Crosshaven GAA club eager to tap into young talent

Crosshaven GAA may be one of the smaller clubs in the Carrigdhoun division but they are on the rise, with an impressive underage section.

Perched just above Fort Camden, the club has certainly all the arsenal to make it to the big time, with facilities that boast two pitches, a ball alley and an impressive pavilion, with a recently added gym.

For its vice-chairman, John Middleton the future ambitions are clear. 

To compete at the highest level, getting the teams up playing at Junior A level, by winning a B South East and then win a B county, in both grades."

The dream isn’t that far away having recently beaten Valley Rovers in the final of the South East Junior B Football League and followed up their success with a win over their near-neighbours Carrigaline in the SE Junior B Football Championship.

A nursery programme initiated at the local primary schools is definitely producing a positive sign, including 130 kids attending the club’s Cúl Camp last week.

In addition, they're now playing competitively at all underage grades, with its U16 footballers lining out at the Premier 2 tier in the Rebel Óg competition, putting them in the top 16 at that age. Two of that group are in the Cork U16 development set-up: Oisin Buckley and Oisin Auzins. 

With the production line beginning to turn out players for the adult teams, club chairman, Michael O'Keeffe, said: “The four or five players coming through are going to make a difference." 

A link-up with Shamrocks GAA Club at minor level is an initiative that has provided games for players who might otherwise have lost out.

Conscious that many of its younger players are also playing other codes, including rugby, basketball and soccer, Middleton said they have a good relationship with those associations to ensure games don’t clash where possible.

At the end of the day, club chairman Michael O'Keeffe argues it's all about kids enjoying themselves and allowing them to sample all sports.

Like many other clubs, Crosshaven has gone down the road of the One Club model. Camogie has been established for some time and this year the club introduced ladies football.

Like many others, the One Club has brought its challenges and while they have liaised with other clubs on the subject, both agree it is early days and everyone is still finding their feet.

Of course, large numbers and extra facilities call for more background help, it’s the one area where the club needs urgent support.

There is always a welcome at Camden as many recent arrivals to the area from as far afield as Kerry, Galway and Clare have found. It is definitely an exciting project on hand at Crosshaven, one that will certainly be worth keeping an eye on.