So you are too old/fat/unfit/ delete as appropriate to play?

jalock20 · 08-07-2014 11:51pm

Hi guys,

Think I might have to transfer to a club in Dublin due to work commitments. Just wondering as to what would be the best way to get the ball rolling?

Peace · 09-07-2014 11:38am

jalock20 wrote: »

Hi guys,

Think I might have to transfer to a club in Dublin due to work commitments. Just wondering as to what would be the best way to get the ball rolling?

There are clubs all over Dublin of different sizes and different levels. If i were you i'd pick a small club at a similar level that you are used to and drop down for a few training sessions. This will give you the chance to see the setup, guage the level and friendliness of the club.

The transfer process is easy. The club secretary in your new club will get you sorted.

Do you know what part of the city you are moving to?

Brian Shanahan · 09-07-2014 3:22pm

jalock20 wrote: »

Hi guys,

Think I might have to transfer to a club in Dublin due to work commitments. Just wondering as to what would be the best way to get the ball rolling?

I'm not too sure if there is a deadline for inter-county transfers, there is for ones within a county, but if you've played championship with your current club you won't be able to play championship with your new one.

Your best bet is to talk to the secretary of your club about it. He/she will know the relevant regulations, and will in all probability have had to arrange a few transfers over the last number of years so will know what you need to do.

jalock20 · 09-07-2014 8:39pm

Peace wrote: »

There are clubs all over Dublin of different sizes and different levels. If i were you i'd pick a small club at a similar level that you are used to and drop down for a few training sessions. This will give you the chance to see the setup, guage the level and friendliness of the club.

The transfer process is easy. The club secretary in your new club will get you sorted.

Do you know what part of the city you are moving to?

Moving to Clontarf so already have a club in mind I would join. The best way so is probably to just get in touch with that club and take it from there?

mcmoustache · 18-07-2014 10:43pm

changepartners wrote: »

Are you an Irish language club?

Yes.

gavwaldo · 27-07-2014 12:43pm

anyone know of a radio station with the minor hurling match on?

rizzodun · 05-08-2014 11:55pm

Just lurking on thread and decided to post.

Started back playing football last year at 30, last played in school, played half forward and corner forward in the championship last year and total score tally was 1 point.

This year played corner forward and with all the training scored a goal in every game we played in the championship and we won the final. It may have been Junior C but we smashed what was considered the strongest team in the championship. Thoroughly enjoyed playing this year, still not the best but know my job a but better and I've been fortunate enough to have a few goals too!

To anyone taking back up the sport, go for it, a lot of small clubs are struggling with players moving abroad and while you may never be the best, they'll appreciate you coming out and keeping the club going.

wanderers ballyboden · 07-08-2014 3:38pm

Hi All

Ballyboden Wanderers GAA are running a Men's 7 aside on Saturday 13/9/2014. We are looking for players to play in this who are looking to get back into football or are looking to play in Dublin. This will be a great chance for you to come up and see what we can offer and also if you would like to take up the 15 a side game with us. You can PM me and I will get back to you.

Double G Brew · 18-08-2014 3:45pm

Hi Guys,

Looking to get into playing Gaelic Football, haven't played with a team since I was in school. Looking for something on the Northside of the city preferably around Beaumont. Standard wouldn't be great but would like to get involved. Does anyone know of any teams looking for players or does anyone have any advice on how to get started with a team, im not originally from Dublin so don't know anyone already involved.

Thanks

BKWDR · 18-08-2014 4:03pm

Double G Brew wrote: »

Hi Guys,

Looking to get into playing Gaelic Football, haven't played with a team since I was in school. Looking for something on the Northside of the city preferably around Beaumont. Standard wouldn't be great but would like to get involved. Does anyone know of any teams looking for players or does anyone have any advice on how to get started with a team, im not originally from Dublin so don't know anyone already involved.

Thanks

Two clubs i can think of the top of my head,

Whitehall Colmcille http://www.whitehallcolmcille.ie/

St Vincents http://www.stvincentsgaa.ie/

Both have large clubs with great facilities.

