Dublin GAA Coaching & Games Development Update- April 2026

Graduation

On Saturday March 14th the graduation of the 2025 Award 2 Child, Award 2 Youth/Adult Football and 2024 Coach Developer Course took place in Parnell Park.

As always, it was a wholesome day for the graduates and their family and friends who accompanied them. Graduates were presented with their certificates on the day.

A special presentation also took place, the Seán O’Toole Award was proudly presented by Seán’s daughter, marking a deeply meaningful moment for all in attendance. The award celebrates the enduring legacy of a remarkable coach, mentor, and educator whose influence continues to shape the coaching community.

Seán, a proud Galway native who dedicated much of his life to teaching and coaching in Leinster, was widely respected for his passion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to developing others. Through his work with the Leinster Master Tutor Group and his delivery of the Award 2 Child Course, he inspired countless coaches and young players, always emphasising character, teamwork, and lifelong values over results.

Remembered for his warmth, humour, and tireless dedication, Seán’s impact lives on through the many lives he touched. The presentation of this award by his family served as a fitting tribute, reminding us all of the true purpose of coaching — to inspire, support, and shape people for the better.

This year’s recipient was Ciaran O Murchu, from both the Award 2 Child and Award 2 Youth/Adult courses. The Seán O’Toole Award will continue to honour those who embody his spirit, ensuring his legacy endures for generations to come.

 Refreshments were provided after the ceremony and tickets to Croke Park for the double header featuring Meath vs Tyrone and Dublin vs Armagh that evening were given to all graduates.

Award 2 Hurling Day 4

Last Saturday was Day 4 of the Award 2 Youth/Adult Hurling Course which took place on DCU St Pats campus, Drumcondra.

In the morning coaches heard from Keith Begley who delivered a module on Psychological Focus. Entailing psychological factors that influence performance, which will help them develop a deeper understanding of how to train mental skills and implement sports psychology into their training environment.

After lunch they regrouped on the pitch to deliver their session plans featuring Team Play and Transition, which they had been working on from Day 3. The sessions were coached to U15 boys from Na Fianna and Whitehall Colmcille. Coach Developers were there to observe, assess and support the coaches.

We would like to thank DCU for the use of the room and pitch, Gourmet for the catering and the players representing Na Fianna and Whitehall.

Colm Crowley

The hurling coaching workshop- held on Friday, March 27th in the Indoor Arena at Abbotstown- proved to be an engaging and insightful evening for all involved.

Hosted by Colm Crowley, the session focused on developing coaches’ ability to effectively teach and reinforce the fundamental skills of hurling within realistic game scenarios, with particular relevance for those working at Nursery and Go Games levels.

Attendees gained valuable practical knowledge and fresh ideas to bring back to their own teams, enhancing player development in a fun and structured way.

A sincere thank you goes to the Under 15 Hurling Development Squad, whose energy, skill, and willingness to participate made the workshop both dynamic and highly beneficial for everyone in attendance.

Coaching and Games Development Upskilling

Two key Coaching and Games Development initiatives took place over consecutive weekends in March, highlighting ongoing investment in coach education across the Gaelic Games community.

On March 21st and 28th, Liam Moggan led the upskilling of 22 Coach Developer Assessors (CDAs), forming a national panel that will support quality assurance and assist coach developers delivering courses nationwide. This work is vital in sustaining the high standard of coach education, with approximately 14,000 participants engaging annually.

On March 28th, Yvonne Byrne facilitated a separate session for 14 current Trainers of Coach Developers. The workshop focused on role clarity, course content, and upcoming developments, including the new Trainer of Coach Developer Programme.

This programme will launch in April with 19 new participants beginning their journey to become Trainers of Coach Developers, further strengthening the coaching infrastructure and ensuring continued excellence in coach development across the Gaelic Games family.