Carlow GAA Underage Summer Blitz

A summer Saturday at Netwatch Cullen Park has a particular energy when the underage blitz season is running. Young players from clubs across County Carlow turn up in their parish jerseys, warm up on the grass, and play a string of short games that give every child real time on the pitch. This is one of the most genuinely enjoyable days out the GAA calendar offers - relaxed, community-focused, and free. Parents, grandparents, and anyone with a passing interest in how the game gets passed on are welcome to watch.

What to expect

Carlow GAA runs a programme of underage blitz days through the summer, drawing juvenile football and hurling clubs from across the county. Blitz days use a rotating format where teams play a series of short games - typically 15 to 20 minutes each - so every player gets far more game time than a single knockout fixture would allow. Go Games (the GAA’s format for younger age groups, Up to Under-11) are played on small pitches with small-sided teams, no scores recorded, and no trophies presented. For older age groups, the format opens up but the emphasis stays the same: maximum participation, fair play, and fun.

Matches are spread across Netwatch Cullen Park - the county ground, opened in 1936 and home to Carlow GAA senior teams - and at club grounds around the county depending on the fixture schedule. Club volunteers typically run refreshments on the day. The schedule and specific venues are published through carlow.gaa.ie and communicated directly to clubs.

Getting there

Carlow town sits on the M9 motorway between Dublin (about 85 km north) and Waterford. By car, the M9 and N80 offer straightforward routes; Netwatch Cullen Park is on the edge of the town centre and has public car parking nearby. Direct trains on the Dublin Heuston to Waterford line stop at Carlow station, which is a short walk from the ground. If your child’s blitz is at a club ground rather than the county venue, check your club communications for the exact location.

While you’re in Carlow

Carlow town has a compact centre worth a short walk - the remains of Carlow Castle stand just off the River Barrow, and the County Museum on College Street covers local history well. There is more to see in Carlow and across Co. Carlow.

Good to know

• Date: Saturday 18 July 2026, from 10:00am
• Price: Free
• Venue: Netwatch Cullen Park and club grounds across County Carlow
• Schedule and age groups: Published via carlow.gaa.ie and through your child’s club
• Accessibility: Netwatch Cullen Park has accessible toilets at three ends of the ground (Stand, Deerpark, and Oak Park Road ends); disabled patrons and a carer or driver are admitted free