I think all clubs are happy to accept anyone so just contact them through site and ask when they train and turn up. I wouldn't worry about standard etc.
I turned up having never kicked a ball in my life earlier in this year and am enjoying the training and got my first run out there last Thursday. Stick with it , the hardest bit is turning up the first night.

G'luck

jcw7592 · 04-09-2014 5:04pm

Hi ,
Its been a long time since I played GAA , would love to give it a try again as still keep fit enough in other various sports. Only problem is no games available, its all astro turf soccer and flower arranging clubs. Anyone know of any club or game I could join kildare or dublin south.

Peace · 04-09-2014 5:47pm

jcw7592 wrote: »

Hi ,
Its been a long time since I played GAA , would love to give it a try again as still keep fit enough in other various sports. Only problem is no games available, its all astro turf soccer and flower arranging clubs. Anyone know of any club or game I could join kildare or dublin south.

Football or hurling?

BonnieSituation · 04-09-2014 8:14pm

I moved to Canada back in March and was all gung ho about joining Ottawa Gaels. Anyway, got abolace in college so I'm back home now.

Anyway, I was thinking to myself there watching the games over the weekend, "Why don't I join a junior team here?"

Reading through this thread has completely given me the filip to start back over the winter.

Haven't decided whether it'll be hurling or football. I was dual when I was younger. But I dunno how I could fit both in at all. Anyway, we'll see.

Thanks to everyone who's commented.

The man in red and black · 05-09-2014 12:14am

Don't mind the Gaels and their football, it's Eire Og Ottawa Hurling Club you should have joined and you wound't have wanted to go back to Ireland at all! Where are you going to College?

BonnieSituation · 05-09-2014 1:34am

The man in red and black wrote: »

Don't mind the Gaels and their football, it's Eire Og Ottawa Hurling Club you should have joined and you wound't have wanted to go back to Ireland at all! Where are you going to College?

Back to DIT Bolton St. I won't be looking at the prospect of a Sigerson medal just yet.

munster87 · 05-09-2014 1:39pm

Hi I'm based in Santry, looking to see what my options are regarding clubs near by and the standards that they play. I know that Whitehall Colmcille have a pitch somewhere near me. I used to play division 1 football at home in Kerry but haven't played in 4 years following an injury. Fitness is low at the moment but would now love to get back into it.
Thanks

The man in red and black · 06-09-2014 5:22pm

BonnieSituation wrote: »

Back to DIT Bolton St. I won't be looking at the prospect of a Sigerson medal just yet.

Will you be living north or southside so? Realt Dearg are a great club around Terenure if you fancy hurling. I was with them for 3 years and you couldn't find a better group anywhere....not even in Ottawa!

BonnieSituation · 07-09-2014 2:38pm

The man in red and black wrote: »

Will you be living north or southside so? Realt Dearg are a great club around Terenure if you fancy hurling. I was with them for 3 years and you couldn't find a better group anywhere....not even in Ottawa!

I'm not sure yet what the story is. The missus is in Smithfield and I'm in Lucan. I'll see my timetable over the next week and see is that feasible.

deadybai · 12-10-2014 7:08pm

Hi all. I recently joined a club and Im wondering am I eligible for the under 21s this year. The championship starts soon. I am currently 21 but I only turned 21 in June. So am I eligible for under 21 as I was 20 the start of the championship year?

Stabshauptmann · 14-10-2014 12:25am

I turn 28 this month, and haven't played since u12. **** me if i even really know the rules, but I'm off the drink and want to get fit and GAA is the only sport i like.
I'd never have thought of joining a club as i am too old, unfit and don't even know how; but after reading this thread I'm gonna hit the gym all winter and join a club in the new year.

I'm so clueless though - what is the right time of year to join a club?

Realt Dearg Sec · 14-10-2014 12:57am

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

I turn 28 this month, and haven't played since u12. **** me if i even really know the rules, but I'm off the drink and want to get fit and GAA is the only sport i like.
I'd never have thought of joining a club as i am too old, unfit and don't even know how; but after reading this thread I'm gonna hit the gym all winter and join a club in the new year.

I'm so clueless though - what is the right time of year to join a club?

