Dan signed hundreds of hurls, helmets and shirts
Sean Cairns Memorial Hurling Coaching Day 2022
Another of the big annual landmark days in Clonduff Park took place on Saturday in the form of the 4th Sean Cairns Memorial Coaching Day. Guest coach for the day was the former Waterford great Dan Shanahan. When the 3 time All-Star first stepped out of the car in Clonduff Park the most striking feature was his sheer size but given that his Autobiography is entitled ‘If you don’t know me, don’t judge me’ it would be an insult to only comment on his physical appearance as his outstanding attribute.
Dan with the Senior Hurlers and the Cairns Family
While the 45 year old Lismore man still looks in match-fit condition it was his enthusiasm, encouragement and promotion of enjoyment that stood out to make the day another great success.
On arrival, Dan was introduced to the Cairns Family as well as Club Youth Officer Mark Devlin. Coaching then immediately commenced with the U13 and U15 groups. The session completed with the crossbar challenge. After lunch it was the turn of the U7 and Nursery groups where despite being 3 times the size of his audience, Dan blended in with tips and advice for every player.
Goretta, Noleen and Shane Cairns making the presentation to Dan
The U9s and U11s were next up and got through the session just before the only shower of rain of the day.
Dan took time out for family photographs and to sign hurls, helmets and jerseys for the youngsters and their parents.
The final session was with the Senior Hurlers. The rain blew over and the sun shone. Dan had started his day coaching in Castlewellan at 9am that morning yet still had the energy to put the Seniors through an intense session for an hour and a half at the end of a very long day. The passion he still displays for hurling is unwavering (he still plays for his club) but before closing the day, he reminded players of the importance of enjoying what you do as well as appreciating the friendships that are made among teammates.
Dan commented on the impressive facilities at Clonduff Park and encouraged the club to pursue their plans to provide a Ball Wall for the benefit of player development.
After the refreshments at the end of the day Club Secretary Anita Brannigan thanked Dan for the wonderful experience he had given the Clonduff players and the Cairns Family made a presentation to him.
The Committee would like to thank our club Senior Hurling Selector Anthony Tinnelly for his assistance in bringing one of the All-time GAA greats to what was another memorable day in Clonduff.
By clonduffgac1887
Sun 3rd Jul
