Graham Heaslip - Former Captain of Connacht Rugby
Jamie and Graham Healsip with Graham's sons
Graham Heaslip has the much applauded distinction of being the Captain of the first Irish side to win a European tie in France. In 1997, as Connacht Captain, Heaslip led his team to victory when they beat Begles Bordeaux.
At the time Graham and his team owed much to the inspiration of their coach Warren Gatland.
But his rugby career didn't end when he left Connacht. Graham's love of rugby and love of sport is now being transferred on to his Clann na Gael U11 Mini Rugby team that he coaches every Saturday. They are through to the Connacht Finals in Sligo on Saturday 4th July .
We were lucky today to have Graham come in for a chat and tell us about his time in Community Games - both past and present.
"Well, I guess swimming was a big thing when I was growing up and that's where Community Games first made an impression on me. I remember the fun and the excitement of going to Athy for the County Finals and then the pride of coming home with a medal! Although the Mosney medals eluded me, winning at County was a great thing. Now, I coach a team of U11's in Mini Rugby and the excitement of getting through to a Provincial Final is huge for these kids. I'm just as excited for them!"
He also pointed out that there are more and more activities available to kids today and venues are opening themselves up to be used for Community Groups and NGBs.
"Nowadays there are a lot more sports and activities available for children and it's lovely to see that more and more kids are partaking in sport for both the fun and the competition of it. Also sport has become a lot more accessible to families - most clubs I know will tell the parents "look it, let your son/daughter try out the sport and if they like it after a couple of weeks then you can pay the nominal fee." Volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty - I know some volunteers who will drive to collect kids to bring them to matches, just so that the children get a chance to be on a team."
On the subject of doing multiple activities Graham said "I think that a lot of sports complement each other - certainly for rugby and GAA the hand/eye co-ordination training is mutually beneficial. Doing sports when younger not only helps you stay healthy and fit but it's also an excellent way to become more disciplined and ambitious. I think children should participate in as many sports as possible and get as much outdoor time as they can. We, as coaches, need to make their sessions fun and enjoyable so they look forward to coming back each week - playing games and having the craic so that it's more about participation than winning!"
Graham has a younger brother, Jamie (Irish International Rugby Player), who was most likely inspired by his great role model of a brother to get involved in rugby. Graham said "Jamie is so disciplined and what's happening now in professional sport is phenomenal - the athletes are committed 100% to their game and with new technology and research they are pushing themselves to optimum levels in terms of training. But camaraderie and craic are always just as important!"
We agree! Whether you are in an Area match play-off in Coosan or you're through to the 6 Nations it's about being healthy, being fit, forming friendships and being part of a team and the medal, well that's just a bonus!
Thank you so much Graham for coming in and best of luck to your team in the Connacht Finals - and best of luck to everyone!
At the time Graham and his team owed much to the inspiration of their coach Warren Gatland.
But his rugby career didn't end when he left Connacht. Graham's love of rugby and love of sport is now being transferred on to his Clann na Gael U11 Mini Rugby team that he coaches every Saturday. They are through to the Connacht Finals in Sligo on Saturday 4th July .
We were lucky today to have Graham come in for a chat and tell us about his time in Community Games - both past and present.
"Well, I guess swimming was a big thing when I was growing up and that's where Community Games first made an impression on me. I remember the fun and the excitement of going to Athy for the County Finals and then the pride of coming home with a medal! Although the Mosney medals eluded me, winning at County was a great thing. Now, I coach a team of U11's in Mini Rugby and the excitement of getting through to a Provincial Final is huge for these kids. I'm just as excited for them!"
He also pointed out that there are more and more activities available to kids today and venues are opening themselves up to be used for Community Groups and NGBs.
"Nowadays there are a lot more sports and activities available for children and it's lovely to see that more and more kids are partaking in sport for both the fun and the competition of it. Also sport has become a lot more accessible to families - most clubs I know will tell the parents "look it, let your son/daughter try out the sport and if they like it after a couple of weeks then you can pay the nominal fee." Volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty - I know some volunteers who will drive to collect kids to bring them to matches, just so that the children get a chance to be on a team."
On the subject of doing multiple activities Graham said "I think that a lot of sports complement each other - certainly for rugby and GAA the hand/eye co-ordination training is mutually beneficial. Doing sports when younger not only helps you stay healthy and fit but it's also an excellent way to become more disciplined and ambitious. I think children should participate in as many sports as possible and get as much outdoor time as they can. We, as coaches, need to make their sessions fun and enjoyable so they look forward to coming back each week - playing games and having the craic so that it's more about participation than winning!"
Graham has a younger brother, Jamie (Irish International Rugby Player), who was most likely inspired by his great role model of a brother to get involved in rugby. Graham said "Jamie is so disciplined and what's happening now in professional sport is phenomenal - the athletes are committed 100% to their game and with new technology and research they are pushing themselves to optimum levels in terms of training. But camaraderie and craic are always just as important!"
We agree! Whether you are in an Area match play-off in Coosan or you're through to the 6 Nations it's about being healthy, being fit, forming friendships and being part of a team and the medal, well that's just a bonus!
Thank you so much Graham for coming in and best of luck to your team in the Connacht Finals - and best of luck to everyone!
