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🎙� THE FUTURE OF LAOIS GAA IS BEING BUILT NOW

What happens after the cup is lifted?

The real work begins.

From bringing the Joe McDonagh Cup into primary schools, to developing the next generation of Laois players, improving Cúl Camps, supporting coaches and delivering a National Féile to remember, Episode 15 of the Laois Games and Gaels Podcast goes behind the scenes of the work shaping the future of Gaelic games in the county.

Shane Keegan and Dean Malone discuss:

🏆 Bringing Laois success into local schools
🔵 The progress of the county's underage academy teams
📲 A new coaching resource for every club in Laois
🟢 The honest story behind this year's Cúl Camps
🤝 The volunteers driving Setanta and O'Moore Óg
🔥 How Laois delivered a National Féile to be proud of

This is about more than results.

It is about inspiring children, supporting coaches, strengthening clubs and giving the next generation every possible chance to succeed.

🎧 Listen to Episode 15 now:

https://laoisgaa.ie/laois-games-gaels-podcast/

#LaoisGAA #LaoisGamesAndGaels #GaelicGames #Hurling #GaelicFootball #FutureOfLaoisGAA

Laois GAA continues to make serious strides at underage and schools level and Episode 14 of the Laois Games & Gaels Podcast gives a brilliant insight into the work happening right across the county.

A few standout takeaways:

🏆 Heywood CS crowned Leinster B Second Year Hurling champions after defeating Johnstown 1-14 to 2-9

📈 Nearly 700 children signed up across the Setanta and O'Moore Óg programmes this summer

👏 Huge volunteer coaching support from clubs all across Laois helping drive standards forward

🔥 Strong academy performances against counties like Tipperary, Mayo, Galway and Offaly

🏟 Féile 2026 preparations ramping up with Laois hosting on June 20th

🟢 Growing integration between schools, clubs and county development structures

There's still plenty of work ahead, but there are very clear green shoots appearing across coaching, participation and player development in Laois.

Worth a listen for anybody interested in where underage GAA in the county is heading.

🎙 Podcast:
https://laoisgaa.ie/laois-games-gaels-podcast/

🎙� Episode 13 of the Laois Games and Gaels Podcast is one every Laois supporter should hear.

There is honest and open discussion on the minor football campaign after Tuesday night's disappointment, real reflection on where Laois underage football stands right now, and serious conversation around what more can be done to strengthen the pathway for future county teams.

The lads also dig into:
🏐 The under-20 footballers' must-win clash with Meath and their push to keep the championship alive
🔥 The strong progress of the under-19 football squad and why that grade is proving so important
🟢 The minor hurlers stepping up to Tier 1 to face Galway
⚔️ The under-20 hurlers' battle to reach a Leinster quarter-final
🏆 Féile hurling review after Portlaoise's dramatic title win and a preview of football Féile next weekend
⭐ Full academy fixture rundown as Laois development squads face a massive weekend of action
🌞 Setanta, O'Moore Óg, Go Games and summer programme launches that will shape the months ahead

A lot of big questions are raised, and plenty of talking points for supporters to debate.

Listen now and have your say: https://laoisgaa.ie/laois-games-gaels-podcast/

🎙� NEW PODCAST – LAOIS GAMES AND GAELS EPISODE 12

A new episode of the Laois Games and Gaels Podcast is now live and it's a really interesting one for anyone involved in Gaelic games in the county.

Shane Keegan and Dean Malone take a deep dive into what has been happening across Laois GAA in recent weeks, from the Laois Gaels matchday experience for young players, to the ongoing work being done with coach education, development squads and club support across the county.

One of the big themes discussed is the challenge facing every GAA club today – how do we win the battle for young players' attention in a world full of screens, other sports and competing distractions? The episode explores the initiatives being put in place to help keep young players engaged and involved in Gaelic games.

There are also important updates for clubs and supporters on young whistlers, nursery coaching, Easter camps, Go Games planning, county underage squads and post-primary schools activity.

If you are involved in a club, coach a team, have kids playing, or simply want to stay up to date with what is happening across Laois GAA, this episode is well worth a listen.

