Bank of Ireland Celtic Challenge Coaching Corner - Kevin O'Donovan

Last year Kevin O’Donovan finished his term as Cork County Board Coaching Officer to take up a position as Vice-Chairman of the Executive.

For the past number of years O’Donovan was instrumental in changing the face of Cork underage GAA. He implemented significant programs from U.14 to U.17 level in both Hurling and Gaelic Football across areas including:  Go Games, Primary and Post Primary School Initiative, Development Squads as well as Coach Education for Mentors, Clubs and Schools.

Q. How important is the Bank of Ireland Celtic Challenge series?

A. It’s incredibly positive. Not everyone is born in a major hurling county and can realistically dream of winning an All-Ireland. The Celtic Challenge helps to balance the books.

Q. Why is that?

A. It gives more players access to the game. They have a schedule. They can play meaningful games. They can wear the county shirt having not made a minor team and they can aspire to getting back on that first team proper in major counites. In emerging counties they can dream of taking the next step knowing they have been at a solid structure.

Q. You said previously that not everyone takes the same route to an inter-county senior jersey. Can you explain what you meant?

A. In Cork we follow the GAA Player Pathway. A player takes a number of steps on his way to getting to where he wants to get to. Sometimes a young hurler gets knocked off course – competitions like the Celtic Challenge allow him to get back on track again. Didn’t make the county minor squad? Disappointed? Sure – but now tear into the Celtic Challenge, use it as a Plan B and get your name back out there again. We entered four Cork Celtic Challenge teams last year and people felt we were mad because it diluted our chances of winning. But we gave another 50 lads access to competitive hurling and long-term Cork will see the benefits of that.

Q. What do hurlers of this age group need most?

A. Well, some of them may be lacking confidence because they haven’t made the minor team. They need to find their footing again. The Celtic Challenge can start bullet-proofing a youngster again. It’s a chance to build confidence again in a competitive environment but one with a more developmental outlook.

Q.  What key characteristics should a Celtic Challenge hurler seek to improve?

A. Skills - they are probably at a decent level but even still they could and should be improved.

Speed - does a fella need to work a little more on his agility?

Decision-making - especially under pressure. That is often what determines the fate of a top- class hurler at this age group.

Psychology – resilience and strength of character are both hugely important. The first 10 minutes of a game at this level are important. Can a player get a foothold in the game and flourish from there? Do all you can to ensure you do.