Rebel Óg Coaching to run Cúl Camps at Cork venues including Páirc Uí Chaoimh

CÚL Camps in Cork fill clubs in the city and county every summer with the sound of sliotars being pucked, footballs being kicked and children laughing.

This year is different, with Covid-19 restrictions and pressure on club volunteers in trying to get all their teams back up and running, just nine clubs committed to hosting Cúl Camps: Ballinora, Ballydesmond, Blarney, Brian Dillons, Iveleary, Kiskeam, Muintir Bhaire, Passage West, and St Michael’s.

That was a staggering drop from the 122 held in Rebel county last year.

Since the majority of clubs decided to cancel their week-long events, restrictions have eased somewhat, with full-contact training and challenge matches allowed.

As a consequence, the staff at Rebel Óg Coaching have stepped up to organise a host of extra Cúl Camps from the end of the month of players aged six to 13, including two weeks at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Cork's Games Development Administrators will run the camps in conjunction with local clubs and there is a spread of venues, stretching from Newmarket to Castlehaven, from Mallow to Lisgoold. Midleton native Paudie O'Brien is the co-ordinator and he made the announcement about the development via Twitter.

Venues listed include Mayfield, Lisgoold, Argideen Rangers, Mallow, Skibbereen, Inniscarra, Kilbrittain, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Newmarket, Castlehaven, Donoughmore, Kinsale, Glanworth, Macroom, Clonakilty, Ballymartle, Glantane and Kilmurry.

Booking is online via the website: 

https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/booking/?county=Cork&venue=152&week=2

A statement explained: "Rebel Óg Coaching are delighted to announce details of new Kelloggs Cúl Camps venues for 2020. The camps will commence from July 27 and are strategically placed to allow boys and girls (aged between six and 13) from all areas of the county the opportunity to attend.

"With over 20,000 children attending in 2019 in Cork, the camps are by far the most popular sports camp in the county. County Games Manager, Kevin O'Callaghan outlined that due to Covid-19 many clubs have opted not to run camps in 2020.

"Therefore GDAs have taken on the roll-out of camps across the county. He also pointed out that spaces are limited and booking is online only. All necessary protocols in relation to sanitation will be adhered to in line with the return to play protocols already in place for GAA activities.

"Booking is available on www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie Demand is expected to be high so people are advised to book without delay."

GAA activity is cranking up all across Cork now for all kids, with the younger age groups from U6 starting to return to training, Rebel Óg league games at U12, U14 and U16 about to begin and other teams involved in challenge matches with local rivals.

From July 26 the senior championships will throw-in with a feast of matches.