Since the school opened at Foxwood, Rochestown in 2009, the management Principal and staff of Scoil Phádraig Naofa have sought to foster a sporting culture among its students. This was acknowledged by Chairman of Douglas Hurling & Football Club Fearghal Hayes, on a visit to the school on Friday 22nd March. Hayes noted how members of Douglas Hurling & Football Club have always been warmly received when visiting the school and hoped that this relationship would now be cemented, with the launch of a formal coaching structure that will complement the school’s ethos.


While addressing the teachers and students of the school, under-age coach Eddie Murphy noted the results of a 2011 study that linked the growing trends of childhood obesity and related illnesses with the sedentary lifestyles prevalent in modern society. Murphy confirmed that Douglas Hurling & Football Club recognises its responsibility in encouraging the young children of the community to embrace a physically active and healthy lifestyle. To support this commitment, Barry O’Donoghue and Martin McSweeney of the Douglas G.A.A. under-age and street leagues presented school Principal Fiodhna Ní Bhaoill with hurleys, sliotars and footballs.


Also, at the launch the club announced that senior players Martin Barry and Patrick Scannell will assume a central role in imparting the skills of hurling and football to the children. Principal, Fiodhna Ní Bhaoill thanked the club representatives for their contribution and referred to Martin Barry’s recent attainment of a Garda Youth Award when remarking how the Douglas G.A.A. coaches serve as valuable role models for the children in the community.