Culture
CULTURE IS THE FOUNDATION TO ANY SUCCESSFUL TEAM.
Elements such as values, standards, identity, and symbols are the ingredients to build a sustainable culture. Values and standards that are resonant with Kilkenny GAA need to be present in each of our academy teams to strengthen Kilkenny’s identity. These values and standards are integral to how our players behave both on and off the field.
Kilkenny’s proud culture and tradition will be brought to the fore in both an implicit and explicit manner. From liaising with current and former senior players and management teams, Kilkenny GAA have developed four values and six standards which represent Kilkenny’s culture. The values (work rate, spirit, humility, and respect) and standards (attitude, accountability, honesty, battle ready, brotherhood and growth mindset) are essential to Kilkenny’s identity through living these types of behaviours. The key goal of our new academy pathway is not only to support players on their development but to also provide education opportunities for our parents/guardians and coaches. These three key stakeholders are integral to creating a consistent and stable environment for our Kilkenny academy.
The nickname “The Cats” is a unique name that is synonymous with Kilkenny GAA hurling and is used throughout the Island of Ireland and further afield. The Kilkenny cat origination goes back hundreds of years ago with many different myths and tales been chronicled. One of those myths about the Kilkenny Cat is recorded in the book of Leinster from the twelfth century named Bawny, The Legendary Cat, Bawny fought a fierce battle against Lughtigern, which lasted for a whole day and night. Bawny was victorious in this fight and the mighty rein of the Kilkenny Cat was born. These myths and tales have all one thing in common, the Kilkenny cat been known as a fierce fighter. These attributes can still be seen in the twenty-first century through our Kilkenny hurling teams. The Kilkenny Cat symbol strongly represents the tenacity and fighting spirit of Kilkenny GAA hurling.
This spirit is represented in the values of our Kilkenny GAA academy but also there are other characteristics of a cat which can be related to a Kilkenny hurler. Characteristics of a large black cat include fearless, powerful, agile, smart, fast, and aggressive. These characteristics resemble some of the attributes a young Kilkenny cat should aspire too.
