29 players from Cork were among 370 players new inter-county panel members who attended the GPA’s 2024 Season of Rookie Camps which were held in Belfast, Cork, Dublin and Sligo over the last six weeks.
This year the GPA Rookie Camps were brought on a National Roadshow to each province, following the success of camps in Limerick and Dublin in 2023.
This was the sixth year of the camps, which are aimed at helping young players in their first, second or third year on a senior inter-county panel, to adapt to the new demands they are facing and also at showcasing the support they have at their disposal through the GPA.
CORK CAMP
The Cork GPA Rookie Camp, which was hosted in the pristine Páirc Úi Chaoimh, saw attendees introduced to Clare dual star Podge Collins and Offaly footballer Niall McNamee. Podge’s workshop focussed on financial literacy, guiding rookies on how to be ‘good with money’ as a student. He also gave tips that can help create a lifelong mindset shift when dealing with finances.
Niall McNamee shared his story of gambling addiction and how support from the GPA has supported his recovery and allowed him to fulfil life on and off the pitch. A panel discussion was also hosted by the GPA’s Head of Communications, Kieran McSweeney, with current players Dan Morrissey (Limerick hurling), Maria Curley (Tipperary football) and Damien Cahalane (Cork hurling). The panel shared insight into their experiences of their inter-county careers.
Those who attended the Munster Rookie Camp were Aoife Barrett, Millie Condon, Eimear Duignan, Clodagh Finn, Orlaith Mullins, Ciara O'Leary, Darragh Cashman, Ben Cunningham, Clare Mullins, Conor O Callaghan, Bríon Saunderson, Molly Burke, Aimee Corcoran, Rosie Corkery, Dearbhla Creed, Aine Hallahan, Leah Hallihan, Emma Hurley, Ellie Jack, Rachel Leahy, Amy Mcdonagh, Lydia Mcdonagh, Sadbh Mcgoldrick, Katie O Driscoll, Erika O Shea, Kate Redmond, Caoimhe Richmond, Abigail Ring, Kaitlin Smith.
The events nationwide all enjoyed alternative areas of focus, all of which align with the GPA’s vision of creating an environment that upholds the brilliance of our inter-county players and games, allowing them to excel as high-performing athletes on the pitch and in their lives off the pitch.”
