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Easing Back Into Training!

Monday evening saw the return to training in groups larger than 4 athletes for some of our older age groups.

The U16s trained at 5.30pm in 2 seperate groups of 12 and 13 athletes, with the groups remaining seperate and under the direction of different coaches at different ends of the track in order to comply with the Phase 2 rules. And later that day at 8pm, our U20/23s group trained with 11 athletes in the group.

It was super to see a return to training in this size of group and 'a breath of fresh air' for everyone.

The lined track and cones makes it very easy to maintain social distancing and the grass areas are in great order which gives plenty of space to train safely. Thanks again to the local FAS scheme and GRD's Mary Feeney for the track relining and general maintenance of the grounds and to Mike O'Brien for maintenance of the grass in great condition.

We will learn from resuming with the older groups how to structure things safely for when we resume with the younger groups - hopefully later in the summer when permitted. We likely will have to make some minor adjustments to training times or training days so that only 1 group at the track at the same time so that its easy to do the social distancing.

U16s back at training

 U20/23s back at training

COVID Update - June 7th

Craughwell AC - Resumption of Athletics on a Phased Basis 
(v003, 7 June 2020)

Phase 2 - Monday June 8th

As already communicated, athletics was permitted to resume in a limited manner in Phase 1 of the Government’s roadmap for reopening society. Two groups resumed during phase 1 in small groups of 4 or less who lived within 5k of the facility.

Phase 2 has increased the permitted group size to 15 people and increased the travel limit as far as the county boundaries, but retained the age restriction on being aged 13 or older. Coaches of the relevant groups who are eligible to resume will be in contact with their groups during phase 2.

Coaches must complete a risk assessment for their group before resuming – contact the undersigned for more info. Coaches will also need to structure their sessions in smaller groups than 15 if they cannot apply the safety guidelines. The track lanes facilitate the social distancing requirements when one lane is kept empty between athletes so for most, this should help enforce the social distancing rules. As groups resume, some adjustments to training times will be needed to help with this so that groups do not overlap.

The following link on AAI’s website for more information https://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/coronavirus-covid-19-update/ on phase 2.

Please note the previous guidelines in the Phase 1 notes below as well as the following in particular:-

• Bookings must be made in advance with Mike Tobin as per phase 1 and complete a booking form
• No access to toilets
• No sharing of equipment – coaches should bring their own
• The long jump can be used provided people bring their own rake, shovel and sweeping brush
  
  

For throwing implements, we hope to be able to facilitate this at selected training sessions by operating a loan scheme whereby throwers bring a javelin or shot to training which is on-loan to them during the pandemic so that it’s not shared with others. Coaches will provide more information on this within their groups.

For other equipment such as marker cones, small yellow hurdles etc. a small amount of such equipment may be borrowed by nominated coaches who bring it with them to each session and ensure it is only touched by themselves and not by other coaches or athletes. Contact the undersigned if you need to borrow equipment.

Best wishes,
Mike Tobin
Facility Development & Safety Officer
Craughwell AC, 087 659 1879

Phase 1 - Monday May 18th - click here

COVID Update - May 19th

Craughwell AC - Resumption of Athletics on a Phased Basis
(v002, 19 May 2020)

  As many will know, athletics is permitted to resume in a limited manner in accordance with Athletics Ireland’s guidelines which comply with the Government’s roadmap for reopening society. The guidelines are described here - https://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/coronavirus-covid-19-update. The following is how we plan to resume partial activities in the next 3 weeks (phase 1 of the Government’s roadmap):