Get in touch with one now, one with a junior section, probably training will start up in January or February

deadybai · 14-10-2014 9:27am

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

I turn 28 this month, and haven't played since u12. **** me if i even really know the rules, but I'm off the drink and want to get fit and GAA is the only sport i like.
I'd never have thought of joining a club as i am too old, unfit and don't even know how; but after reading this thread I'm gonna hit the gym all winter and join a club in the new year.

I'm so clueless though - what is the right time of year to join a club?

Now is probably the best time to join as the new season is just around the corner. Get fit before January and keep going to the gym when training begins.

dcrosskid · 14-10-2014 2:34pm

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

I turn 28 this month, and haven't played since u12. **** me if i even really know the rules, but I'm off the drink and want to get fit and GAA is the only sport i like.
I'd never have thought of joining a club as i am too old, unfit and don't even know how; but after reading this thread I'm gonna hit the gym all winter and join a club in the new year.

I'm so clueless though - what is the right time of year to join a club?

Best of luck to ya if you go ahead with joining a club. A few tips that might help. Depending on the sport you want to play (hurling/football), the fitness can change fairly significantly. There are better people than me to explain what type of training you should be doing and can tailor your exercise to suit so you wont be puffing to hard when you do start. Ask a trainer at your gym, he may suggest some classes you could take or give you a programme you can follow. We often do circuits to keep in shape in the off season. I know this might seem a bit extreme for someone only coming back to Gaelic games but if you're going to the effort of doing gym work, you may as well make it worth while.

Depending on the sport you could buy yourself a hurley & sliotar/football and get some skill level back by a bit of practice of a wall. The more comfortable you get with the skills of the games, the more likely you will enjoy the training and keep it up. There is nothing worse than feeling crap about a missed touch/control in a drill even though it could happen to the best of players.

Best of luck with it Stabshauptmann.

BKWDR · 14-10-2014 9:07pm

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

I turn 28 this month, and haven't played since u12. **** me if i even really know the rules, but I'm off the drink and want to get fit and GAA is the only sport i like.
I'd never have thought of joining a club as i am too old, unfit and don't even know how; but after reading this thread I'm gonna hit the gym all winter and join a club in the new year.

I'm so clueless though - what is the right time of year to join a club?

If you have a club in mind, i would say contact them sooner rather than later, you never know they might have some winter training programme in place, my club does and it's not one of the biggest clubs around. It covers, all weather training, gym night and regular football training on a weekend morning. You could get your foot in the door long before the new year

Also, fair play to ya. I always say the hardest night you go up is the first, after that you are laughing! The fitness won't be long coming

Realt Dearg Sec · 14-10-2014 10:15pm

Yeah fitness is handy. Playing is hard.

Brian Shanahan · 15-10-2014 2:14pm

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

I turn 28 this month, and haven't played since u12. **** me if i even really know the rules, but I'm off the drink and want to get fit and GAA is the only sport i like.
I'd never have thought of joining a club as i am too old, unfit and don't even know how; but after reading this thread I'm gonna hit the gym all winter and join a club in the new year.

I'm so clueless though - what is the right time of year to join a club?

Are you still in the same area as your old club? If so they're the best place to start, as you'll still be on their books. Apart from that find the club nearest to where you live (have to be a bit careful here, rules could state that you cannot play for a club you don't have previous ties to and to which you're living outside the catchment area {usually the parish}), and talk to the club secretary. He or she will know if you need to transfer from an old club, how to go about joining and when the junior team is starting up for the new year.

The easiest way to find your nearest club is to go to the county board website (limerickgaa.ie for Limerick, and so on), which should have club catchment areas and contact details.

BKWDR · 15-10-2014 2:38pm

Brian Shanahan wrote: »

Are you still in the same area as your old club? If so they're the best place to start, as you'll still be on their books. Apart from that find the club nearest to where you live (have to be a bit careful here, rules could state that you cannot play for a club you don't have previous ties to and to which you're living outside the catchment area {usually the parish}), and talk to the club secretary. He or she will know if you need to transfer from an old club, how to go about joining and when the junior team is starting up for the new year.

