Small number of GAA Clubs hosting Cul Camps this summer
By Shane Brophy
Ten North Tipperary clubs have opted not to host Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps this summer.
Last week, the GAA announced plans for the staging of the 2020 Cúl Camps to get underway on July 20th after recent developments with the Government and GAA roadmaps, and extensive planning relating to health and safety, mean details for this year’s camps can now be confirmed.
However, clubs in Ballina, Borrisokane, Burgess, Kilruane MacDonaghs, Moneygall, Newport, Portroe, Silvermines, Templederry Kenyons and Toomevara have confirmed they not hosting a camp, focusing instead on a safe return to training and play for their members.
Just five clubs in the locality are currently set to host Cul Camps; Inane Rovers/Roscrea, Kiladangan, Knockshegowna, Lorrha and Nenagh Eire Og (to be confirmed) are going ahead, as well as Sean Treacys in the West division. Ballinahinch, Borris-Ileigh and Shannon Rovers have not hosted camps in recent years.
However, with fewer clubs operating camps this year, it has led to fears that some clubs will be swamped by applicants from neighbouring clubs looking to take part but Tipperary GAA Games manager Dinny Maher said priority will go to members in their respective clubs.
“We will be ensuring that members of the host clubs get first call on attending their camp,” he said.
Dinny Maher added they are adopting a “one child one club” policy in that a child doesn’t attend multiple camps in different clubs which is against public health guidelines.
To allow for all health and safety measures, capacity at certain camp venues may be reduced and in some instances demand for places will outstrip availability so early booking is advised.
For the people who had pre-registered for 2020 camps that may not be taking place or do not wish to attend a camp that is going ahead, they have been contacted with three options; 1) a full refund; 2) a delivery of kit and a refund of the remaining amount or 3) priority for a place on one of the re-scheduled camps.
The Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps kit is a huge part of the camps with mass appeal among primary school children. Given current circumstances and the reduced number of clubs hosting camps, it has prompted the GAA to make the kit available for sale for children who may not get the option to participate in the 2020 camp programme. The kit will be available for sale online at gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps.
A list of all venues will be confirmed on the cúl camp website gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps were bookings are open from today (Wednesday). The prices are as follows; First child - €65; Second child - €60; Third+ children - €50.
Camp times may be altered in selected venues due to the current circumstances: Morning: (9.30am to 1.30pm); Mid-morning: (10.00am to 2.00pm); Afternoon: (2.30pm to 6.30pm).
As part of the Cul Camp experience, the GAA along with TG4 are also airing a new television programme to get kids warmed up from next Monday, 29th June.
This first phase of camp activity will be broadcast Monday to Friday from 10.25 to 11.00am and repeated at 5.15pm from June 29th to July 17th. It will also be available on the TG4 player making the return to camp activity, both live and on demand, available to everyone at home and abroad.
The series will include skills, drills, games, nutrition, and wellness segments that will appeal to all the family from multiple All-Ireland winning Cork Camogie and Football star, Rena Buckley, Dublin hurler Liam Rushe and former Donegal footballer star Kevin Cassidy.