St. Malachy's children launch the new national GAA ‘Respect Initiative'

          Six lucky children from St. Malachy's Primary School Armagh were invited to Croke Park, to the national unveiling of ‘The GAA Respect Initiative' in the company of Paudie Butler (National Hurling Director), Gearoid Mulvilhill (National Children's Officer), Joan O'Flynn (Camogie President) and Pat Daly (National Director of Games Development).

          The scheme aims to foster a new approach of fair play, mutual respect and goodwill in Gaelic football and hurling across all grades.

          The children were pictured with legendary Dublin footballer Barney Rock and current GAA stars Micheál Quirke, (Kerry midfielder) Dean Rock (Dublin), Noel Mc Grath (Tipperary) and dual Cork ladies star Mary O'Connor as they officially launched the new initiative.

          The scheme, which has been piloted in a number of counties to date, will be rolled out nationally amongst all units, at Under 12 level, in the coming months. A specific programme has been devised with clearly defined roles of responsibility for all of the key participants in our games including players, coaches, parents/guardians, managers and match officials.

          GAA President Críostóir Ó Cuana lent his support to what he described as one of the most important initiatives the GAA will launch this year. The GAA President also took time to speak with the St. Malachy's children, encouraging them,

‘to show respect to all when playing Gaelic Games and never to forget the reason why we all play and have played… fun and enjoyment.

        For more, log on to the GAA official website www.gaa.ie

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