The easiest way to find your nearest club is to go to the county board website (limerickgaa.ie for Limerick, and so on), which should have club catchment areas and contact details.

Would that count still after 16+ years?

Realt Dearg Sec · 15-10-2014 2:46pm

BKWDR wrote: »

Would that count still after 16+ years?

Basically yes. But if you're transferring to a new county it's just a matter of filling out the transfer form and it'll be sent to your old club. Unless they have a good reason (and those are very limited) they are not allowed to refuse. It should be processed in about two or three weeks.

Stabshauptmann · 15-10-2014 5:33pm

I can only imagine the secretarys face when he gets a transfer for someone he's never heard of.

I now live in Dublin, and know i wouldn't make Junior for my old club. I found a list of Junior E football teams (god bless Dublin, don't think we even had Junior B at home) and will make contact at the weekend. Thanks for all the help!!

Realt Dearg Sec · 15-10-2014 6:20pm

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

I can only imagine the secretarys face when he gets a transfer for someone he's never heard of.

I now live in Dublin, and know i wouldn't make Junior for my old club. I found a list of Junior E football teams (god bless Dublin, don't think we even had Junior B at home) and will make contact at the weekend. Thanks for all the help!!

Don't be fooled by the title, if hurling is anything to go by the standard will be higher than you'd think. I think junior d in Dublin is probably as good as junior b in Kilkenny, though not by any means as dirty.

Brian Shanahan · 16-10-2014 12:57am

Stabshauptmann wrote: »

I can only imagine the secretarys face when he gets a transfer for someone he's never heard of.

I now live in Dublin, and know i wouldn't make Junior for my old club. I found a list of Junior E football teams (god bless Dublin, don't think we even had Junior B at home) and will make contact at the weekend. Thanks for all the help!!

Dublin has so many junior grades simply because it has a huge number of clubs and players. It's not actually an indication of badness relative to other counties. For example a member of our club moved to Dublin recently, before he moved he was on the fringes of our senior football team, he transferred up the first year and couldn't get a game at Junior C level. Now Limerick isn't a football hotbed, but it does give you an indication that Junior grades in Dublin can be very tough.

Gael85 · 03-11-2014 2:18pm

St James Gaels 2015
Club Name:St James Gaels
Location:Iveagh Grounds,Crumlin Road/Drimnagh Castle School Long Mile Road.Areas recruit from:Walkinstown,Drimnagh,Crumlin,DolphinsBarn,Kimmage,Harold Cross,The Liberties,Kilmainham,Bluebell,Islandbridge,Inchicore
Code (football): Gaelic Football
Level played:Junior A(Junior A Championship/Division 6 League),Junior B(Junior D Championship/Division 10 South League)
Contact details:stjamesgaels.com or axelf82@hotmail.com
Any other info: St James Gaels are inviting new members(playing and non playing) to join our club.We have 2 progressing adult men football teams, a Junior A team and Junior B team. We are based southside in Crumlin in Iveagh Grounds on Crumlin Road about 10 minutes from city centre.http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact 27,56a,77a,151 buses directly pass the pitch. Also 17,18,121,122,123,150 buses go near the pitch as well. The Luas is a 10 minute walk from the pitch.
We have excellent floodlight playing/training facilities- floodlite pitch, astro pitch and floodlite training area .

Both Junior teams are looking to progress a step further next year and gain promotion next season. We will be starting training in early January and train every Monday and Wednesday nights in Iveagh Grounds Crumlin Road and Sunday mornings when have no game. While both teams usually train together The Junior A lads will train at least twice a week and Junior B at least once a week. The season starts in February and usually finishes up in October.