🎧 Listen to Episode 12 here:
https://laoisgaa.ie/laois-games-gaels-podcast/

Give it a listen and feel free to share with anyone involved in Gaelic games across the county.

🎧 Laois Games & Gaels Podcast – Coaching Workshop Preview

The latest episode of the Laois Games & Gaels Podcast with Shane Keegan and Dean Malone is now live, with a quick "snap pod" previewing this Saturday's Laois GAA Hurling Coaching Workshop at the Centre of Excellence.

The workshop will feature Tommy Dunne and Jason Ryan, two hugely respected coaches who will be sharing their insights on session design, planning training sessions, and developing decision-making players.

The morning will include both presentations and practical coaching sessions, making it a great opportunity for coaches to pick up ideas they can bring straight back to their clubs.

🕚 Saturday, March 7th
📍 Laois GAA Centre of Excellence
⏰ 11am – approx. 1.30/2pm

The workshop is open to coaches from U13 right up to senior level, and even coaches from other sports may take valuable ideas from the sessions.

🎧 Listen to the podcast episode here:
https://laoisgaa.ie/laois-games-gaels-podcast/

🎟 Individual Coach Ticket (€25):
https://laoisgaa.ie/tickets/?ftredirect=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawQWPm9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExQVk5Z3VrUEt5RXBkMFE0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmQ9IQq-ZD4sWTFHI16QWgMUkTnQVJbB3qbD-d2M6Frv1nnebLvTA01znBhK_aem_AfzYJCJEtMsy9qNhDyEpsQ

🏑 Club Ticket (€100 – unlimited coaches):
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hrxFrNSvpUKfwz6H4bd_zho-wlWelRNGp-aSXPNW_PxUOExSRFJPWUM5NTNLWUYxT0kzVUlYNDNNWS4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawQWPqdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExQVk5Z3VrUEt5RXBkMFE0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgDOJxFKZfxejsO8dmdX1BzNzkMPyI7YYePHS7pO5-Fld3kSNuBr0s1ICkAU_aem_SH9CXrRXhmCdaX4BYiH4KQ&route=shorturl

Well worth attending for anyone involved in coaching or player development.

📍 Laois Hire O'Moore Park – Laois Games and Gaels Podcast

O'Moore Park continues to evolve.

On the latest Laois Games and Gaels Podcast, John Kelly provides a detailed facilities update for Laois Hire O'Moore Park.

🔹 Main pitch fully redrained
🔹 New sprinkler system installed
🔹 Digital scoreboard upgrade completed
🔹 Improved disability access areas
🔹 Age Friendly Stadium audit planned
🔹 Dressing room and press facility upgrades being explored

These improvements are part of a broader strategy to enhance matchday experience, accessibility and long term sustainability at Laois' premier GAA venue.

🎧 Hear the full facilities update here:
https://laoisgaa.ie/laois-gaa-podcast-facilites-update/

Continuous improvement. Strategic investment. Planning for the future of Laois GAA.

🎙� Laois Games & Gaels Podcast, Episode 10

If you're involved in a Laois club in any capacity, player, coach, parent, officer, this episode is well worth your time. It gives a clear picture of what is actually happening across Laois GAA and inside the Centre of Excellence.

Episode 10 covers:

• Laois Gaels continuing to grow strongly, with over 300 members already on board and plans outlined to drive further club and academy involvement.

• A 5km fun run confirmed, starting and finishing at the Centre of Excellence, open to academy players, families, and the wider public, with funds going back into coaching and games.

• Huge demand for coach education, highlighted by a football workshop recently attended by close to 70 coaches, and confirmation of an upcoming hurling workshop with All-Ireland winning coaches,Jason Ryan and Tommy Dunne.

• Nearly 20 Laois clubs are now running structured athletic development programmes linked to academy squads.

