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Laois Games and Gaels Podcast
Ep.2 - Breaking News !!!!!!
Games & Gaels Episode 2
Féile 2026 lands, Go Games rethink, and schools & clubs powering up
In episode two, Shane Keegan and Dean Malone open with a big win for the county: Laois & Carlow will co-host Féile 2026. The first prep meeting is already pencilled for next week, with both hurling and camogie strands involved. Expect major volunteer coordination, venue planning and a welcome boost for local businesses as the marquee underage festival returns.
Listener input is front and centre this week. Shane invites feedback directly — by phone — and dives into two live Go Games debates: should competitions begin at U8 rather than U7, and should underage hurling trial a no-soloing rule to encourage quicker decision-making and more striking off both sides? He’ll see that rule in action at an U11 tournament this weekend.
Schools are moving too.
The Laois GAA Schools Heritage Flag returns after a strong first year; applications are already landing, with last year’s participants showcasing noticeboards, skill “homework,” lunchtime leagues and guest visits from club/county players. On the club pathway, Athletic Development Leads are now named in around 80% of clubs, with an online info evening on Wednesday, October 1 to outline supports, resources and the new GAA athletic development course running across October–November.
Dean reports a fast start to the TY Future Leaders roll-out, combining Intro to Coaching, safeguarding and Young Whistlers accreditation — a real pipeline for nursery and Go Games refereeing and coaching. Finally, the team recaps a lively first-year hurling blitz featuring 6 schools and 8 teams, highlighting talent and enthusiasm as pupils pull on their new school colours.
Got a suggestion for Laois GAA? Reach out — the lads want your ideas.
Contacts (feedback & info):
📞 Shane Keegan — 087 657 7256
📞 Dean Malone — 085 202 1161
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12. Ep 12 - Laois Games & Gaels Podcast
43:01||Season 1, Ep. 12Episode 12 Shane & Dean discuss: - Laois Gaels- Informal Coach Ed- Formal Coach Ed- County Teams- Post Primary Schools Update- GPO's - Underage Activity
11. Ep 11 - Laois Games & Gaels Podcast
13:00||Season 1, Ep. 11Podcast Description – Episode 11In this short “snap pod”, Shane Keegan and Dean Malone check in after a hectic few weeks in the Laois GAA Coaching & Games office. With plenty happening behind the scenes, the lads give a quick update on recent events and preview an upcoming coaching workshop that promises to be a valuable learning experience for coaches across multiple sports.The main focus of the episode is the Laois GAA Hurling Coaching Workshop, taking place on Saturday, March 7th at the Centre of Excellence. Shane and Dean outline what coaches can expect on the day, including presentations and practical sessions from two highly respected coaches, Tommy Dunne and Jason Ryan. The workshop will centre on session design and implementation, with a strong emphasis on developing decision-making players, using small-sided games, and understanding the “why” behind every coaching session.Jason Ryan will open the morning with a presentation before leading a practical session on the field, while Tommy Dunne will bring his own coaching insights through discussion and a practical demonstration later in the session. The event runs from 11am until approximately 1.30pm–2pm, and is open to coaches from U13 right through to senior level, as well as coaches from other sports looking for fresh ideas.The lads also reflect on the success of the Academy 5K Fun Run, which attracted around 400 participants and created a fantastic atmosphere on the day. They thank academy players, sponsors, volunteers, and the local community for their support, with funds raised helping to support Laois GAA academy development.All in all, it’s a quick update episode with plenty going on, and a promise that a full-length podcast will return soon once things settle down.Topics in this episodePreview of the Laois GAA Hurling Coaching WorkshopCoaching insights from Tommy Dunne and Jason RyanSession planning and modern coaching methodsSuccess of the Laois GAA Academy 5K Fun RunUpcoming activity in Laois coaching and games developmentA short but informative update for coaches, players, and anyone involved in Gaelic games in Laois.
11. Laois Games & Gaels Podcast - Bonus Episode
17:25||Season 1, Ep. 11In this weeks Podcast: Shane sits down with John Kelly, Park Ratheniska man & current Safety and Facilities Officer for Laois GAA to discuss:- Liaising with clubs across the county to develop their facilities- O'Moore Park & COE Upgrading our Facilities- The Energy Project- Match Day Operations- Future Targets
10. Ep 10 - Laois Games & Gaels Podcast
31:34||Season 1, Ep. 10Episode 10: Shane & Dean discuss: - Laois Gaels Membership 2026- 5Km Fun Run - Football Workshop Review- Hurling Workshop Preview and Confirmation- Coach Education Award 1 & ICGG Courses- Post Primary Success, Result & What is to come- Club Athletic Development Program uptake - Bonus Episode Coming this Friday
9. Ep 9 - Laois Games & Gaels Podcast
18:08||Season 1, Ep. 9In Episode 9 Shane & Dean discuss:- Upcoming Football Coaching Workshop with Stephen Rochford & Evan Talty- Formal Coach Ed Calendar - Laois Gaels 2026 is now live!- F3 Athletic Dev Course Conclusion- 2026 Cúl Camps Dates & Venues confirmed
8. Ep 8 - Laois Games & Gaels Podcast
29:42||Season 1, Ep. 8In Episode 8 Shane & Dean discuss: - 2026 Laois Gaels- Formal Coach Ed Courses- Upcoming Guest Coaching Workshops - 5K Fun Run Event- F3 Athletic Development Course Final Course Day- 1st Year Cross Boarder Hurling Blitz- New Interns up and running- Academy Squads & Answering the listeners questions
7. Ep 7 - Laois Games & Gaels Podcast
31:12||Season 1, Ep. 7In episode 7 Shane & Dean discuss: - Primary School - Post Primary- Coach Education- Club Development- Physical Development- Laois Gaels 2026 - The rebrand
6. Ep 6 - All the latest
30:52||Season 1, Ep. 6In Episode 6 Shane & Dean discuss: * Primary Schools Activity* Athletic Development Course* Academy's up and running* Post Primary Coaching & Games* Hurling Nua Program* Club Surveys
5. Ep.5 - Primary School Activity & Athletic Dev
26:51||Season 1, Ep. 5In Episode 5 Shane & Dean discuss: *Primary School Cumann na mBunscol Finals Review & 2nd/3rd class blitz preview*Club Athletic Development update*Academy Trial Season Begins*O'Mordha Og wind down*GPO End of Year Reviews