Byrne twins video over 100 activities and fun challenges for young GAA players

By John Harrington

Twin sisters and Dublin GAA Games Promotion Officers, Emma and Louise Byrne, have risen to the challenge of keeping young GAA players active at a time when no collective training is allowed.

They’ve produced three videos detailing over 100 activities incorporating athletic development movements and fun challenges.

Little space or equipment is required for the activities, just plenty of energy to burn.

“The idea came around that we can't physically coach children at present, but using the cameras and video equipment in the corner of our room decided to create this resource to encourage everyone to get out in the back garden and get active and put a smile on peoples faces,” Emma Byrne told GAA.ie

“It also gave us a break from the cabin fever too and we had as much fun doing the games ourselves as anything else!

"It's very important to keep their minds and bodies active so these exercises should hopefully give our young players a bit of fun too. They can do them with their siblings and parents and it will hopefully put smiles on their faces.

"There's so much you can do in the back garden and if it's raining you can do an awful lot of these games inside as well if you clear a space in the dining-room or wherever and just let them at it.”

Talented footballers themselves with local club Corduff Gaels in Monaghan, Emma and Louise have been Games Promotion Officers for the last four years in Dublin with the St. Vincent’s and Skerries Harps clubs respectively.

Their roles involve coaching children in local feeder primary schools, delivering coach education/workshops, running and organising various camps along with nursery activities and games development initiatives.

The dynamic duo are also are also performance analysts with the Kilkenny senior hurling team and have set up their own business, Byrne Performance, offering clubs and teams various services including video analysis, fitness testing and GPS analysis.

Their initiative to keep young GAA players active over the coming weeks is just one of many being implemented by Games Promotion Officers, coaches and clubs over the country.

In difficult times, the Association’s coaching community has risen to the challenge.

"It's great, everyone is helping each other and sharing ideas and resources,” says Byrne. “The more we can do to help keep everyone active and busy, the better."

The three videos that the Byrne sisters have produced can be viewed below.