Coaching Conference 2024
By, Shay O’Donovan
CC 2024
This blog is a first hand account of the events that occurred at the Coaching Conference of 2024 through my eyes.
Enjoy!
As the first coach strolled past filled with enthusiasm and excitement as to what would
follow, I knew this was going to be a special day. Out the window the magic pitch slept
awaiting the big day, I could hear the roar and anticipation of the fans as their team
enter the battleground. The coaches continued to flow as the sun rose and anticipation
filled the air as I met many important and kind people such as Conor from Oxfordshire,
James Horan Mayo, Eoin Sweeney Mayo, Jack Hynes Galway, Colm and Mark
Scottstown and last but definitely not least John McCarthy Eire Óg Cork. All of whom
can help PlayUs in unique ways and are really appreciated by all at PlayUs and we
hope to be in contact with everyone. The day rolled on as teas and coffees were being
consumed at an alarming rate by coaches who had been up since sunrise to start their
journey to Croker from all over. I got to listen to Jim Gavin, James Horan and Colm Nally
discuss the new FRC rule enhancements which was amazing and all from PlayUs are delighted that they all got through. As the corridors filled with people inspired by the talk in
the Hogan suite, I got to meet legends who could hopefully help us grow PlayUs, Jim
Gavin Ballyboden St Endas and Jarlaith Burns GAA President who we would hope to
meet again as both are really important to the GAA and hopefully to PlayUs in times to
come. I then got to meet club and school coaches who are thriving and helping their
teams and schools succeed on and off the pitch John from Cavan Gaels, Martin from
Tarbet PPS, Peter Casey GDA Clare, Steven Sullivan Ballygunner, Enda Gallagher
Longford minors and Paul Lyons Clann Na Gael Dublin. The inspired coaches began to
leave filled with ideas in their tired heads after a long but informative day and I got to
meet Jimmy Doyle from Clubber and Declan Murphy from ClubZap who we hope to
meet in January and discuss further about developing all of our ideas and businesses. I
also met Paul McDonagh Limerick GAA, Selectors from the Cork GAA minor football
team, Willie Harmon and Lyn Savage from the LGFA who we hope to meet soon as well
to discuss the impact PlayUs could have on the LGFA and the last and one of the most
influential people I met was Tomas Meehan from Caltra and head of IT in the GAA, who
we also hope to have a meeting with and discuss how PlayUs could help the GAA
nationally. We packed up our table, took the elevator to the reception and walked out the door after a very successful day.
