The National Throws Squad and Irish coaches were treated to an excellent week of coaching in the past week. Paddy Mc Grath, the current Irish champion in the hammer and former Olympian held a workshop for coaches in Tullamore on April 20th and did some coaching with the National throws squad last weekend. Paddy’s approach is very practical and he demonstrated to coaches simple ways of developing technique and movement in the throw. Members of the national squad acted as demonstrators while Paddy explained the technical points. The session moved outdoors in the afternoon where both coaches and hammer throwers were able to try out what they had learnt. As usual the facilities in Tullamore Harriers were excellent and the catering was of its usual mouth watering standard, kindly provided by Ann Coughlan. 
Poetry in Motion: National Squad Throwers at work with Paddy Mc Grath (courtesy of Dan Kennedy) The National Squad shot and hammer was held at the DMP grounds in Wexford with a large attendance on both days. Paddy Mc Grath and Nicola Coffey both took the hammer event and were able to spend time going through technical points raised the weekend before. The two day event gave an opportunity to reinforce the learning and to deal with any technical and training problems being encountered by the hammer group. 
Paddy Mc Grath throwing at the DMP grounds in Wexford (courtesy of Dan Kennedy) The National Shot Squad also took place in Wexford with both John Farrelly and Dennis Roscoe (from the UK) working with the group. Shot putters were given the opportunity to use a traditional glide technique or learn the rotational technique. There were some great performances on the day with Eanna O Cathain in particular showing great promise using the rotational technique. A discussion group on “Preparing for Competition” was facilitated by John Farrelly and a broad mix of competition experiences were recounted. Shot putt coaches were not left out with Dennis Roscoe giving a workshop on Sunday on using the rotational technique. Again members of the national squad acted as demonstrators and Dennis introduced coaches to a range of drills to deal with specific technical problems. Dan Kennedy was on hand as usual to provide video feedback to the groups on both days and this is an integral part of the coaching sessions at National Squad level. Rosemary Daniel from the NCTC was also present at the Wexford session and also did some video work on the throwers. Many thanks to all the coaching team for their efforts in mixed weather conditions, the athletes for their dedication and enthusiasm , parents and coaches and to the DMP and Tullamore Athletic Clubs for the use of their facilities.
Poetry in Motion: National Squad Throwers at work with Paddy Mc Grath (courtesy of Dan Kennedy) The National Squad shot and hammer was held at the DMP grounds in Wexford with a large attendance on both days. Paddy Mc Grath and Nicola Coffey both took the hammer event and were able to spend time going through technical points raised the weekend before. The two day event gave an opportunity to reinforce the learning and to deal with any technical and training problems being encountered by the hammer group. Paddy Mc Grath throwing at the DMP grounds in Wexford (courtesy of Dan Kennedy) The National Shot Squad also took place in Wexford with both John Farrelly and Dennis Roscoe (from the UK) working with the group. Shot putters were given the opportunity to use a traditional glide technique or learn the rotational technique. There were some great performances on the day with Eanna O Cathain in particular showing great promise using the rotational technique. A discussion group on “Preparing for Competition” was facilitated by John Farrelly and a broad mix of competition experiences were recounted. Shot putt coaches were not left out with Dennis Roscoe giving a workshop on Sunday on using the rotational technique. Again members of the national squad acted as demonstrators and Dennis introduced coaches to a range of drills to deal with specific technical problems. Dan Kennedy was on hand as usual to provide video feedback to the groups on both days and this is an integral part of the coaching sessions at National Squad level. Rosemary Daniel from the NCTC was also present at the Wexford session and also did some video work on the throwers. Many thanks to all the coaching team for their efforts in mixed weather conditions, the athletes for their dedication and enthusiasm , parents and coaches and to the DMP and Tullamore Athletic Clubs for the use of their facilities. 