We have a mix of players of youth and experience of players from the area and we also have players from all over the country Kerry, Laois,Cork,Mayo,Galway,Clare,Donegal,Sligo,Down& Antrim. All are welcome to join and don’t worry if haven’t played for a few years as with a few training sessions you will be grand J.
We also enjoy and organise many social events/fundraisers throughout the year(including end of season trip) so all welcome to play or even train. For more info please contact email: info@stjamesgaels.com

http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact
https://www.facebook.com/StJamesGaels
http://www.stjamesgaels.com/home/club-shop

Pre -Season will commence in January

Junior A contact
aaronirl@hotmail.com Aaron
Junior B contact
axelf82@hotmail.com Aidan

Gael85 · 12-11-2014 1:06pm

Gael85 wrote: »

St James Gaels 2015

Club Name:St James Gaels
Location:Iveagh Grounds,Crumlin Road/Drimnagh Castle School Long Mile Road.Areas recruit from:Walkinstown,Drimnagh,Crumlin,DolphinsBarn,Kimmage,Harold Cross,The Liberties,Kilmainham,Bluebell,Islandbridge,Inchicore,Rathmines
Code (football): Gaelic Football
Level played:Junior A(Junior A Championship/Division 6 League),Junior B(Junior D Championship/Division 10 South League)
Contact details:stjamesgaels.com or axelf82@hotmail.com
Any other info: St James Gaels are inviting new members(playing and non playing) to join our club.We have 2 progressing adult men football teams, a Junior A team and Junior B team. We are based southside in Crumlin in Iveagh Grounds on Crumlin Road about 10 minutes from city centre.http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact 27,56a,77a,151 buses directly pass the pitch. Also 17,18,121,122,123,150 buses go near the pitch as well. The Luas is a 10 minute walk from the pitch.
We have excellent floodlight playing/training facilities- floodlite pitch, astro pitch and floodlite training area .

Both Junior teams are looking to progress a step further next year and gain promotion next season. We will be starting training in early January and train every Monday and Wednesday nights in Iveagh Grounds Crumlin Road and Sunday mornings when have no game. While both teams usually train together The Junior A lads will train at least twice a week and Junior B at least once a week. The season starts in February and usually finishes up in October.

We have a mix of players of youth and experience of players from the area and we also have players from all over the country Kerry, Laois,Cork,Mayo,Galway,Clare,Donegal,Sligo,Down& Antrim. All are welcome to join and don’t worry if haven’t played for a few years as with a few training sessions you will be grand J.
We also enjoy and organise many social events/fundraisers throughout the year(including end of season trip) so all welcome to play or even train. For more info please contact email: info@stjamesgaels.com

http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact
https://www.facebook.com/StJamesGaels
http://www.stjamesgaels.com/home/club-shop

Pre -Season will commence in January

Junior A contact
aaronirl@hotmail.com Aaron
Junior B contact
axelf82@hotmail.com Aidan

Were Training Monday nights at 8-30 on Astro in Iveagh Grounds for November and December. Please email for more details axelf82@hotmail.com

Gael85 · 22-12-2014 4:47pm

St James Gaels 2015
Club Name:St James Gaels
Location:Iveagh Grounds,Crumlin Road/Drimnagh Castle School Long Mile Road.Areas recruit from:Walkinstown,Drimnagh,Crumlin,DolphinsBarn,Kimmage,Harold Cross,The Liberties,Kilmainham,Bluebell,Islandbridge,Inchicore
Code (football): Gaelic Football
Level played:Junior A(Junior A Championship/Division 6 League),Junior B(Junior D Championship/Division 10 South League)
Contact details:stjamesgaels.com or axelf82@hotmail.com
Any other info: St James Gaels are inviting new members(playing and non playing) to join our club.We have 2 progressing adult men football teams, a Junior A team and Junior B team. We are based southside in Crumlin in Iveagh Grounds on Crumlin Road about 10 minutes drive from city centre.http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact 27,56a,77a,151 buses directly pass the pitch. Also 17,18,121,122,123,150 buses go near the pitch as well. The Luas is a 10 minute walk from the pitch.
We have excellent floodlight playing/training facilities- floodlit pitch, astro pitch and floodlit training area .

Both Junior teams are looking to progress a step further next year and gain promotion next season in their respective leagues. We will be starting training in early January(Wednesday 7th January) and train Monday and Wednesday nights in Iveagh Grounds Crumlin Road and Sunday mornings when have no game. While both teams usually train together The Junior A lads will train at least twice a week and Junior B at least once a week. The season starts in February and usually finishes up in October.

