Page 6 – Move – Grow

Galway City Manager and Councillor visit RGC

Last week we were delighted to have Councillor Declan McDonnell as our guest to the gymnastics training centre. (Read about his previous visit).

“The work Renmore Gymnastics is doing for Galway is outstanding“, he had said during that visit, “and deserves to be recognised. I’d really like the City Manager to see this for himself.”

This week we were over the moon when Declan rang to say he was returning with the City Manager.

Brendan McGrath and Cllr. Declan McDonnell at RGC

Like most first time visitors to the training centre, Mr. McGrath was impressed.

“I’d heard some things about Renmore Gymnastics“, he said, “but I wasn’t expecting this.”

Over the next half hour, we showed our visitors through all parts of the gym, and told him everything about our club: how we’d outgrown the community centre, and how we’ve continued to grow until now, and how we could continue to grow further had we more space. We told him about our amazing staff of 3 full time and 15 part time coaches, and Carol Hynes, our administrator who holds it all together. We told him that we’d recently applied for planning permission, and that with the building now up for sale by the landlord, there was some uncertainty.

Brendan expressed much interest in what we are doing. He asked many questions, and requested a tour of the upstairs. By the time his visit was over, there was one thing he knew for certain: gymnastics is good for children – it’s an important sport in Galway, and we would like to see it included in the Galway City Strategic Plan.

Thank you, City Manager Brendan McGrath for coming to visit us. And thank you Declan McDonnell for bringing him!

Margo Kelly visits Renmore Gymnastics

Local elections Fine Gael candidate Margo Kelly paid a visit to Renmore Gymnastics earlier this week. Margo was accompanied by her husband Liam and their two grown sons, and by former TD Padraic McCormack.

Margo Kelly and Padraic McCormack at RGC, May 2014, shown with coaches Sam Marciano and Dale Moylan.

“It’s great to see what Renmore Gymnastics is doing”, Margo said, “I am very impressed with your setup. If elected i will certainly be offering your club support in any dealings with the City Council.”

Thanks, Margo, for taking time out of a busy pre-election schedule to come and see what we are up to!

Cllr. Declan McDonnell visits Renmore Gymnastics Club

Independent local election candidate Cllr. Declan McDonnell paid a visit to our club on Thursday, May 8th. Here’s what he had to say:

I was delighted to visit the Renmore Gymnastics training centre today at Unit 8 Racecourse Park. It was lovely to see your club in action, and I’m honoured to be one of your local representatives.

Independent local election candidate Cllr. Declan McDonnell with Renmore Gymnastics Club head coach, Sally Batley

From my own experience in developing the sports centre in Mervue, I appreciate both your undertaking and your vision. I hope I am able to be of assistance to you, both in the present situation, and also in helping you in your long term goal to establish a purpose built gymnastics training centre in Galway.

I understand that you are currently providing as many as 1500 sports training hours each week. This is a massive achievement. Any sport which is catering to so many hundreds of children must be supported by volunteers, obviously, but is also worthy of funding.

I am very interested in helping your club to achieve the sports funding required to ensure continued growth and success. I will investigate the schemes which I think may be of financial assistance to RGC, and guide you in obtaining access to them.

Thank you, Declan, for taking the time to come and visit our club. We wish you well in the local election, and hope to see you back again soon. Remember, our adult gymnastics classes run every Monday and Wednesday, 8-10pm! These are operated on a pay-as-you-go basis, and are open to anyone 18+ whether beginner or advanced. See you there?

Advanced Summer Camp 2014

We are delighted to release the dates for our Advanced Summer Camp for 2014. This camp will run from Monday 30th June – Friday 4th July. We hope as usual to arrange a fun day for Saturday 5th July to round the week off nicely. The advanced camp has been a wonderful success over recent years and has proved both highly popular and a lot of fun so be sure to book your space at the earliest convenience. Spaces can be booked at the gym or through email: renmoregymnastics@gmail.com – camp fee = 110 euro for the week and a deposit will need to be paid to secure spaces. Sibling discounts apply as usual.

Celtic Cup 2014

Renmore Gymnastics witnessed a very proud moment this year when they trialled and qualified a record number of girls to represent Ireland across both Minor and Junior teams for the 2014 Celtic Cup Championships. Out of the 12 gymnasts that were selected Nationally one third of those consisted of Renmore Gymnasts’ Emer Shimizu, Amy O’neill, Aisling Fuller and Renmore’s youngest gymnast Emma Slevin who achieved this great result at just 10 years of age. The girls were supported by Renmore Head Coach Sally Batley who was part of the Irish Delegation as one of the National Team Coaches.

