugent in the league final and Naomh Bríd in the
championship final. While our main goal is the progression to the senior ranks of as many
players as possible, such wonderful achievements cannot be underestimated. This has given
a tremendous lift to all our underage players and to the club as a whole. We are very
thankful to Barry Crosson and his fellow coaches for the care, attention to detail and
commitment to this team in 2021. Congratulations to our double county champions.

U15

Our U15 squad had the most competitive league and championship of the year and they
stood up tall and were competitive to the end of the knock out stages of both league and
championship. Following a gruelling league campaign the boys were pipped in the semi final
by a very strong Lacken team who won the final handsomely. The strong performances of
this team continued into the championship were they progressed all the way to the final
and again were very unlucky to be just outdone by a very strong Cuchullains team. This
young Drumgoon team grew as a team this year and showed that they have the resilience
and determination to compete and give their all for the club. Thank you to Seamus Morris
and team for their guidance and progress of our U15 squad.

U17

Many years of coaching through our nursery and Go Games system culminated with our first
minor title in 18 years. A momentous night in Breifne Park for Drumgoon that will live long
in the memory. Our dedicated, determined and very skilful U17 team stormed all the way
to the final in the summer and after a tense game, they came out on top against a good
Castlerahan team. For Drumgoon to compete and beat big Cavan clubs like Castlerahan is a
testament to the attitude of our young players and the coaching and effort that as gone into
them from all the coaches from nursery to U17. The retention of players and putting the
development of the skills over winning at a young age is clear to be seen in this age group.
Prioritising team work ethic and progressing the fundamental skills of gaelic football has
allowed these young men to develop and perform to a very high standard. Thank you to
Philip McDermott and all the coaching team this year.

U20

It was very pleasing to see a Drumgoon team compete on our own in the U20 chanpionship
this year. Great victories over Ballinagh and Belturbet were followed by a very narrow loss ij
the championship final to Cornafean. A gallant last quarter come back just fell short. It was
uplifting to see some players return to play for the club who had missed a number of years
for various reasons. Thank you to all the players for their dedication in the cold winter
months and to Paddy McCabe and all the coaching team for preparing the team so well and
for giving us an exciting few weeks to end the year.

Reserve

2021 was a very disappointing year on the reserve front. We were only able to field a team
in one league game and missed out on the semi finals of the championship. The main reason
for the non fulfilment of league fixtures was due to an unprecedented amount of injuries on
the senior team, meaning many junior players were playing regularly with the seniors. With
3 new players coming up from the minor ranks, and many players returning to pay for the
u20s, it is hoped that our reserves will make a resurgence in 2022. Thank you to all the
players and to Damien Clarke for managing the team.

Seniors

This year saw a big restoration of pride back in the Drumgoon jersey. After a poor showing
last year, the squad put in some huge performances throughout the league and
championship and gave everyone hope that once again Drumgoon can compete with the
best. Under the guidance of Stephen McGovern , Paddy Sheanon and Aiden Brail it was clear
to see from the outset that 2021 was going to be a lot different to the previous year. The
team were organised, accountable and motivated. A large injury list did not dampen the
enthusiasm or effort throughout the league, where Drumgoon competed ferociously in
every game. Work rate and heart were there to be seen for all throughout the
championship. Luck deserted Drumgoon at crucial times in games that we should have won.
Many young players experienced the cut and thrust of championship football for the first
time and it is clear that under Stephen McGovern, this team is going to keep improving with
every game. We look forward to seeing them take the field again in 2022.

Thank you

To Jimmy, Margaret, Patricia & all the committee we thank you for your guidance,
encouragement and support throughout 2021. We have a small pool of coaches and players
but with the excellent support of our executive committee we have been able to provide
top level coaching and fun for all of our juvenile players.
Thank you to all the parent of our players who have been very supportive of our teams. Car
journey to and from games and countless trips to Boyle park have allowed your sons and
daughters to develop and become better every time they take the field.
Congratulation to Drumgoon Éire Óg LGFA and camogie sections on their outstanding
achievements in 2021.
Finally, thank you most sincerely to all my fellow coaches. Many sacrafices are made
throughout the year that go unsaid. We give up trips, family time and leisure time to
facilitate the growth of our club and those who represent us. You have all given tremendous
service to Drumgoon Éire Óg and we I am very grateful for your knowledge, understanding
and skills that you pass on to our young members.

Thank you
Aogán Óg Farrell