Pictured are the 2024 Táin Óg and CúChulainn League coordinators.
The 2024 Táin Óg and CúChulainn seasons finished last month with almost 400 games played across the 4 competitions at U14, U16, U18 and adult levels.
The Táin Óg and CúChulainn Leagues provides clubs from within developing hurling counties with a programme of games which may not be possible due to a lack of clubs from within their own county.
An annual review of the competitions was led by the Coaching & Games Department and competition coordinators had 40 responses from clubs and outlined the successes of the 2024 competitions while also highlighting areas for improvement for 2025. Feedback was also received from our referees who provide valuable support to the competitions.
Each year the most successful age grade is the U14 competition with 77 different clubs participating across a mix of blitz formats and a league programme. Feedback from clubs outlined their enjoyment of this mix format providing players with an opportunity to play games in a relaxed environment.
Over 100 people attended an information session in January with organisers outlining the formats and structures to club coaches, administrators and County fixture coordinators. This was a beneficial exercise which provided clubs with information ahead of submitting their entries and will be repeated ahead of the 2025 season.
The principal objective of the Táin Óg competition is to ensure that there is an appropriate programme of games for clubs and players within developing hurling counties. The cross-county/provincial nature of the competition provides clubs and players with the opportunity to play clubs outside of their usual fixtures programme. Throughout the season there were many instances of clubs ensuring the spirit of the Táin Óg competitions shining through.
Feedback received from clubs outlined that challenges remain in the oldest underage competition as many counties reverted to even age groups and therefore final year U18’s being eligible to play adult level hurling. This is something that the coordinators have taken into consideration are working through improvements in structure and promotion ahead of the 2025 season
The feedback from the CúChulainn competitions were also quite positive with cubs expressing the importance of the varied opposition provided and the opportunity to play games at an appropriate level. Organisers will also engage with counties ahead of the 2025 season to ensure appropriate space is given in the respective county fixtures programme to allow clubs to enter.
Clubs who have participated in the 2022 and 2023 competitions have received almost €160,000 worth of equipment with 2024 equipment allocations due to be distributed in the coming weeks.
Shane Flanagan, GAA Director of Coaching & Games praised the clubs and coordinators for their support for the 2024 competitions.
"The Táin Óg and CúChulainn Leagues play a vital part of the games programme in the region," said Flanagan. "These games provide a great opportunity to engage in cross border activity, meeting new opposition and experiences.
"We fully understand that it can be a challenge logistically for clubs and coordinators however the commitment from all involved provides significant benefits to all who commit to the spirit and nature of the competitions."
Below are just some of the testimonies from clubs that participated in the Táin Óg and Cúchulainn Leauges this year.
The Blitz in Bekan with Carrick and Clonguish was a superb occasion for our young hurlers. They felt important and highlighted that they can have a reason to play hurling - Gaeltacht Iorras (Mayo).
At u14 and u16 level in particular we got really competitive games which helper keep players motivated and interested - Setanta (Derry).
It was great to get the extra games with Tain Og. Without this competition, our games would be very limited. For our players, it's great to meet teams from outside the county. It's an extra challenge for them. We received great hospitality at our away games and a cup of tea is always greatly welcomed. - Ballyvary (Mayo).
The final of our Cu Chulainn competition at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence was very well run with lots of post publicity. The fact that we won the final also helped to re-energise senior hurling at our club - Coolera Strandhill (Sligo).