We have a mix of players of youth and experience of players from the area and we also have players from all over the country Kerry, Laois,Cork,Mayo,Galway,Clare,Donegal,Sligo,Down& Antrim. All are welcome to join and don’t worry if haven’t played for a few years as with a few training sessions you will be flying J.
We also enjoy and organise many social events/fundraisers throughout the year(including end of season trip) so all welcome to play or even train. For more info please contact email: info@stjamesgaels.com

http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact
https://www.facebook.com/StJamesGaels
http://www.stjamesgaels.com/home/club-shop

Pre -Season will commence in January

Junior A contact
aaronirl@hotmail.com Aaron
Junior B contact
axelf82@hotmail.com Aidan

Gael85 · 05-01-2015 2:44pm

Gael85 wrote: »

St James Gaels 2015
Club Name:St James Gaels
Location:Iveagh Grounds,Crumlin Road/Drimnagh Castle School Long Mile Road.Areas recruit from:Walkinstown,Drimnagh,Crumlin,DolphinsBarn,Kimmage,Harold Cross,The Liberties,Kilmainham,Bluebell,Islandbridge,Inchicore
Code (football): Gaelic Football
Level played:Junior A(Junior A Championship/Division 6 League),Junior B(Junior D Championship/Division 10 South League)
Contact details:stjamesgaels.com or axelf82@hotmail.com
Any other info: St James Gaels are inviting new members(playing and non playing) to join our club.We have 2 progressing adult men football teams, a Junior A team and Junior B team. We are based southside in Crumlin in Iveagh Grounds on Crumlin Road about 10 minutes drive from city centre.http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact 27,56a,77a,151 buses directly pass the pitch. Also 17,18,121,122,123,150 buses go near the pitch as well. The Luas is a 10 minute walk from the pitch.
We have excellent floodlight playing/training facilities- floodlit pitch, astro pitch and floodlit training area .

Both Junior teams are looking to progress a step further next year and gain promotion next season in their respective leagues. We will be starting training in early January(Wednesday 7th January) and train Monday and Wednesday nights in Iveagh Grounds Crumlin Road and Sunday mornings when have no game. While both teams usually train together The Junior A lads will train at least twice a week and Junior B at least once a week. The season starts in February and usually finishes up in October.

We have a mix of players of youth and experience of players from the area and we also have players from all over the country Kerry, Laois,Cork,Mayo,Galway,Clare,Donegal,Sligo,Down& Antrim. All are welcome to join and don’t worry if haven’t played for a few years as with a few training sessions you will be flying J.
We also enjoy and organise many social events/fundraisers throughout the year(including end of season trip) so all welcome to play or even train. For more info please contact email: info@stjamesgaels.com

http://www.stjamesgaels.com/contact
https://www.facebook.com/StJamesGaels
http://www.stjamesgaels.com/home/club-shop

Pre -Season will commence in January

Junior A contact
aaronirl@hotmail.com Aaron
Junior B contact
axelf82@hotmail.com Aidan

Pre-season training starts Wednesday @7-30

youcancallmeal · 14-01-2015 1:23pm

Thinking of going back to play football this year. Have contacted the manager at the Junior B team local to me, training starts end of Jan. Haven't played since my early teens and I'm coming up on 33 years old next month. I'm relatively fit so hopefully I'll be able for it!? I play soccer in goal as well so trying to decide whether to push for keeper position or just play outfield, I think I'd be happy with either?

BKWDR · 14-01-2015 1:27pm

youcancallmeal wrote: »

Thinking of going back to play football this year. Have contacted the manager at the Junior B team local to me, training starts end of Jan. Haven't played since my early teens and I'm coming up on 33 years old next month. I'm relatively fit so hopefully I'll be able for it!? I play soccer in goal as well so trying to decide whether to push for keeper position or just play outfield, I think I'd be happy with either?

Do it do it do it.

