THE GAA and Kellogg’s have revealed this year’s Cúl Camps were the most successful ever – with over 100,000 children attending over the summer.
According to figures 102,384 boys and girls attended camps during July and August – a 15 % increase of 13,362 children on 2014.
A total of 1,100 camps were held across the 32 counties as boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 13 learned the skills of Gaelic games in a fun and safe environment under the wing of many qualified coaches.
In Kilkenny, camps had been held at Clara, Erin’s Own, Freshford, Graiguenamanagh, Mullinavat, Piltown, Thomastown and St. Kieran’s College while in Carlow, camps were hosted at Ballon, Mount Leinster Rangers, Br. Leo Park, McGrath Park, Myshall, Naomh Eoin and St. Mullins amongst other local grounds.
Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps football ambassador and Donegal footballer Karl Lacey was at Croke Park yesterday to mark the milestone figures.
GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “This is a superb result for our Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps and one that underlines their continued appeal to parents and young players alike.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank our clubs for the role they play in not only hosting the camps but in attracting boys and girls to what are enjoyable days during their summer holidays.
“Thanks also to Kellogg’s for their role in promoting the camps far and wide and we look forward to many more years of successful partnership and well attended camps.”
Speaking on behalf of Kellogg’s Jim McNeill, Managing Director Kellogg’s Ireland, said “What a fantastic achievement to reach the milestone of 100,000 registrations – every year Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps have got bigger and better and the record number of sign-ups this year shows the formula is absolutely right for kids and parents in the holidays. We are proud to support the GAA on delivering such a great initiative.”
Meanwhile Olwyn Hastings (9) from Westport, Co Mayo and Ava Doyle from Avoca, Co Wicklow have won an exclusive a GAA coaching clinic courtesy of Kellogg’s for their respective clubs with GAA legends – former Kilkenny hurler Henry Shefflin and Donegal footballer Karl Lacey. The lucky winners were selected from over 4,000 entries to the competition, which was launched to celebrate this year’s Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps.
Karl will be visiting Ava Doyle at Avoca GAA Club in Co Wicklow while Henry will be travelling to Westport GAA Club to coach Olwen Hastings and her fellow club members. Both the winners and their clubs are delighted with the news and look forward to learning some new skills and playing with legends of the game.
