IRFU Fitness Workshops In Munster

The Munster Rugby Domestic Game department co-ordinated two Fitness Workshops recently in Limerick Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology.

The workshops were presented by Des Ryan, the IRFU’s Fitness Education manager, and over 220 coaches working with young children in their respective schools and clubs attended these very beneficial events.

Part of Des’ role is to manage the fitness education programme for IRFU fitness coaches and also manage the fitness structures for rugby players from Mini rugby to 19 years.

Coach Development Officer John Lacey opened the workshop in LIT and CDO Keith Murphy opened proceedings in CIT. Domestic Game Manager Ultan O’Callaghan also welcomed participants in CIT.

The workshops focused on assessing and developing fundamental movement skills in young children at stage 1 and 2 of the LTPD (Long Term Player Development Pathway).

It was based on the newly updated fitness and conditioning content in the Mini and Foundation Coaching courses.

The workshops focused on Physical Activity, Movement and Skill Development in children aged from up to 14 years and investigated their physical activity levels, windows of opportunity, PHV and fundamental movement skills.

The workshops were both practical and theory-based. Ross Callaghan and Joe McGinley demonstrated the practical element in Limerick, and Shaun McCarthy and Joe were on hand to demonstrate in Cork.

Thank you to all those who attended. Special thanks to Donnacha McNamara in LIT and Mai O’Leary in CIT for co-ordinating and providing the facilities.