Slí an Bhaireora

Slí an Bhaireora is a video resource to support the development of goalkeeping skills. Produced by Kerry man and Goalkeeping coach Micí Ó Sé in conjunction with GAA Games Development and Foras na Gaeilge the online resource is available to view using the links below.

As the progressive world of Gaelic football develops, systems, tactics and philosophies of the game are constantly changing, and so with it is the role of the goalkeeper. With the advent of the modern game that is total football, no longer is the goalkeeper just the last one BACK, but also the first one FORWARD. However, as they stand alone between the posts, they remain the number one specialist on the field of PLAY.

The importance of structure that aids and facilitates young goalkeepers cannot be overstated. Though research and practical application have created newer and more effective methods of training, often the fundamentals of PLAY are lost or ignored in the pursuit of results.

Also in the formative years of learning and even today as we proceed with our endeavours, we may be restricted by experiences, information or methods we have learned, are learning or continue to use. Some of these may be inadequate, inappropriate or no longer useful.

To enable young goalkeepers to realise their full potential, a process needs to be put in place so they can develop at their own time and pace, without interference. As their needs are addressed they discover, explore and master the skills of PLAY, while learning to integrate and function as individuals and as part of a team.

The key word is PLAY. Our youth today are conditioned by an educational system geared towards results. Their beliefs and values are eroded by an environment of commerce and control. Let us not bring that world onto the playing fields of our games. Play is defined as the ability to amuse oneself or recreation. As Gaeilge “ a beith ag spraoi”. Which stems from “spriorad” or spirit. Our culture is grounded in the spirit of fair play “cothrom na feinne”. Can we KEEP to our traditional GOALS.

Maybe there is a goalkeeper in all of us? Could “Slí na Bhaireadóir” be one of our guides along the road to the field of dreams?

Perhaps we are all travellers and most of us don’t know where we are going. The adventure is IN the journey, not the arriving.

Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh said.

English language versions of the resource will be available soon on dvd from GAA Games Development and Micí Ó Sé. All proceeds go to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin.

To contact Micí Ó Sé call 086 1562447

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