All gymnasts achieved great results, the Irish Minors team secured the bronze medal position on the podium making history for Renmore Gymnastics as their first gymnasts to return to Galway achieving an International Medal position! The juniors placed 4th overall after another fantastic performance. Great to see the hard work paying off gymnasts, keep up the good work we are very proud of you and your achievements and great result for Team Ireland so well done to all the girls that competed!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Yet another load of fun at Renmore Gymnastics

Coaches Sally and Dale travelled up the country today to collect a load of “previously bounced upon” gymnastics equipment which we recently purchased.

“I can’t honestly say that we had planned long and hard to buy this specific equipment,” said Sally, “but the opportunity arose to acquire a large volume of equipment in excellent condition at a very good price, so we went for it. The cost was about a third of buying new, and really there is nothing we won’t use.”

“We won’t use the skateboards,” replied Dale.

“That’s true,” said Sally, “but maybe we could have a skateboard raffle. We need somehow to raise the funds to pay for all this!!!”

Coaches and equipment arrived at the training centre about 6pm this evening. Unloading began, while training continued despite the disruption. Immediately afterwards all the available coaches got stuck in wiping, arranging, and assembling the new equipment. Much of it will be in use from tomorrow, including two new floor beams, a new parallel bars, two dozen mats, and much more. A small amount of the new equipment will be stored safely until we have more training space, and one or two small pieces will be donated to other groups in Galway.

Thanks to all who helped today, especially Sally who gave up her day off, coaches Dale and Sam who put in the overtime, and the parents who helped out with the unloading. Thanks also to Iggy Madden Transport who gave us a good price on the haulage.

The equipment was purchased from a club which had closed down several years ago in another part of the country. We were sorry their own club didn’t continue, but happy to put the equipment to good use immediately.

Alan Cheevers visits Renmore Gymnastics

Alan Cheevers with RGC Coach Samantha Marciano

Galway East candidate Alan Cheevers visited Renmore Gymnastics today. He was surprised to discover our 8,000 square foot warehouse kitted out for gymnastics training.

“I’m really impressed”, Mr. Cheevers said, “this is a club which I hadn’t been aware of and ye are doing great work.”

In the personal details of his political profile, Alan expresses a particular interest in sports. and is already involved in several other local clubs. He declares, “in a sporting capacity, I hope to see myself more actively involved in sporting clubs in the east side of the city.”

He came to the right place today. Renmore Gymnastics Club, which has maintained a low profile over the past few years, is one of the largest sports clubs in and around Galway, with well over 700 members attending weekly training.

“Being involved in sports is good for young people, especially from health and social perspectives”, Mr. Cheevers said. “I really admire the work Renmore Gymnastics Club is doing in bringing young people into sport, and keeping them involved. If I am elected this club will definitely be on my radar.”

Alan Cheevers is looking for votes from constituents in Galway East, and has invited RGC member families to visit his page on Facebook.

Noel Larkin and Senator Fidelma Healy Eames visit RGC

At Renmore Gymnastics we are always happy to show interested people what we are doing and talk about why we are doing it. We were delighted yesterday to welcome Senator Fidelma Healy Eames and Galway City East independent candidate Noel Larkin to the training centre on Monday April 14th. Our visitors are shown above with Coach Samantha Marciano who heads up our recreational programme.

Neither Senator Healy Eames nor Mr. Larkin had previously seen the training centre, and were intrigued to discover our secret hideout where as many as 700 children attend gymnastics training each week. During their visit they asked about the background and growth of the club over the past number of years, and were treated to viewing some advanced gymnastics skills thanks to the girls’ and boys’ squads who were in for Easter-Break training.

Noel Larkin, Managing Director of Larkin Engineering, and a longtime resident of Welpark Grove, explained that one of his main political concerns is reducing the amount of money “wasted” at a local level. He cited overspend in the recent renovations of Eyre Square as an example of unnecessary overspending.

“We will be much better off”, Mr. Larkin said, “if we spend our money more prudently, always being careful that we are using it to improve the living conditions in our beautiful City”.

He said Renmore Gymnastics shows a good example of a small budget making a big impact to people’s lives, and a positive benefit to the local economy through job creation.

Politicians of any flavour are welcome to visit us and find out what’s going on. Send an email to renmoregymnastics@gmail.com to arrange for a tour. Hopefully we’ll be able to organise a time when the training centre is busy, because that’s when we’re at our best. And by the time you leave you’ll understand why we’re doing it: because gymnastics is good for children.

2014 National Finals results

Over the weekend of April 5th and 6th over 50 RGC gymnasts from both Women’s and Men’s Artistic squads traveled to Limerick to take part in National Finals. This busy weekend included the final Celtic Cup trial, the 2-6 teams and apparatus, the 6 -9 apparatus, 6-9+ levels apparatus, and the MAG intermediate Finals. It was busy, long and very very exciting!!!!

