In terms of the support from many club volunteers the 2008 summer camp was a major success. It was a delight to see the participation of many of the Sarsfields players from U16, minor right through to the ladies and men’s senior teams.

The event was organised by Youth Development Officer Sean McAlinden and club secretary Brian Magee and as usual Kieran Robinson co-ordinated the coaching and games throughout the week. Many of the volunteers gave up a part of their holiday to support the club youth policy.

Sarsfields were very fortunate to have Armagh players Brian Mallon and Finnian Moriarty come down to the summer camp on Thursday to spend some time with the children.

Brian and Finian may come from rival clubs but both have close links to the club through their families. Brian Mallon is a grandson of the late John McKenna, a lifelong supporter of Sarsfields and a respected and dedicated club official, and of course his sister Pauline plays for the Ladies. Finnian is a grandson of the late John Byrne who gave a lifetime of service to the Sarsfields club. Both men would have been particularly proud to see their grandsons’ line out for Armagh. Many thanks to Finian and Brian for taking time out from their busy schedules.

The summer camp is all about children and this year 95 children came along. Youth Development Officer Sean McAlinden commented not only on how much the children enjoyed the activities but also on how well the children behaved throughout the week. Sean thanked all the helpers; the coaches, those who prepared meals for the volunteers, the ladies who organised the barbecue and moste of all the children.

Kieran Robinson told the children that a good summer camp needs good coaches, children that are willing to enjoy and learn and good weather and this year the camp had everything it needed.

The final day finished with a barbeque and ‘It’s a knockout’ games which children and adults alike thoroughly enjoyed. At the end of the camp each child was presented with a package containing a kit bag, a football a water bottle and a superb Sarsfields training top.