On behalf of the O’Tooles mentors and fellow nursery children, we would like to welcome you to O’Tooles Nursery Section- we hope you enjoy your stay!

Our Nursery section will teach your child the skills of Gaelic games (Hurling ,Camogie and/or Football) in a fun and safe environment where full participation is actively encouraged by our parent volunteers supported by our professionally qualified GPO Vinny Whelan.

Typically a child will spend two years in Nursery after which they will move to our Under 8 “go-games” teams – children remain at under 8 until they are old enough to move to Under 9.

Training takes place Every Saturday. Details as follows:

  • Saturday 10am – O’Tooles All-Weather Facility at the Clubhouse on Blunden Drive
  • If you are unsure as to the location of a particular training session, simply ring the Nursery Voicemail on 08952212360 and listen to the recorded message.
  • As the weather can be changeable, please re-check the voicemail again at 9.30 on Saturday mornings – venue will not be changed after this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : If the weather is bad , how will I know if training has moved indoors ?

A:  Ring the Nursery Voicemail -08952212360 Cut-off for changing message is 9am on Sat morning .After these times the venue will not be changed.

Q: What age is Nursery intended for ?

A: Boys and Girls age 4 to 6. From age 7 or once 2 years are completed in Nursery, children play at under 8 level.

Q: Do children in Nursery get to play against other teams?

A: Yes-towards the end of your child’s second year we organise challenge matches against other clubs.

Q: What is the club ethos?

A: The emphasis is on participation and enjoyment – learning through fun.  All players, no matter what their skill level, get to play and everyone is substituted.  Our approach is to build confidence through encouragement and to make the game as enjoyable as possible, following approved GAA coaching methods.

Q: What does the club expect from parents of Nursery children?

A: For children in The Nursery, the club expects that a parent/adult responsible for the child remains at the pitch at all times. One adult can be responsible for more than one child at a time. Parents should bring a drink to all sessions and in cold weather hats, gloves , warm top etc..

Q: When do you stop for Winter, Summer holidays etc.. ?

A: In general we follow the school calendar – you will be notified throughout the year and on the voicemail.

Q: What are go-games ?

A: Special small sided games designed by the GAA for younger children with rules and equipment appropriate to the age group in question. Various types of go-games are played from nursery up to age 12 in both hurling and football.

Q: Is there any girl-only sides ?

A: Yes – we offer Girls football.

Q: What does it cost for my child to participate in the nursery ?

A: There is a €3 weekly charge for the nursery. This covers both Football & Hurling. All money generated from this fee goes back into improving the nursery facilities for your child.

Q. What should my child wear for hurling ?

A: For hurling children MUST wear a helmet – Helmets are supplied to new players for the first 6 weeks, after which they are expected to purchase their own helmet. (available in Elverys) We also encourage children to wear shin guards.

Q: What size hurl should I get ?

A: Hurls should be ground to hip height (not waist!)  – for most nursery players this should be 26″ to 28″- again available in the club shop.

Q: How does the under 8 league work with both codes (i.e. football and hurling) ?

A: Matches take place Saturday morning alternating between home and away matches. One Saturday we play hurling, the next is Football and so on throughout the year.

Q: Do you organise camps?

A: Yes , we have Easter camps & Summer camps  together with blitz/skills competitions throughout the year. Mentors will communicate details in advance.

Q: Can parents help/become involved ?

A: Yes – parents are encouraged to become involved – formal GAA coaching courses are offered to all mentors throughout the year. If you are interested in mentoring, please make yourself know to one of our mentors.

If you are not interested in mentoring you can help in other ways – we need parents to help us gather up and store equipment, administration tasks etc. The club is run almost entirely by volunteers and new help is always welcome.

Q: Is anything organised for the parents ?

A: Yes, a number of times a year we have social nights/supper dances in the club. The Club Bar which is available to all( members. And non-members).