Teams - nursery 
Welcome to Ballinteer St Johns Nursery
Fáilte go dtí Naíolann Naomh Eoin Baile an tSaoir!
Bígí Linn! Join Us!
About the Nursery
Our nursery introduces boys and girls aged 4–7 to Gaelic games (Football, Hurling & Camogie) in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment. We prioritise enjoyment, participation for all abilities, and a safe, welcoming atmosphere led by trained volunteer coaches. Equipment will be provided to new joiners if necessary.
We are committed to an environment where every child belongs, supported by the values of the club.
Why Join
- Welcoming and inclusive environment where every child feels welcome
- Games-based stations focused on fundamental movement skills (balance, coordination, agility)
- Qualified, friendly coaches
- Focus on fun and participation for all
- Strong community values and belonging for all children
- Begin lifelong membership of the club and develop love of Gaelic Games
When
- Every Saturday morning (September – June)
- 09:45 – 11:00
Where
- All Weather Pitch, Ballinteer Community School, D16 XF79 View on Google Maps
How nursery works?
Children are split into groups based on their year of birth with boys/girls in the same groups for the early years of nursery before forming their own separate groups during their U6 year.
Sessions are delivered in short, dynamic stations (movement, ball-handling, striking, teamwork), keeping children engaged and active. The emphasis is on fun first, with simple progressions for different ages and abilities.
The coaching programme in nursery follows the Ballinteer St Johns Player Pathway with focus as follows:
- Ages 4–5 (fun games, movement & play)
- Ages 6–7 (movement + introductory ball skills & mini-games)
Each child will receive a nursery training jersey with their first name on the back and sleeves as part of membership to encourage connections / relationships between the children and coaches.
Note: nursery is not a ‘drop and go’ service so we ask one parent/guardian to remain on the sideline during each session.
The nursery is governed by the club’s child protection policy.
What to bring?
- Comfortable sportswear and runners/football boots
- Mouthguard (available to purchase at nursery)
- Hurley & helmet (equipment will be loaned to new players)
- Water bottle
Volunteer With Us
Parents/guardians are warmly encouraged to get involved as coaches, helpers, or administrators. The children love seeing their parents involved! It is much more fun to get involved than watch on the sideline! The commitment is only from week to week, as you are available as we operate a large pool of volunteers for each age group.
No previous GAA playing or coaching experience required for volunteers. Training will be offered, and we will support you to work through the Garda Vetting / Safeguarding process.
How to join
- Turn up on a Saturday morning and join in!
- If you have questions or require more information, please contact your respective lead mentors for each age group.
Age Group Mentors
2022 Boys & Girls (U5)
David O’Donoghue — 086 008 2481
2021 Boys & Girls (U5)
Andrew Curtis — 087 421 6040
Peter Gaynor — 085 100 0800
2020 Boys & Girls (U6)
Eimear Lee — 086 456 7416
Kieran Campbell — 086 606 2943
2019 Boys (U7)
Niamh McCourt — 087 795 9406
David O’Donoghue — 086 008 2481
2019 Girls (U7)
Barbara Wickham — 087 742 3209
Caitriona Hayes — 087 639 8723
From Nursery to playing for Dublin
Our nursery is where the journey begins — where friendships form, skills develop, and a love for Gaelic games takes hold. We’re incredibly proud that two of our own, Orlagh Nolan and Grace O’Shea, who first picked up a football and hurley here as nursery players, have gone on to represent Dublin at the highest level in both Ladies Football and Camogie.
Their achievements are a shining example of what’s possible when fun, encouragement, and community combine. They show every young boy and girl who steps onto our pitches that big dreams can start small — with their first solo, first strike, and first smile at training.
Mini All Irelands
The Mini All Irelands bring Marlay Park to life with over 1,400 participants showcasing their football, hurling, and camogie skills across two exciting weeks in late May and early June.
And the magic moment? Watching our U6 nursery stars take to the field for their very first organised games!