There were literally so many taking part and so many wonderful achievements that it’s not possible to give a full detailed write up on all performances but gymnasts you did yourselves and your club very very proud indeed. Listed below are results of our medal winners who managed to bring home over 80 medals!!! Great comp everyone!!!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Level 2 Under 9 Team – Gold:
Annie Curtis
Caoimhe Donohoe
Hannah Glynn
Apparatus Medals:
Caoimhe Donohoe: Vault – Gold / Bars – Gold / Beam – Bronze / Floor – Silver
Hannah Glynn: Vault – Bronze

Level 2 Under 11 Team – Silver:
Nadine McMenamin
Blaithnaid Higgins
Apparatus Medals:
Blaithnaid Higgins: Vault – Gold / Bars – Bronze / Beam – Bronze

Level 2 Over 11 Team – Bronze:
Orna Hennessey
Leah McGrath
Brianna Pfeiffer
Lauren Fay
Molly O’Connor
Hannah McHugh
Apparatus Medals:
Lauren Fay: Vault – Gold
Leah McGrath: Floor – Bronze

Level 3 Under 11 Team – Bronze:
Isobel Haugh
Sophie Long
Ruth Mahon

Level 3 Over 11 Team – Silver:
Hannah-Kate Silke
Angelika Kolodziej
Apparatus Medals:
Angelika Kolodziej: Beam – Gold
Hannah-Kate Silke: Beam – Bronze

Level 4 Under 9:
Apparatus Medals:
Siofra Davis: Bars – silver / Beam – Gold / Floor – Silver

Level 4 Under 11 Team – Gold:
Kate Kidd

Level 4 Over 11 Team – Gold:
Siochain Fahy
Natasha Johnson
Apparatus Medals:
Siochain Fahy: Beam – Gold

Level 5 Under 11 Team – Gold:
Grace Haugh
Miriam Fuller
Apparatus Medals:
Miriam Fuller: Bars – Gold / Beam – Gold / Floor – Bronze
Grace Haugh: Beam – Silver / Vault Silver

Level 5 Over 11
Apparatus Medals:
Anna Kidd: Vault – Silver / Beam – Gold / Floor – Gold

Level 5 Over 13
Apparatus Medals:
Nicola Lawless: Vault – Bronze

Level 6 Under 13 Team – Bronze
Siofra Molloy
Maya Banerjee
Aoife Walsh
Apparatus Medals:
Siofra Molloy: Bars – Bronze

Level 7 Over 13
Apparatus Medals:
Eimear Flanagan: Beam – Silver / Floor – Gold

Level 8 Over 13
Apparatus Medals:
Rosalie Hynes: Bars – Silver / Beam – Bronze

Level 9 Under 13
Apparatus Medals:
Aisling Connaughton: Bars – Gold / Floor – Gold

Level 9 Over 13
Apparatus Medals:
Roisin Curran: Floor – Gold
Nicole Shaw: Floor – Bronze / Bars – Gold

Level 6+ Under 11
Apparatus Medals:
Kate Molloy: Bars – Silver / Floor – Bronze
Jane Heffernan: Floor – Silver
Daniela Goluba: Vault – Bronze / Bars – Gold / Beam – Gold / Floor – Gold

Level 6+ Under 13
Apparatus Medals:
Sarah Hynes: Floor – Silver

Level 7+ Under 13
Apparatus Medals:
Alex-Marie McDonagh: Bars – Bronze / Beam – Silver / Floor – Bronze
Aisling Fuller: Vault – Bronze / Bars – Silver / Beam – Gold / Floor – Silver
Emma Slevin: Vault – Silver / Bars – Gold / Beam – Bronze / Floor – Gold

Level 7+ Over 13
Apparatus Medals:
Emer Shimizu: Vault – Gold / Bars – Silver / Beam – Silver
Amy O’Neill: Bars – 4th place/ Floor – 4th place

MAG Intermediate Grade 4:
Oisin Shimizu – 5th Place – 1st place on Floor exercise
MAG Intermediate Grade 1:
Micheal Hynes – 3rd place on Vault
Nicholas Lynch – 7th Place overall
Paddy McGrath – 3rd place on Floor / 3rd place on Pommels – 5th Place overall
MAG Intermediate Grade 2:
Jack Lynott – 3rd place on P-bars / 3rd place on High bar
Ronan Zaletel – 8th place overall
Eanna O’Heainagh – 3rd place on Vault / 9th place overall

Public Meeting 24th Feb – Renmore Gymnastics and Special Olympics Ireland

In continuing to build the relationship between Renmore Gymnastics and Special Olympics Ireland, we will jointly be hosting a public meeting with a view to establishing a new club, Galway Special Olympics Gymnastics Club. The meeting will take place at 8pm, Monday Feb. 24th, at our training centre.

Renmore Gymnastics collaborating with Special Olympics ireland

Kitty Tierney of Special Olympics Ireland will be speaking at the meeting. The new club extends the relationship already growing between Renmore Gymnastics and Special Olympics Ireland.

All interested persons are invited to attend.