Get in the mix anyways and then see what position best fits. Work on a bit of fitness before pre season starts at the end of January and you will be best placed then to hit the ground running.

westsidestory · 15-01-2015 2:37am

youcancallmeal wrote: »

Thinking of going back to play football this year. Have contacted the manager at the Junior B team local to me, training starts end of Jan. Haven't played since my early teens and I'm coming up on 33 years old next month. I'm relatively fit so hopefully I'll be able for it!? I play soccer in goal as well so trying to decide whether to push for keeper position or just play outfield, I think I'd be happy with either?

Get stuck in at training and a good manager will see what you have to offer. You've obviously got a good pair of hands so you are half way there!

hasdanta · 31-05-2015 9:37pm

Just thought I'd share my experience with you:

I'm 16 (going on 17 in the summer). I gave up GAA around U11s because I never enjoyed it (father made me join) and I was fairly ****e after. As I grew older, I always loved watching football (and hurling) on tele whenever the All-Ireland's were on. I was in TY and a good few lads in my year were talking about U16 Championship and I started having nostalgic feelings. Once Championship ended most clubs went on there winter breaks so next up was Minor. I decided to pluck up the courage and ask about joining back since I was in TY and had plenty of free time.

One of my best friends plays for one of the local GAA clubs (the one I used to play for). He's a fine player and his dad is one of the selectors for the Minor team (which is the age group he/I am in) so I decided to have a chat with him about potentially joining back. My friend was ecstatic to hear I wanted to join back and he said people were always coming back so I'd be welcome. He then told his dad who said I'd always be welcome. This was in early December of 2014.

My friend let me know in school in early Jan of 2015 that training was starting back in a weeks time. Fair to say, I was so nervous. I was dreading it and I was terrified of making a complete and utter show of myself. Luckily the first training back was Strength and Conditioning so there was no ball work. On my 3rd training session there was ball work, and I faired well.

League started in Feb. Didn't expect to get played and didn't get played (well maybe for 5 mins if we were well ahead). Still stuck at it as I knew it'd take time. We lost in the league semis in late March/early April so since then we've had challenge matches. For our first challenge match of the Minor season we played a team from another county and I started as corner back. Fair to say again, I was so nervous. I just thought about messing up constantly. However, whenever I got in to the match I played extremely well. Our main trainer even pulled me aside after and complimented me on my performance, as well as gave me a few pointers.

Since then we've played a couple of more challenge matches and I've started a few and came on as a sub and I've done my part in the matches. I'm no superstar player but I'm physical, can block the ball and tackle well.

At my TY grad, my friends Dad (who is one of the selectors) was talking to my parents and he had great stuff to say about me which was news to me. He said I stood a good chance of making the panel for Minor Championship A (after only playing for around 5 months after a 6 year break!) and that if I didn't make it this year, I would most certainly make it next year. He said I was fast, good at block etc. which was really nice to hear.

tl;dr - Finding the courage is the hardest part about joining!! Fitness and skill will come back shortly after you join. Just stick at it!

sheepo · 09-06-2015 3:38pm

Hi

I wanted to join a junior hurling club in Dublin this year, but I was away at the start of the year and kind of missed the whole pre-season thing.

I presume it's a bit late in the year now to join a club? Considering I last played for my own club in Waterford in 2003!

What do people think?

Thanks

Realt Dearg Sec · 09-06-2015 4:25pm

sheepo wrote: »

Hi

I wanted to join a junior hurling club in Dublin this year, but I was away at the start of the year and kind of missed the whole pre-season thing.

I presume it's a bit late in the year now to join a club? Considering I last played for my own club in Waterford in 2003!

What do people think?

Thanks

Teams always want new players, if they are any kind of a club worth being in at all. Of course you might have to expect that getting onto the team will be a little more difficult since teams would be fairly settled now, but people get injured, stop training, etc all the time. Clubs need players so don't be shy.