• Coaching sessions will not yet resume for athletes aged 12 or younger as this is outside what is allowed by Athletics Ireland. It is hoped that parents / children will appreciate that this is just an initial situation and gives us a chance to practice a safe way of training and to adapt it as we go along before reintroducing the younger and larger numbers.
• The above essentially means that athletics for u14s and younger will not yet resume, with these groups hopefully resuming in phase 2 or 3 if permitted by the Government and AAI guidelines.
• For the current phase, the 5km rule remains in place so while it is disappointing for athletes & coaches outside the 5km zone, we need to keep working remotely until phase 2 on 8^th June when it is expected to shift to 20km.
• For the current phase:
  • The facility will reopen from Tuesday 19^th May for members only (club & park members) in initial phases.
  • Restricting to members only is an essential part of the guidelines for reopening so that contact tracing of people using the facility can be employed if necessary.
  • Mike Tobin, as the club’s Facility Officer, will also be the designated Safety Officer during the pandemic.
  • Mike’s contact details are 087 659 1879.
  • Any individual or group using the facility must reserve a timeslot with Mike so that he can restrict the numbers present in any 1 hour.
  • No indoor facilities of any type will be available in phase 1.
  • So no toilets will be available – look after that before you leave home!
  • No equipment will be available – athletes and coaches should bring their own if needed.
  • No handling of any items other than your own equipment/bottle etc.
  • Athletes and coaches should bring their own hand sanitizers, wipes, towels etc.
  • A member family within the 5km limit can come with a parent to use the facility prior to 6pm – this is strictly under parental supervision and not a club activity.
  • Families need to reserve a slot with Mike Tobin and must stay together as a family while on the grounds and not mix with other families if present.
  • Juveniles cannot be present on the facility without a parent or a coach.
  • Anyone with a high temperature, cough or feeling unwell should not come to the facility.
  • Coach-led sessions with groups of less than 4 people (coach + 3) can take place after 6pm. If only 1 adult present with a juvenile group, a parent needs to also observe the training session from their parked car to comply with child safety regulations.
  • The coach must book the timeslot with Mike Tobin and inform Mike who will be attending.
  • If there is more than 1 coach in the group, they each can have a sub-group of 3 athletes – but the sub-groups should not mix during the same training session.
  • The main coach is responsible to ensure the AAI guidelines are followed and will after each session, email the attendees’ names to Mike for contact tracing purposes should the need arise
  • The following training groups can resume on the basis outlined above:
    • This week - Mike T’s older/college group – Mike will contact athletes within the 5km limit
    • 27th May - U16/17s group – again Mike will be in touch with the athletes
  • Mark/Lisa’s older/college group will resume when group size limit is increased from 4
  • Fit4youth is not in a position to resume yet as the main coaches live outside the 5km limit.
• Some will be delighted with this and some will be disappointed. Hopefully all will appreciate that we want everyone back asap and a gradual approach helps us figure out how to do so safely. Given how infectious the disease is and the potential long-term consequences of an infection, I am sure all agree that safety is the priority.

Mike Tobin
Craughwell AC, 087 659 1879

COVID Update

Just a quick update to people in regard to access to the athletics facility. As people may already know, athletics is one of the activities that the Goverment is permitting to start up in a limited fashion with tiny groups this week - older age groups only.

The trustees of the facility are meeting Monday evening to discuss a limited form of reopening of the facility to enable access for use strictly in accordance with the public health guidelines.

Following that, coaches will plan how to gradually recommence activities for the older age groups in the first phase of the roadmap for reopening society. Younger groups will be considered in the following phases in accordance with guidelines. 

The focus will be on doing this in a very gradual and cautious way to comply with the law and with public health guidelines.

I'm sure everyone is anxious for a return to normality - we just need to do it gradually and safely.

I should be able to provide another update on Tuesday after above discussions.

Support Pieta!

Everyone will know the wonderful work done by Pieta House ... and that their major fundraiser Darkness into Light cannot take place this year. So communities all around Ireland are doing their bit virtually to help raise funds. Shane Comer whose kids are in all the local sports clubs is coordinaring the effort across the local sports clubs inckluding ourselves ... please click on the link below to support, do your 5k at the weekend and donate.

Bye bye Pokes, Howdy Cajuns

Some great news in these strange times

Breaking news across the Atlantic this afternoon! Craughwell’s very own US Scholarship Student-Athlete Damian O’Boyle, (the first and only to date) is set to graduate from McNeese State University in a couple of weeks’ time with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science.

In the meantime, he has only gone and been accepted to Graduate School where he plans to pursue a Master of Science in Informatics, and today has put pen to paper on yet another scholarship deal. This time with the University of Louisiana, Lafayette (Ragin’ Cajuns) for what should turn out to be a two-year stint!

