Life at AIT

Gaelic Games

Participation in Gaelic games is an important outlet for many students.  The various GAA teams within the Institute cater for a large number of students.  Their growth has mirrored the expansion of the Institute as membership of the Hurling, Camogie, and Gaelic football clubs has steadily grown over the years.  Handball and Ladies Gaelic football clubs are also established.  The  clubs cater for those who wish to compete at the highest level and at a recreational level. The GAA clubs comprise the largest membership of any sports club in the Institute. 

AIT's Gaelic football team 

Club Development

The senior football team will compete in Division 1 of the All Ireland Colleges league and will also participate in the flagship competition of college’s GAA, the Sigerson Cup.  Our challenge for honours will be boosted by the fielding of some high profile players such as Ray Galligan (Cavan), James Coughlan (Offaly), David Glennon (Westmeath) and David Flynn and Adrian Murtagh (Roscommon). Our Senior Hurling team will compete in Division 2 of the All Ireland Colleges league and will also compete in the Ryan Cup.  Our challenge will be boosted by the aid of some quality hurlers such as Joe Bergin (Offaly), Cathal Dervan and Paul Madden (Galway).  We will also field teams at both intermediate and junior levels along with two fresher’s teams in both hurling and football. 

The college also caters for camogie and ladies Gaelic football.  These clubs field teams at senior and freshers level.  In the 2008-09 academic year Athlone IT GAA Club will be fielding 13 teams in all of the various competitions. 

Coach Education Programme 

In conjunction with the Department of Hospitality and Tourism , AIT's GAA Club provide and tutor both foundation level football and hurling coaching course as well as Level 1 courses in both codes. These courses are open to staff and students as well as the members of the local GAA clubs. Each participant on a Foundation Course must complete a coaching Logbook of six coaching sessions, these coaching sessions are provided by the GAA club.

Level 1 Football Certificate Presentation 2008