Na SeamrÓigí time again ...

On Saturday 11 March, Na SeamrÓigí (Under-6) return to the AstroTurf at 10.30. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ACTIVITY ORGANISED BY THE CLUB. This initiative was first trialled towards the end of the 2018 season and was formally introduced in February 2019.

The idea behind the concept was to introduce young children to healthy exercise in a fun and family centred setting. The selection of pictures on Mullingar Shamrocks Facebook illustrate the fun and games that is central to Na SeamrÓigí.

A recent (January 2020) study The Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study provides evidence of the IMPORTANCE of what Mullingar Shamrocks are attempting to achieve. Included in the results were the following frightening facts: (a) Only 1 in 5 primary and 1 in 8 of post-primary school children met the Department of Health and Children physical activity recommendations – at least 60 minutes daily of moderate to vigorous physical activity. (b) Girls were less likely than boys to meet the physical activity recommendations. (c) One in four children were unfit, overweight or obese and had elevated blood pressure.

The SeamrÓigí concept is designed to introduce the habit of fun and games filled exercise to children at an early age and hopefully for the majority this will lead to a life- long interest in exercise and fitness.

When the initiative was launched in 2019, Mullingar Shamrocks under-age committee chairman Barry Kelly stated that 'It doesn't really matter if the children never play football. If they get into the habit of enjoying sport in a friendly non-competitive setting, we will have done them a great favour for later life'.

Even the most cursory glance in to the Astroturf on a Saturday morning would convince any doubters (and we don't know of any!) of the wonderful success of the Na SeamrÓigí initiative. The Astroturf has been packed packed with boys and girls under six years of age engaged in healthy exercise supported by an army of volunteer coaches.

There is no doubt that this is one of the finest initiatives rolled out in the club's history and if any Mammy or Daddy is reading this and would like their young boy or girl (3-6 year old) to engage in the fun and games they are welcome to come along. You will be doing your children a great favour. We will find the space.

All other age groups also return on Saturday 11 March.

It's never too late to START or make a return.