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Seán Óg Ó hAilpín ( Cork Hurler ) – Eat well, sleep well and train well.
WELCOME TO ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Welcome to our Parents’ Information Page, where we aim to support you as your child begins or continues their journey in sport. Whether your family is new to sport, gaelic games or already part of a community, this guide will help you understand what to expect in terms of the GAA, how gaa clubs operates, and how you can get involved. The GAA is built on teamwork, respect, and community spirit, and we have no doubt that your club whether gaelic or otherwise will be delighted to
have you and your child as part of it.
The GAA is more than just a sports organisation—it’s a community that helps young people grow through teamwork, dedication, and a love of Gaelic games. Parental and guardian support plays a vital role in this journey, providing encouragement, helping children stay committed, and reinforcing the values of respect and fair play. When families are involved, players feel more confident, connected, and motivated, creating a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
How can Parents/Guardians help?
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Encourage your child to enjoy the game and focus on doing their best.
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Attend training sessions and matches when possible to show support.
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Promote positive behaviour, fair play, and respect for coaches, referees, and teammates.
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Help with transport, equipment, or simple tasks around the club.
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Volunteer when you can—every little bit contributes to the team and community.
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Communicate with coaches and stay informed about schedules and expectations.
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Celebrate effort and improvement rather than just results or winning.
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Foster a balanced approach to sport, school, rest, and fun.
ENCOURAGE
POSITIVE
BEHAVIOUR
VOLUNTEER
COMMITMENT
TO ENSURING CHILDREN ATTEND ALL TRAINING SESSIONS
CELEBRATE EFFORT RATHER THAN WINNING
ATTENDANCE
HELP WITH EQUIPMENT OR TRANSPORT
COMMUNICATE WITH COACHES
BALANCE
REST & PLAY
Children and young people enjoy Gaelic games more when their parents are positively involved. This support not only helps them stay playing for longer but also gives them the best chance to reach their full potential. By taking time to reflect on their own behaviour, parents can ensure that the encouragement they give contributes positively to their child’s development, confidence, and overall enjoyment of the game.
John Gardiner ( Cork hurler ) – All you need is a hurl, a ball and a wall to improve your game. GPA hurler of the year 2005.
HOME PRACTICE
We understand that many parents and guardians may be unsure about what kind of practice their children can do at home. We invite parents to support each other by demonstrating various skills which we can share in our gallery.
Credit: INNOVO Ins
Welcome to the Duhallow GAA Coaching Home Skills Gallery
At Duhallow GAA Coaching, we are committed to supporting players, coaches, parents and clubs in developing skills, confidence and a lifelong love of Gaelic games.
Our Home Skills Gallery encourages young players to stay active and keep practising outside of team training.
We are inviting parents to submit short videos (30-60 secs) of their children, proudly wearing their home club colours, demonstrating a skill in:
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Football
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Hurling
It could be a strong solo run, a sharp hand pass, a high catch, a clean jab lift, controlled wall strike, or accurate point-taking — every skill counts.
This gallery will:
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Encourage regular home practice
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Build confidence and creativity
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Strengthen the connection between players, coaches, parents and clubs
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Celebrate club identity across Duhallow
Together, we can keep skills sharp and the Duhallow spirit strong — at home and on the pitch.
Suggestion!
Hi, My name is
Joe & I'm from
Millstreet GAA,
And I'm going to
show a Roll Lift
in Hurling!
Don't forget to wear your club gear
***Upon submission on your video you will receive a consent to upload the video as per GDPR regulations.
Solo & Turn Challenge
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Set up 4–6 cones (or household objects).
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Solo around them using both feet.
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Add a sharp turn at each cone.
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Time the run and try to beat your score.
Wall Pass Accuracy
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Mark a target square on a wall.
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Strike or hand pass the ball to hit the target.
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Count how many accurate passes in 30 seconds.
High Catch Practice
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Parent or sibling throws high balls.
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Player times their jump and catch.
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Focus on strong hands and safe landing.
Kick Passing Accuracy
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Set up buckets or targets at different distances.
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Aim to land the ball into or close to the target.
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Practice with both left and right foot.
📩 Submit your video to: duhallowgaacoaching@outlook.ie
Active at Home. Proud of Your Club. Part of Duhallow.
Jab Lift
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Place the sliotar on the ground.
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Perform 10 clean jab lifts in a row.
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Progress to moving jab lifts.
Wall Strike Control
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Strike the sliotar against a wall.
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Control and return it cleanly.
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Focus on first touch and quick reaction.
Ground Strike Accuracy
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Set up ground targets.
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Strike along the ground aiming for accuracy rather than power.
Balance & Coordination
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Stand on one leg while balancing the sliotar on the hurley.
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Walk 10 steps without dropping it.
As a Parent, what do I need to do ?
1. Foireann
Foireann (Irish for “team”) is an online membership and administration system used by Irish sports organisations—most commonly clubs under the GAA (and also LGFA & Camogie).
What is Foireann?
It’s a central portal where players, parents, coaches, and volunteers:
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Register as club members
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Pay membership fees
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Confirm consent and safeguarding details
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Manage player profiles (especially for underage players)
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Access official communications from the club/county
Think of it as the official database that proves you are a registered, insured member.
Why do you need to join?
You’re usually asked to join Foireann for one or more of these reasons:
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You can’t play without it
Registration on Foireann is required for:-
Player eligibility
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Insurance coverage during training and matches
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Insurance & safeguarding
The GAA and related organisations require accurate records for:-
Injury insurance
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Child protection and GDPR compliance
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Club administration
Clubs use Foireann to:-
Track who has paid membership
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Manage teams and age grades
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Communicate official notices
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Parents & underage players
Parents/guardians must use Foireann to:-
Register children
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Give consent
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Update medical or contact details
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Do you always have to use it?
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Players: Yes, if you want to train or play officially
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Parents: Yes, for underage members
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Coaches/volunteers: Yes, often required for vetting and roles
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Social members: Usually yes, if the club registers all members centrally
2. Tobar
Tobar is the official eLearning and development platform of the GAA.
The word tobar means “well” or “source” in Irish—here it means a source of learning.
What is Tobar used for?
Tobar is where the GAA delivers online courses and learning modules, especially for people involved in clubs. It’s used for:
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Coaches – Foundation, safeguarding, and development modules
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Volunteers & officers – roles like secretary, treasurer, PRO
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Safeguarding training – Child Safeguarding 1 (often mandatory)
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Club administrators – governance, GDPR, best practice.
Why are you being asked to use Tobar as a parent?
Most commonly, because you:
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Are coaching or helping with a team
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Are a club officer or volunteer
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Need to complete mandatory safeguarding training
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Are starting a GAA coaching pathway
Many clubs cannot allow you to coach or volunteer unless required Tobar courses are completed.
How Tobar relates to Foireann
They are connected but different:
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Foireann → membership, registration, insurance
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Tobar → training, learning, and certification
You usually log into Tobar using the same email as your Foireann account.
Do players need Tobar?
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Adult players: usually no
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Underage players: no
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Coaches/volunteers: yes, very often