Incidentally if you're looking for a club, Realt Dearg are in the Terenure area (currently training and playing matches in Drimnagh Castle) and we'd love to have you down. Plenty of Waterford involvement as well as players from all over the country. realtdearg.ie for details.

sheepo · 09-06-2015 6:01pm

Thanks for the reply realt dearg. I'll take your advice and go for it. I'm over on the northside there so realt dearg would be a bit out of my way but thanks again it's much appreciated

secondattempt · 19-06-2015 4:00pm

hasdanta wrote: »

Just thought I'd share my experience with you:

That's pretty cool, I regret not doing the same when I was about 17/18...

banbatoyota · 28-06-2015 5:20pm

Hi All,

Am 25 and looking to play some football, haven't kicked a ball in anger since primary school I'd say! I rowed while I was in college and really miss the camaraderie from sport and being in great shape. Finding it hard to get a solid routine with the gym due to work commitments etc. Was booting a ball around with a few friends at the weekend and really enjoyed it and it got me thinking about taking it up again.

Looking for a fairly relaxed set-up if there's such a thing. Living and working in Dublin 2.

Any pointers would be really appreciated. When would be the best time to join in terms of pre-season etc?

Thanks

Gael85 · 22-07-2015 10:31am

banbatoyota wrote: »

Hi All,

Am 25 and looking to play some football, haven't kicked a ball in anger since primary school I'd say! I rowed while I was in college and really miss the camaraderie from sport and being in great shape. Finding it hard to get a solid routine with the gym due to work commitments etc. Was booting a ball around with a few friends at the weekend and really enjoyed it and it got me thinking about taking it up again.

Looking for a fairly relaxed set-up if there's such a thing. Living and working in Dublin 2.

Any pointers would be really appreciated. When would be the best time to join in terms of pre-season etc?

Thanks

St James Gaels are always looking for players.Based in crumlin.10 min drive from city centre. PM if need more details

BigFargo · 13-08-2015 11:50pm

banbatoyota wrote: »

Hi All,

Am 25 and looking to play some football, haven't kicked a ball in anger since primary school I'd say! I rowed while I was in college and really miss the camaraderie from sport and being in great shape. Finding it hard to get a solid routine with the gym due to work commitments etc. Was booting a ball around with a few friends at the weekend and really enjoyed it and it got me thinking about taking it up again.

Looking for a fairly relaxed set-up if there's such a thing. Living and working in Dublin 2.

Any pointers would be really appreciated. When would be the best time to join in terms of pre-season etc?

Thanks

Fair play for getting back into it!
I recently took up hurling again and I haven't played since u14s, I'm 22 now.
I joined my local junior A team in February just in time for pre season. This seemed to be a good time to join as it gave me a couple of months to try catch up to the others in terms of skill and fitness.
In regards to game time, I was given a run at the closing stages of league and challenge games but sat out championship games which I expected during my first year!
Overall I'm delighted I joined back up, you won't regret it either and I'm sure you'll be more than welcome at any club.

OurWorldWasFun · 05-09-2015 5:47pm

Hi,

I am 27 and living in Newbridge. I recently lost a lot of weight and have the itch to get out and improve my fitness so I would love to get involved in a team around the local area!

Just wondering if anyone on here knows any clubs around the Kildare area that would have any B/C teams!

Thanks a mil

Hesh's Umpire · 15-09-2015 4:11pm

OurWorldWasFun wrote: »

Hi,

I am 27 and living in Newbridge. I recently lost a lot of weight and have the itch to get out and improve my fitness so I would love to get involved in a team around the local area!

Just wondering if anyone on here knows any clubs around the Kildare area that would have any B/C teams!

Thanks a mil

I'd say both Sarsfields and Moorefield would have third teams. Some of the clubs nearby would have second teams like Milltown or Two Mile House.

kumate_champ07 · 19-09-2015 8:01pm

OurWorldWasFun wrote: »

Hi,

I am 27 and living in Newbridge. I recently lost a lot of weight and have the itch to get out and improve my fitness so I would love to get involved in a team around the local area!

Just wondering if anyone on here knows any clubs around the Kildare area that would have any B/C teams!

Thanks a mil

Sarsfields, its about 500m from newbridge train station, loads of teams there. theres a gym too with free weights and machines.

Gael85 · 19-11-2015 12:28pm

St James Gaels Dublin 12 recruiting for new players/members for next year.

So you are too old/fat/unfit/ *delete as appropriate* to play?

Comments

So you are too old/fat/unfit/ delete as appropriate to play?