👉 Listen here: https://laoisgaa.ie/laois-games-gaels-podcast/

🎙� NEW PODCAST OUT NOW, Laois Games & Gaels Episode 8

A packed episode covering the big structures behind Laois GAA in 2026 👇

🔵 Laois Gaels 2026 officially launched
Membership packs, new hat design, kids packs, academy funding explained

🏃 Coach Education & Development window now open
ICGG courses, Award 1 details, workshops, and why this period matters

📊 Academy squads explained
Selection process, transparency, parental involvement, open door policy

🏫 Schools, GPOs & Intern Programme update
More schools covered than ever, first year hurling blitz v Offaly schools

🏃�♂️ Laois GAA 5km Fun Run, February 28th
Open to clubs, families, runners, and supporters

🎧 Listen in full here

👉 https://laoisgaa.ie/laois-games-gaels-podcast/

🎙� Episode 7 is LIVE, Laois Games & Gaels Podcast

Shane Keegan and Dean Malone are back with a full catch-up and a big look ahead to 2026 👀

✅ Interns and primary school coaching plans
✅ Post-primary success, Knockbeg and Mountrath
✅ Coach Ed updates, ICGG, nursery workshop, Award 1
✅ Athletic Development course, final date Saturday Jan 10th
✅ Laois Gaels returns for 2026 with new packs
✅ Social media changes, Laois Games & Gaels from Jan 1

🎧 Listen here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lE56ywoL4xLIlJSvv6Qkk

#LaoisGAA #LaoisGaels #GAA #CoachEducation

In Episode 6 Shane & Dean discuss:

* Primary Schools Activity

* Athletic Development Course

* Academy's up and running

* Post Primary Coaching & Games

* Hurling Nua Program

* Club Surveys


https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gL9mReCPeu1tVQfoOvEol

Laois Games & Gaels Podcast Episode 5️⃣


https://open.spotify.com/episode/66gJxWeLzN8YPTO7633e2E

🎧 New Episode – Laois Games & Gaels Podcast (Ep. 4)

Shane Keegan and Dean Malone are back this week with another packed episode, chatting about the upcoming Cumann na mBunscol finals, the Heritage Flag programme in schools, blitzes at the Centre of Excellence, new coaching initiatives, and the brand new Coach Recognition Awards 🏐🏑

Tune in now and have a listen ⬇️
🔗 https://open.spotify.com/show/6BCoFHX4U56H01l2v84pZ7

Episode 3 Highlights – "Whiteboards & Wristy Hurls"

🖥� Gaelic Time pilot launched in St Abban's Killeen – GAA coaching on interactive whiteboards.
🏑 Come On wristy hurls in Castletown NS – 50 mini hurls, smiley-face cues, power button grip.
🏳� 13 schools sign up to the Heritage Flag programme.
🏐 First Year Blitz lights up the Centre of Excellence – CBS v Knockbeg rivalry continues.
🪓 Hurling Nua gear packs arrive for Mountmellick & Clonad.
👦 O'Moore Óg thriving with 120+ U10s and 70+ U11s, U12s to finish with Faithful Fields trip.
📊 Academy reviews with Chris Conway & Trevor Kelly – lessons locked in for 2026.
🏆 Senior Football Final confirmed – Portarlington v Courtwood – plus U9 halftime games to inspire the next generation.

📞 The lads also want YOUR feedback — Shane (087 657 7256) & Dean (085 202 1161) welcome calls and ideas from clubs, schools and supporters.

🎧 Listen here: Games & Gaels – Episode 3 on Spotify

👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OlhwKE2oeZTQxO3X5draN

Games & Gaels Ep. 2 🎙�

Shane Keegan & Dean  Malone dig into the big Laois GAA Development talking points this week

⚖️ Go Games — U7 or U8? No soloing in Hurling rule?

🏆 Laois & Carlow to host Féile 2026

🎓 Schools Heritage Flag & GAA homework

💪 Club Athletic Development Leads

👩�🎓 TY Future Leaders – new coaches & refs coming through

Plenty for clubs, schools & supporters to chew on.

Clink  Link below to listen in

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JmD4AFNNYRixPiVqJ9VxE

🎙� Check out Episode 1 of the brand-new Laois Games & Gaels Podcast!

Shane Keegan & Dean Malone from the Coaching & Games department bring you the latest updates on:
✅ Academies
✅ Post Primary
✅ Ó'Mórdha Óg
✅ And much more

Click Link below to listen in

https://open.spotify.com/show/25Z7GUEu5Z4rI7jgfjHEJM?si=soW_J1S2Rb6e6_qKCmK5QQ