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Santry throws clinics

  • 16-02-2009 11:07am
    #1
    RoyMcC
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭


    I just wanted to mention the excellent throws clinics that took place at Santry over the weekend. Very relevant as Irish throwing is a basket case at international level presently (Ms O’Keefe excepted).

    On Saturday we had some top javelin throwers – also a few novices, working under the guidance of Dan Kennedy, Bart Rogers and Dave, a former NI international presently coaching at Greystones. Talking to these guys I got the impression that there are pockets of excellent practice throughout the country, but many more of these squad training sessions and get-togethers are necessary.

    On Sunday Paddy McGrath (former national hammer champion now coaching in the USA) was snowed under with throwers of all standards. However he got through some great work. It was very obvious how all the throwers improved – sometimes quite dramatically, after a couple of hours under his guidance. There were at least a couple of excellent lads throwing yesterday. However the highlight was when Paddy picked up a hammer for the only time and without a warm up and whilst talking the group through a coaching point, casually chucked it the length of the field. Jaws dropping all round.

    The downside was the sad lack of sub-elite coaches present for the clinics. But I did get a much better impression of what is going on at grassroots level in Irish throwing. Some optimism for the future :)


Comments

  • #2
    thirtyfoot
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,912 ✭✭✭thirtyfoot


    Great to hear this. It crazy when you think we have recently had Terry McHugh, Nick Sweeney, Paddy McGrath and others and now there is such a shortage of top throwers. We've such a rich heritage in throws and a double Olympic champion in Pat O' Callaghan

    Its also amazing what happens when coaches and athletes come together instead of toiling away by themselves. I know it can be hard when people live in all corners of the country but pooling the talent and the expertise is the way forward. Its funny when you say that Paddy got dramatic improvements with little changes. You can have all the facilities and grants in the world but if the coaches aren't the best then its a waste of time and money.

    By the way RoyMcC, I hear you're doing great work down in Crusaders these days and the underage club is totally rejuvenated:cool:


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