This is an exciting new chapter for both Damian and the club in our American journey. And with Lafayette only a short hour commute from Damian’s current base in Lake Charles, there should be plenty of opportunity for old friends and new rivalries.

We wish him all the best in the coming years, and Geaux Cajuns!

Mathys Gets International Selection Grant

Mathys Bocquet capped off a fantastic year by claiming a coveted spot on the Irish Schools team for the SIAB International in Scotland in a stunning performance on the 7th March.  Unfortunately for Mathys the unthinkable happened and the world changed overnight due to a tiny virus, leading to the 11th hour decision of the Irish team not to travel to the event.  It was a good decision as the event itself was also cancelled the next day!

However, Mathys still got the reward of an international selection grant, presented last night by Lisa at the team training review meeting, along with special guest Damian who was giving us a view of life as a Collegiate in the USA.

Mathys getting his presentation at the Q&A meeting

COVID-19: The Community Call

Dear All

By way of update, in response to Covid-19, the Government has launched “The Community Call”, a major initiative that links local and national government with the community and voluntary sectors.

The Community Call is an unprecedented mobilisation of both state and voluntary resources to combat the effects of Covid-19.  The purpose of the Community Call is to coordinate community activity and community assistance to where it is needed.

The immediate focus is on the elderly and the most vulnerable, and mobilising rapid response in every county to make sure everyone is looked after. In the coming weeks the focus will expand to broaden the wellbeing of our society and how communities can work together to help the country through the Covid-19 crisis.  Launching the initiative, Minister Ring stated “Since the very start of this emergency, the community and voluntary sector has been working on the ground and also at national level with my Department, to prepare for the Community Response which we are outlining today. One of our greatest assets in this country is the strength of our local, community and voluntary networks.

We are now asking that those networks – formal and informal – be mobilised so that everyone in our communities can look after each other. If your neighbours or relatives are required to stay at home – check with them to see if they need supports. And if you are in that category yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help - whether it’s with shopping, fuel delivery, collecting medicines or any other necessities of daily life. The Local Authority helpline is there as a safety net, to ensure that everyone is looked after”.

The Community Call will be overseen and managed locally by Local Authorities.  Led by the Local Authorities Chief Executives, the dedicated community Forum in each county will coordinate and connect the wide range of services and supports available in their specific areas. The forum involves an extensive list of state and voluntary organisations. A dedicated phone line is now operational in every county (details attached) and the national number 0818 222 024 is also now in operation.

We have also produced a further leaflet – COVID-19 – Advice when giving supports/receiving supports – to add to the communications pack which we issued on 20th March.  This leaflet provides practical advice when helping neighbours or family members with practical supports like shopping.  It gives you steps to make sure how to do this safely. 

For anyone who has asked for assistance, the leaflet also sets out what to expect and also practical advice on when letting someone into your home.

As part of the valuable resource of community and voluntary organisations, we are asking that you bring this information to the attention of your community, especially our leaflet – COVID-19 – Advice for people when lending a hand. 

Our email support help desk is also available for queries from community and voluntary organisations at C&This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More information is available on Gov.ie where information and practical supports are updated regularly.

The Department of Rural and Community Development

Craughwell AC Park Closure

Craughwell AC Sports & Recreation Park is padlocked and closed until further notice in light of the new Covid-19 restrictions announced by the Government tonight.

Please respect the Government orders, stay safe and do not use the grounds.

COVID-19 Update

Coronavirus update, 12th March

In view of the Government’s decision today to close all schools, colleges, and childcare facilities until 29th March and to restrict mass gatherings, the club’s committee and coaches held a brief meeting this evening.

In the National interest, the club has decided that there will be no regular juvenile training sessions during this period.

Athletes may use the facility to exercise individually but observe the best practice on social distancing if others present. If doing so, athletes should contact their main coach for advice on what training to do and when to do it, especially those who qualified for the All-Irelands.

The club regrets having to do this but is guided by the need to protect the most vulnerable in society by significantly limiting social interaction for the period in question to help reduce the spread of the virus.

The club will review the situation towards the end of the period and hopefully will be able to resume normal activities at that point depending on the public health guidance.